To God's Cheerful Givers,
The following story was shared by Dr. Dale Meyer, president of our seminary in St. Louis.
"Financial problems in our country let some people rationalize cutting back on their church offerings.
A church in wheat-growing country was having such great financial problems that the church's financial secretary resigned. Church members approached the owner of the huge grain elevator and asked him to take over the financial secretary's duties. "Yes," he finally said, "but with two conditions. No treasurer's report will be given during the first year and no questions asked about the finances during the year."
The members were surprised but agreed because they trusted this owner of the elevator. After a year passed, he gave his report. The $200,000 debt had been paid. The paid workers received a much-needed raise. No outstanding bills. A cash balance of $30,000.
The church members were shocked. "How'd you do it?" His answer was simple. "Most of you trade with me, so when you brought your grain I withheld 10% on your behalf and turned it over to the church in your name. You didn't even miss it!"
There's so much good our churches can do in this troubled society. Is there really a lack of money or a lack of will power?" (End of Dr. Meyer’s comments)
God through Paul said it this way: "Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9:6-7
God loves a cheerful giver. Indeed, how can God's people be anything but cheerful givers? Because of Jesus' gifts as presented to us in His life, death, and resurrection, we have been graciously granted forgiveness and faith, hope and heaven, and peace and the ongoing presence of the Christ. Having received freely, God's people are glad to give freely.
I heard someone recently on KFUO , our Synod's radio station in St. Louis, say that they were really glad that gas went up. The reason for saying that was because it will cause people to think, to examine their lives, to evaluate and determine what is important.
In the exit survey filled out by Pastor & Dorcas Recks they shared many thoughts. One of the items they listed as a congregational strength was: "The leap of faith to add a second pastor."
The elders and Council ask all members to consider increasing their offering $1, $2, or $5 per Sunday as a way to help meet the additional expense of the second pastor. If we each do that it will be surprising what a difference it can make.
The Scriptures are clear that our giving should be first-fruit giving which means our giving to God comes out of His abundance not the leftovers. The first fruits are also our way of thanking God and acknowledging that all that we have comes from Him. Percentage giving is encouraged in Scripture. That means as God's blessings increase so does our giving. If His blessings decrease our giving will decrease. Finally Scripture encourages our giving to be sacrificial. Our giving should be a true expression of our love for God.
In these difficult times it is perhaps easier for us to realize that our greatest blessing is that of being …
In Christ,
Pastor Rempfer
ST. JAMES EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH AND SCHOOL
