Ugh. Preaching about Money.
Relatives are in the house and I’m getting ready for a webinar this evening, Pledge Campaign Best Practices (there’s still time to sign up!). As you prepare for your pledge campaign, here’s an oldie but goodie – from back in the Obama days – to (hopefully) inspire you.
I know, I know. You’re sick and tired of hearing about Rev. Adam Hamilton. “Adam Hamilton’s an advisor to President Obama.” “Adam Hamilton has the largest United Methodist Church in the U.S.” “Adam Hamilton preached at the Inaugural Prayer Breakfast.” “Adam Hamilton has a thought and it goes right to the publisher (23 books and counting).” Adam Hamilton this! Adam Hamilton that! Enough!
Funny you should mention that because one of Hamilton’s books (which has a supplemental DVD and study guide) is named just that – Enough: Discovering Joy through Simplicity and Generosity. There’s a reason Hamilton is so well regarded. He does good stuff.
My Sunday School class has been watching the Enough series of edited sermons and having great discussions. Yes. We are talking openly about our possessions and money and the power both can have over our lives. It’s been drawing us closer to each other and to God.
[Side note and fun fact that I learned from Adam (my good friend): “Prodigal” as in “prodigal son” means to be a waster of money – not someone returning home. I’m sure you already knew that, but where have I been?! Having just watched The Wolf of Wall Street, I now have a pretty good idea of what “prodigal” means. It’s not pretty.]
When Hamilton preaches on money and finances, attendance goes up. The question is, “why”? Maybe…
Even though they say they don’t like to talk about money, people desperately know that it takes a too prominent place in their lives. They want to know what to do about that.
If people are serious about their faith and walk with Christ, they want guidance on how to avoid serving both God and mammon. That doesn’t come through osmosis. Someone needs to help provide a Biblical foundation.
A person’s relationship with money is about so much more than what’s in a wallet. It gets at the very core of who you are. In Enough, Hamilton asks the fundamental question: “What’s your life’s purpose?”
Preaching about money is not about trying to get more of it in the offering plate – it’s about helping your congregation search their hearts and get closer to God. It’s about helping them figure out how they can become better stewards of all that God has given them.
So really, preaching about money shouldn’t be seen as an “ugh” duty. Like you do with all your other sermons, ultimately you want to help usher in the kingdom/kin-dom of God – right here on earth.
It’s your job – your privilege – to challenge and support your congregation as they grow in discipleship and as they strive to honor God with all their possessions. There’s nothing “ugh” about that – it’s a fantastic blessing.
Originally posted October 17, 2012
Photo Credit: Pavel Danilyuk@pexels.com
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Cesie Delve Scheuermann (pronounced “CC Delv Sherman,” yes, really) is a Stewardship Consultant for the OR-ID Annual Conference. She is also a Senior Ministry Strategist with Horizons Stewardship. For 25 years, while working as a volunteer and part-time consultant, she has helped raise millions of dollars for numerous churches and non-profit organizations. You must watch one of her all-time favorite Saturday Night Live skits with Steve Martin: Don’t Buy Stuff.
You can reach Cesie at inspiringgenerosity@gmail.com, at CesieScheuermann.com, or at cesieds@horizons.net. Want to schedule a meeting? She’s got you covered!
Schedule a meeting now.
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