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November 7, 2008
Mark Beeson talks straight with Granger members about money
Tim Stevens recently shared a very creative stewardship letter that they mailed to all the members of Granger Community Church.
I love the honesty and suspect it's in the DNA of this church and its leadership. While this exact style won't work in every church setting, communication is the key.
Silence is not an option. Ignoring the economy could prove to be a costly decision. So start talking. Chances are your people will respond more generously than you think. Churches and church leaders are often scared to make the ask, but I've never understood the hesitation.
Pastor, the people in your pew know that the economy is not good. Maybe it's time to take the lead and tell your people how its directly impacting your church. Use this as an opportunity to recast your vision and quantify the ministry impact of your church over the last 6-12 months.
People will always have discreationary income. While they might be more careful how they use it, they are going to give it to somebody. Why not the church?
As church leaders, it's our responsibility to ensure the long-term viability of the organizations we manage that ultimately faciliate the ministry we are called to do.
Posted by bstroup at November 7, 2008 10:01 AM
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Comments
Great letter straight forward and honest. I am so frustrated with the Christian community dancing around the issue of stewardship when it comes to money like it was some evil curse. With the wisdom that's in the Bible regarding stewardship in all aeras of our lives we are doing our followers a disservice by not teaching about it. Is it going to take the world culture to expose the real truth that stewardship isn't just about money but all resources? Thanks for your dilligence in this area.
Posted by: Mark at April 20, 2009 3:42 AM
Mark,
I couldn't agree with you more. And "frustrated" is a good word.
The problem is not that the church doesn't understand the "value" of stewardship. The problem is that we have church leaders who aren't stewards themselves.
Many outside the church already "get it" while the church - on a whole - is lagging behind. The good news is that there are a few courageous leaders who are pointing the way.
Keep up the good fight!
Blessings, Ben.
Posted by: Ben Stroup 
at April 20, 2009 8:46 AM