When we talk about money in the church, we are talking about matters of the heart. Heart issues are those things which people view as; essential to their happiness; the fulfillment of their goals; the embodiment of their values; and the greater good of the world. Since Jesus said that my treasure and my heart were linked, talking about money might be among the most important topics a pastor could choose. It would reach right to the heart of all that the Gospel teaches about happiness, appropriate life goals, living out our values, and blessing others. It would also likely cause a ruckus in the pew.
The topic is a sensitive one because it so closely tied to our hearts. When it is discussed, it is usually because the church has a financial need. Thus, members connect the conversation about money with something the church wants from them. And soon!
This is unfortunate. Successful fund raising involves helping givers see that the gift will benefit both the recipient and the giver. In a church context, this means that members must understand that the church wants something for them, rather than from them.
So raising money is about understanding the roots of their happiness, the path to fulfillment of their goals, the best expression of their values and their commitment to the greater good of the world. In other words, it is a spiritual conversation, every time. This raises a question: "How are church leaders to communicate this message in a manner that is not manipulative, not guilt producing, doesn't raise a ruckus and yet, is effective?"
A few suggestions...
1. Connect financial generosity to the Gospel.
In 2nd Corinthians 8: 1-9, Paul unabashedly connects financial generosity to the sacrifice of Jesus. This is amazing when you think about it.
2. Teach them to root their happiness in their adoption as sons and daughters of God rather than their material possessions. "A man's life does not consist of the abundance of his possessions" is a notion that cuts right across much of how we live.
3. Remind them to align their lives with God's priorities in the world. Life goals are a good thing, provided they point us in the right direction. Achievement, however noble, is of no value if it takes us away from God's purposes in the world.
4. Encourage them to adopt the Great Commission and Great Commandment as their highest values. They ought to put their money to work toward these things.
5. Recruit them to connect with the least and lost around them.
Most importantly, talk about it when you don't need it.
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Connecting the Dots on Easter and Generosity
It has often occurred to me that any serious objections to Christianity must address and explain three events. One of course, is the Resurrection of Jesus. The entire system of belief and doctrine called Christianity rests on the assumption that Jesus did actually come back to life, thus proving his divinity and authority. Anyone who could conquer death must be special indeed, and not merely a "good teacher." If you are curious about the weakness of the "good teacher" argument, I suggest Mere Christianity, by C.S. Lewis.
The second event that demands an explanation is the conversion of Saul of Tarsus. In case you are unfamiliar with his biography, Saul was among the most ardent Jewish leaders ever born, and one of the best educated men of his day.
His religious education took place at the feet of a renowned rabbinical scholar. He evidently spoke several languages, travelled widely in the ancient world and initially, was passionately opposed to Christianity. He went so far as to arrest, imprison and put in chains even women and children, two groups who had little standing in the Roman world and thus posed little threat to Saul's Jewish faith. What must be explained then is how this Jesus hater became such a Jesus lover, and Christianity's greatest advocate. He seems a most unlikely candidate for the role.
Furthermore, his decision to become a Christ follower was followed by a lifetime of pain and suffering that is difficult to read about even 2000 years later. It must have been something quite persuasive that changed his mind. That leads me to the third event, though it is really the first.
The Crucifixion of Jesus was carried out by professional killers who were unusually adept at making sure their victims died a long, and hideously painful death. They left little to chance and in Jesus's case, even stabbed him with a spear for good measure. All this followed the customary scourging, beatings and humiliation reserved for those deemed deserving of this most ignoble form of Roman punishment. Suggestions from some that Jesus did not really die ignore the proficiency of Roman torturers.
What is most amazing to me is that somehow what happened that day in Jerusalem has created hope for millions of people rather than despair. How did the cross become a symbol of hope and even joy? This is like making the Hangmans Noose, or the Electric Chair the best thing we can think of.
All this was known to Saul as he began his crusade against these "Followers of the Way." He was no doubt thrilled to know that this latest false Messiah was dead and that his efforts at eradicating his followers and ideas would soon be accomplished.
Imagine then his shock at hearing and seeing this same Jesus, quite alive, on the Damascus road. Sauls' assertion that this happened is the only thing he evers mentions that changed his mind about who Jesus was and why he now felt called to abandon his previous career as chief persecutor to become the chief proponent of Christianity. Today we might say that Saul understood the Gospel for the first time, was converted and became a follower of Jesus. Talking to a friend, he said it this way, "...though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life."
Which brings me to the intersection.
