How much should you give to the church? Why give anything at all? You can give 10% of your income and still act like the world/church/God owes you something. Is that pleasing to God? What if you gave 5% with great appreciation and joy? Would God not accept that? It’s not as if God needs money anyway. GIVE FOR PASTORAL SERVICES AND SUPPORT As a … Continue reading Tithing, Generosity and the Church
Last night was our budget meeting. We talked about our giving, wondered what we’re going to do for falling short on apportionments and bemoaned not having enough. A conversation arose about tithing. The older generation tithed as a ‘duty’. Others expressed how tithing gets rewarded: with further wealth or at least security. I’m a slower thinker, but I make up for it by being thorough (I … Continue reading Tithing Isn’t Christian
REI voluntarily audits its practices every year to measure their proficiency in areas of “Community”, “Sustainable Operations”, and “Workplace”. They call this Stewardship. As a co-op, REI is accountable to more than just ‘shareholders’. Each major category has an overall goal (under “Workplace” REI states a goal of being “a nationally recognized top employer”). You can read the 2010 audit right here. I’m an REI … Continue reading How Non-Churches do Stewardship
I stepped off of the pulpit area to speak to the congregation. This is not totally unusual. But on this particular Sunday, the priestly role blurs with the pastoral role. I am still called to lead, to help others pray, confess, praise, repent, convert, sanctify and serve. Today, though, the topic was a prickly one: money. Strangely, the passage around which we worshiped is one … Continue reading Money Matters in Church
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