October 24, 2008
How to BE rich
Are you rich? If so, do you remember the moment when you became rich? And now that you are rich, do you know how to BE rich or are you stuck GETTING rich?
This four part video series teaches us how to BE rich.
(Head's up: When you click on the link, scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on "CLICK HERE." Tough stuff, I know.)
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December 5, 2007
A Christian View of Financial Planning
Steven Humphrey reasons that "The financial planning process consists of the same steps whether the recipient is a Christian or non-Christian. But for the Christian there is the spiritual dimension that everything should filter through."
As Christians, we are called to be people of "the way." That means our faith must penetrate every area. Maybe you're different from me, but I approach financial planning to protect my family and to provide for the lifestyle we desire. Honestly, I've given very little thought to how consistent that is or is not with the faith I confess.
So what do you think? Do you agree with Steven? Read the entire article here.
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August 13, 2007
To give or to serve: that is the question
I think Trent raises a good question in his post "Money, Spirituality, and Charity."
Most of us are between these two extremes. We work at jobs that are much more financially lucrative than that of the volunteer, but almost none of us can hope to achieve those huge levels of wealth. Yet by our efforts, we can make a huge difference, too. Let’s say I were to set aside 10% of my income for the year for charitable giving, or all income over a certain limit. This could at least partially fund a social worker’s job - because of your giving, someone could spend their day making a difference in the world. Thus, someone with marketable skills that don’t translate well to public service can still give a great deal spiritually.
Basically, Trent raises the question that if God has gifted you to make money and you leave a portion of that to the church, does that equate with those who choose to give their lives in service to the church or other social-based organizations who make much smaller salaries but see direct results of their efforts?
I think this is a question that a lot of people are asking.
I really think the answer is "both - and". Just because you are able to give a large sum of money doesn't remove your obligation of service through action. However, just because you give your life to public service or social-based organizations doesn't make you more spiritual than others.
To the super-weatlhy, giving away money is sometimes seen as a status symbol. (This is a hang over from the ancient Greek-Roman world where philanthropy was a "sport" of the wealthy.) God's not interested in making a "splash" of press for you. Rather, he's interested in all of you. Your money and your talents.
Trent's argument (And I'm not picking on Trent. He just happens to be the author of the post.) assumes that chairtable giving and service are mutually exclusive. That's a falty premise.
Giving and service flow freely from those who have a generous spirit. And that only comes from those who understand that their skill and talent come with expectation and responsibility.
Money can't buy your way into heaven. And service won't either.
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July 19, 2007
Philanthrocorp
We spend a lot of time talking about giving 10% in the church. And for the most part, people understand that tithe means 10%. But what about the other 90%? What about estate planning? Does stewardship speak to those areas as well?
One area of support that churches have neglected is the area of giving through estate planning. Tithing only lasts while you live in this world; it ends when you die. Philanthrocorp helps churches develop a ministry of planned giving.
This speaks to 100% of the money that God has entrusted to us. If we believe that stewardship applies to every area of our lives, then our estate must be part of that as well.
Foundations, Universities, and countless other organizations have been thriving from planned giving for years. It's worth a closer look at how planned giving might impact local church ministry.
For an example of a church doing this now, check out Calvary Baptist Church in North Carolina.
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July 11, 2007
Investing for eternity
Alan Gotthardt is a successful money/investment manager to people with a very high net worth. But he is also a believer. He published Eternity Portfolio to reveal an investment strategy that will ensure you leave a legacy that impacts the Kingdom in addition to providing for yourself and your family.
It's a simple yet brillant concept. Decide how much you'll need to live or to have the lifestyle you desire. Then, invest to protect and provide this lifestyle for you until the end of your life. Everything you earn over and above what you need to meet you personal goals is invested in things that benefit Kingdom-building organizations and causes.
This is a little more complex than just making a charitable donation, but that could be part of your strategy. You build it just like you would a personal investment portfolio. It'll be different for every person.
This isn't only for the super wealthy. It's for the regular joe (like me!) too.
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