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May 27, 2009
Stewardship in Arkansas: Help & Hope for Tough Economic Times
I noticed an update on Denny Wright's Facebook page that he was preparing a one day emphasis to encourage and empower churches to react bodly to the current economic conditions. I immediately contacted him (via Facebook, of course) to see if he'd be willing to expand on what he is doing. Below is what he shared with me.
Help & Hope for Tough Economic Times
I'm in the process of writing a new one day stewardship emphasis called "Help & Hope for Tough Economic Times." Four churches have agreed to pilot this new project. It is based on the same schedule as the very successful "How to Take the STEW out of Stewardship" which has been taught in over 300 churches. The schedule is: a large group teaching time during the Sunday School hour with adults and youth; a sermon during the morning worship hour; and a 90 minute seminar on Sunday night.
The new "Help & Hope" Sunday School hour is based on Romans 15.13. It directly addresses the fear, worry, and anger many people are experiencing. Due to job loss, injustice, and shrinking retirement accounts, the pain of unwelcome change is addressed with biblical passages that give hope in what God does when He is the priority of life.
The sermon time uses Jesus' parable of the talents in Matthew 25 to provide wisdom for living in tough times. This "use it or lose it" sermon focuses on what people of God CAN do instead of what they have lost or can't do.
In the evening we look at insights and practical advice gathered from various Christian sources. It addresses the issues that always are critical in family finances: debt, credit cards, spending plans, saving, investing, prayer, giving, and work. It is all introduced with a short commentary on today's economy compared to the Great Depression.
Over the past 10 years "How to Take the STEW out of Stewardship" has resulted in as average increase in giving for the three months following the event of 15%. The Sunday School hour explores 10 myths the world believes about finances countered with scriptural truth. The sermon is a Malachi 3 tithing sermon. The Sunday evening time deals with getting out of debt and living frugally with a budget. The conclusion is 10 reasons to be a cheerful steward.
Denny, keep up the great work! If you are a pastor in Arkansas, you need to know Denny Wright. (Judging by the week I spent with him talking to pastors about sustainable funding, I think he knows just about everyone in the state already.)
Posted by bstroup at May 27, 2009 3:56 PM
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