The Blessing of Wealth for the Ministry of the Church

Challenges How do generous donations affect the donors? How do generous donations affect the ministries? LECC Legacies

THE BLESSING OF WEALTH FOR THE MINISTRY OF THE CHURCH

Love ‘em or hate ‘em, but don’t judge ‘em Pink walls Moral status Scrutinizing offerings?

“Hey Pastor! If I win the lottery would you accept my offerings in the plate on Sunday?”

We hope the rich remember A lesson from Carnegie on using wealth Given, but who should manage it?

“Hey Pastor. We just received $15,000 for the new project “Hey Pastor! We just received $15,000 for the new project. I think we should put Mr. Reachman in charge of administering those funds!”

The blessing/danger of donations Team USA Poorly administered charity has the potential to do more harm than good. Help those who help themselves…biblical?

“Hey Pastor, the reason we’re not supporting this ministry is because we know Mr. Reachman will come through for us in the end.”

Expand the kingdom, O Lord!

Money makes things happen… Happy parishioners Pass it along to your kids?? Wealth is/isn’t a curse and poverty is/isn’t a blessing

Some history Clergy in early America were top of the pyramid Didn’t keep up What’s a minister worth? So important….. Really? Public to private

“Hey Pastor, I know you don’t get paid as much as other people with a master’s degree, but you get housing and health paid, too!”

Our budget is running behind The church needs it Pew Tax Our budget is running behind This is your last chance to help out! You can give more than that poor person! Irony “The free gospel costs.” Pew Tax = Bad, but what about…. I’ll give because I like my preacher! The church needs it It’s your duty to give! I have it so good, I can give more!

Hey Pastor, I don’t think we should publish our weekly offerings in the bulletin. What will guests think?

Voluntary Contributions The tug of war Financially sound – what’s that? Endowments

Hey Pastor, why do you worry so much about the bottom line, God will take care of us!

Money follows Ministry It’s all about that 1st $100 Entitlement Choices of churches Where is Mr. Reachman going to church?

Hey Pastor, what’s going to happen to our church if we start that mission?

Don’t Give It To The Poor! Why not? Ironic – those who are worthy of assistance rarely need assistance

Hey Pastor, why don’t you give that homeless man a buck?

Give to God’s glory!