Getting names right is a part of hospitality.
Feeling like you are known, cared for, and loved is a starting point on the journey toward generosity.

However, if this has got you thinking… “Hmmmm…what would we do in this situation?”, it might be time to have a sit down with your church administrator and Treasurer to set up a process of accepting legacy gifts of any size.

The subject line: Give Recurring Giving a Try this Summer!
Steve is taking the proverbial bull by the horns and tackling a common problem many of you face. He does it brilliantly.

“[Prayer] doesn’t change God, it changes me.”

Every card, every hand-written poem, every text, every meal provided, every candle lit, every flower delivered, every email, every call, everyone who was on their knees or standing or running and talking to God on our behalf, these were all generous prayers.

As I have mentioned numerous times, keeping your building in great condition is not about it being ready to be featured on “Church Remodel Now!” (Though, come on, I think that show has real promise).

It is about stewardship and ministry.

In 1981, a tragedy unfolded at the Hyatt Hotel in Kansas City as two suspended skywalks hanging above the atrium collapsed on a Friday night during a tea dance. 114 people were killed and 216 were injured, including Sally Firestone.

Leading stewardship or financial matters was often challenging in the local church, but I remained intentional that financially supporting ministry was an integral part of discipleship. Helping worshippers connect their offering as worship, while discovering the joy of giving is vital.

It was pure emotion during the moment of totality with tears and collective whoops and hollers and cheers for the moon making its way between us and the sun.
And the operative word for the day was…“Wow.”

It would be so simple if it was just one thing that could prove to be the “magic potion.” I sure wish it was so. However, the beauty of a multi-pronged approach is that you will be helping the people in your church to
- become more open,
- accept incremental change, and
- embrace the gifts of all generations who come through your doors.

Proclaiming the Good News of a risen Christ goes hand in hand with proclaiming generosity. We have been provided a fantastic gift of new life and, in turn, that requires action on our part.