Here's a complete resource for a congregation to begin using an asset-based approach to financial stewardship. "This simple program can help your congregation fund God’s mission in a fresh and exciting manner." Available for free PDF download. From ELCA Stewardship.
Resources: Bible Story
The Upward Call
"Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord." Those words in Philippians 3:1 express the theme of this joyful letter. Paul wrote it to say "thank you" to the congregation at Philippi, for they had supported him financially while he was imprisoned. In those days, prisoners bought their own food, so Paul owed the Philippians his life. His friends in Christ from Philippi also lent him their support in prayers, friendship, and correspondence. In this "thank you" note, Paul returns a blessing by sharing his own joy in Christ. Here is what he wrote in Philippians 3:12-14:
"Not that I have already obtained (the full life in Christ) or am already perfect; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own;... but one thing I do, forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
Reflect for a moment on this passage:
1. How would you describe Paul's general attitude? Circle one.
OPTIMISTIC
PESSIMISTIC
REALISTIC
CREATIVE
STRUGGLING
OTHER:_________
2. What is Paul's attitude toward the past? Mark your choice.
___ Paul lives in the past.
___ Paul values the past more than the future.
___ Paul forgets the past so that it won't get in the way of the future.
___ Other: __________________
3. Underline the words in the passage above that describe how Paul faces the future. What attitude do these words convey? Mark one of these choices.
___ Slow, steady growth
___ Enthusiastic, energetic moving ahead
___ Static, repeating the past again
___ Despair and fear
4. Look at Paul's first sentence. Why did Paul want to press on to make the full life in Christ his own? Write out one or two things which God has given you in Christ for which you are especially grateful:
Could you respond in gratitude to these blessings from God?