While discussing the opportunity for a gift for needy friends with some potential donors, Saul, now known as Paul, said this: "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich." Somehow connecting the desired generosity of a financial gift to the death and resurrection of Jesus made perfect sense to this well educated Jew. That this is rarely done in churches today is without question. The taboo remains strong that spiritual leaders may address many things but "what I do with my money," is not among them.
The result of this is two fold. First, the mission of the church remains under funded or unfunded altogether. The potential donors of today are rarely asked for the gift. Second, these same potential donors never connect the death and resurrection of Jesus with what they do with their money. For Paul, such thoughts were incomprehensible and insufferable. If you lead others spiritually, please connect the dots.
The second event that demands an explanation is the conversion of Saul of Tarsus. In case you are unfamiliar with his biography, Saul was among the most ardent Jewish leaders ever born, and one of the best educated men of his day.
His religious education took place at the feet of a renowned rabbinical scholar. He evidently spoke several languages, travelled widely in the ancient world and initially, was passionately opposed to Christianity. He went so far as to arrest, imprison and put in chains even women and children, two groups who had little standing in the Roman world and thus posed little threat to Saul's Jewish faith. What must be explained then is how this Jesus hater became such a Jesus lover, and Christianity's greatest advocate. He seems a most unlikely candidate for the role.
Furthermore, his decision to become a Christ follower was followed by a lifetime of pain and suffering that is difficult to read about even 2000 years later. It must have been something quite persuasive that changed his mind. That leads me to the third event, though it is really the first.
The Crucifixion of Jesus was carried out by professional killers who were unusually adept at making sure their victims died a long, and hideously painful death. They left little to chance and in Jesus's case, even stabbed him with a spear for good measure. All this followed the customary scourging, beatings and humiliation reserved for those deemed deserving of this most ignoble form of Roman punishment. Suggestions from some that Jesus did not really die ignore the proficiency of Roman torturers.
What is most amazing to me is that somehow what happened that day in Jerusalem has created hope for millions of people rather than despair. How did the cross become a symbol of hope and even joy? This is like making the Hangmans Noose, or the Electric Chair the best thing we can think of.
All this was known to Saul as he began his crusade against these "Followers of the Way." He was no doubt thrilled to know that this latest false Messiah was dead and that his efforts at eradicating his followers and ideas would soon be accomplished.
Imagine then his shock at hearing and seeing this same Jesus, quite alive, on the Damascus road. Sauls' assertion that this happened is the only thing he evers mentions that changed his mind about who Jesus was and why he now felt called to abandon his previous career as chief persecutor to become the chief proponent of Christianity. Today we might say that Saul understood the Gospel for the first time, was converted and became a follower of Jesus. Talking to a friend, he said it this way, "...though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life."
Which brings me to the intersection.
While discussing the opportunity for a gift for needy friends with some potential donors, Saul, now known as Paul, said this: "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich." Somehow connecting the desired generosity of a financial gift to the death and resurrection of Jesus made perfect sense to this well educated Jew. That this is rarely done in churches today is without question. The taboo remains strong that spiritual leaders may address many things but "what I do with my money," is not among them.
The result of this is two fold. First, the mission of the church remains under funded or unfunded altogether. The potential donors of today are rarely asked for the gift. Second, these same potential donors never connect the death and resurrection of Jesus with what they do with their money. For Paul, such thoughts were incomprehensible and insufferable. If you lead others spiritually, please connect the dots.
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Multipliers
I suppose you remember third grade. I do. It was the beginning of several life long friendships, my first introduction to a few weird people, and to multiplication tables.
In our school, Mrs. Cook made us memorize the multiplication tables from 1-10. Each week we were tested to complete 100 multiplication problems in 3 minutes. If you had to stop and think about them, you were not going to finish. It was always a source of pride for those of us who could complete the test before the deadline. And I am proud to say that I still know my multiplication tables. I have even added those from 11-15. Whoop whoop, and thank you, Mrs. Cook!
Thinking about this made me think of other things that multiply. Think of humor. If you share a joke, others enjoy the laugh. Occasionally. Maybe.
Be that as it may, it occurs to me that money is like that. Giving it away can make you richer. Sometimes financially so, but always richer in heart. Generosity becomes its own reward. In other words, giving multiplies.
Which brings me to the intersection: "A rich man without charity is a rogue; and perhaps it would be no difficult matter to prove that he is also a fool." Henry Fielding, English author
If you lead others, remind them of this. Your reminder will multiply itself.
In our school, Mrs. Cook made us memorize the multiplication tables from 1-10. Each week we were tested to complete 100 multiplication problems in 3 minutes. If you had to stop and think about them, you were not going to finish. It was always a source of pride for those of us who could complete the test before the deadline. And I am proud to say that I still know my multiplication tables. I have even added those from 11-15. Whoop whoop, and thank you, Mrs. Cook!
