On Saturday November 6, six of us attended a Leadership Summit hosted by the Presbytery of East Iowa. (Just another example of how our presbytery is nurturing leadership and vitality in our churches).
Barb, Al, Kate, Sue, Alex and I heard a presentation by Glenn McDonald, whose 2004 book The Disciple Making Church: From Dry Bones to Spiritual Vitality is still making a splash. Over 170 leaders from churches all around attended. We think the reason that so many attended is because there is a longing in our local churches for a better way of being church. We think that God is working in a particular way with many churches to bring us back to the essential nature of what we are to be about: “to be disciples who make disciples.”
For too long, McDonald states, churches have focused on the wrong things. We have focused on the ABC’s: attendance, building and cash (or bodies, bricks and bucks). But our real mission, given to us by Jesus in the Bible, is to grow up in Christ and to be involved in transformative relationships with others. If you have the book, read it. If you need a copy, they are available from the church for $10.
I am asking you to pray for our church as we enter a new decade of ministry in Muscatine. Please pray that we will discern the movements of the Spirit and have the courage and trust to follow Jesus as our Teacher. I know I'm gettin' schooled...
online journal of First Presbyterian Church in Muscatine Iowa
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
A challenge to live more simply
Simple living. Grateful giving.
Rather than focusing on the church’s need to receive your money, pray about your need to give joyfully from all that God has given you.
Financial stewardship is like any other act of devotion. We show our love for God by our commitment to pray, read the Bible, worship, and care for others. How you handle your finances is no different. If something matters to you, you devote yourself to it.
The most joyful and content people I know are the ones who either have less than I do, or who give away at least 10% of their income or wealth.
Laura and I are committed to giving away 10% of our annual income and are making progress toward that goal each year. And most of that “giving away” goes to support this church’s general budget. It is our way of showing our devotion for and obedience to God. I challenge you to have that goal as well. Try it and see what happens!
Financial stewardship campaigns are not opportunities for you to feel guilted into giving more money to the church. It is an opportunity to evaluate financial priorities, an opportunity to give first fruits rather than whatever is leftover. For me, it is a reminder that the world does not revolve around my desire for a new car or the latest iPhone. For me, it is a reminder that living with debt is a major barrier to simple living and grateful giving.
As you make your financial commitments to the church, “sing to the Lord of harvest a joyous song of love.”
Rather than focusing on the church’s need to receive your money, pray about your need to give joyfully from all that God has given you.
Financial stewardship is like any other act of devotion. We show our love for God by our commitment to pray, read the Bible, worship, and care for others. How you handle your finances is no different. If something matters to you, you devote yourself to it.
The most joyful and content people I know are the ones who either have less than I do, or who give away at least 10% of their income or wealth.
Laura and I are committed to giving away 10% of our annual income and are making progress toward that goal each year. And most of that “giving away” goes to support this church’s general budget. It is our way of showing our devotion for and obedience to God. I challenge you to have that goal as well. Try it and see what happens!
Financial stewardship campaigns are not opportunities for you to feel guilted into giving more money to the church. It is an opportunity to evaluate financial priorities, an opportunity to give first fruits rather than whatever is leftover. For me, it is a reminder that the world does not revolve around my desire for a new car or the latest iPhone. For me, it is a reminder that living with debt is a major barrier to simple living and grateful giving.
As you make your financial commitments to the church, “sing to the Lord of harvest a joyous song of love.”
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