Thinking about this made me think of other things that multiply. Think of humor. If you share a joke, others enjoy the laugh. Occasionally. Maybe.
Be that as it may, it occurs to me that money is like that. Giving it away can make you richer. Sometimes financially so, but always richer in heart. Generosity becomes its own reward. In other words, giving multiplies.
Which brings me to the intersection: "A rich man without charity is a rogue; and perhaps it would be no difficult matter to prove that he is also a fool." Henry Fielding, English author
If you lead others, remind them of this. Your reminder will multiply itself.
Friday, February 28, 2014
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Curiosity, Dictionaries and Why Pastors Need More Awareness of Member Giving
I was a curious child. I once stuck my finger into a light socket to see the effect. I said I was curious, not smart. Still, there are some things you can only learn by doing. Your pain threshold, for example. I discovered mine was pretty low.
In the 5th grade, I discovered dictionaries. I figured I could probably stick my finger into a book without experiencing pain, so I took the risk. If I heard or read a word I did not understand, I would immediately look it up. This increased my vocabulary quickly and made me a better student. I became something of a word maven. I learned that ignorance can be overcome, and that educating myself would pay off.
Which brings me to the intersection of faith and generosity.
The amount of material professionals in any field must access, digest and master grows continuously. For pastors and ministry leaders, this includes information on organizational health, conflict resolution, leadership development, and financial management. These are all in addition to a deepening understanding of Scripture and how to apply it to members lives. Pastors and ministry leaders must be committed to lifelong learning if they are to be effective leaders. It seems curiosity still has a place in adult lives as well.
That is why I find it so confusing that pastors are not curious about the giving patterns of church members. Since Jesus said my treasure and my heart were linked, I believe my spiritual leaders should have some knowledge of what I am doing with my money. Otherwise, they can not understand which issues drive my life. There is no room here for morbid curiosity but plenty of room for pastoral curiosity.
I would welcome the conversation if I thought it were based in love and concern for me rather than the hope I give more to the church. On that point, it is worth noting that in many churches, 50% of members and regular attenders give nothing in a calendar year. That is almost certainly not a financial issue but rather a spiritual one. And that is certainly something I want my pastor to be curious about.
Friday, February 14, 2014
Tithing research and generosity resources
In my consulting work, I often see pastors and church leaders struggling with how to incorporate teaching about finances and giving into their teaching ministry. They realize the critical nature of developing a biblical view of these things. I often point them in these two directions.
My friend Jeff Anderson has written a wonderful little book on generosity entitled, "Plastic Donuts." It is a great resource for those seeking to deepen the generosity culture in their church. It captures the gift giving habits of a child and Jeff makes wonderful applications for adults. I think you will enjoy it. You can find it here.
Jeff has also finished a fine bit of research on what the Bible has to say about gifts, offerings, and sacrifices. You can download it here
Another excellent spot is www.generouschurch.com
This site has abundant resources at www.generouschurch.com/generosityvault
These folks are passionate about growing generous christians. Check them out.
Friday, February 7, 2014
Situational Leadership and Fundraising
In 1969, Professors Paul Hersey and Ken Blanchard developed something called, "The Life Cycle Theory of Leadership." Within a few years, the name was changed into the now more familiar, "Situational Leadership." It has become a cornerstone of management theory and practise the world over. The essential idea is that there is no single best leadership style. Rather, leadership must be task related. Leaders must assess followers and team members along two continua; Competence and Commitment. Followers will need either training (improved Competence) or motivation (increased Motivation) in order to fulfill the task.
Which brings me to the intersection of faith and generosity.
Church leaders must address both of these needs if their mission is to be adequately funded. They must themselves become competent in this conversation and committed to it. Pastors especially must develop cultures of maturity around the management, distribution and raising of money. Of course, very few graduate schools equip people to do this. I can help.
Which brings me to the intersection of faith and generosity.
Church leaders must address both of these needs if their mission is to be adequately funded. They must themselves become competent in this conversation and committed to it. Pastors especially must develop cultures of maturity around the management, distribution and raising of money. Of course, very few graduate schools equip people to do this. I can help.
I have designed a unique package of proven coaching services to equip pastors and other leaders to speak to this issue with grace and sensitivity. The package is customizable to your need and includes on site visits and video coaching, reading materials, financial analysis of giving patterns and a review of communication strategies. It starts with a one day, deep dive into your giving culture, and concludes with a path forward for deepening member commitment to your mission and vision. It works. Your mission is worth doing. Let me help you fund it. Email me at joe@generis.com for more information.
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