A Stewardship Intervention Counters Fundraiser Dependence by Dwayne Bruce
I pastor a church that believes in the power of fundraisers. Over the decades, Beulah African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, a historic congregation in rural South Carolina, has built new church facilities, maintained operational funds, purchased land, and funded new ministries through fundraisers. Last year, 35 of 52 Sundays involved appeals for extra giving not associated with tithes, offerings, or benevolent giving. And over half of the church’s contributions came from the fundraising efforts of various organizations and ministries. But the congregation had become so focused on the next fundraiser, there was little opportunity to practice a more spiritually motivated approach to stewardship.
Working with a group of church leaders, I came to see that this approach was deeply ingrained in the congregation’s culture — a culture that viewed financial stability as dependent on rallying the congregation to give to special financial causes, encouraged competition between various church groups, and motivated giving by publicly recognizing major contributors. These stewardship practices had developed over the years and had sustained the church over many decades. But they no longer sufficed given current economic challenges. More importantly, God was missing from the equation. The congregation needed to adopt a more biblical approach to giving to God.
I knew that redirecting the congregation’s giving pattern from one of appeal and response to one of spiritual and covenantal stewardship could not happen overnight. But I could begin by taking one faithful step. So with the support of a core group of leaders, I launched a “stewardship intervention.”
The intervention consisted of a series of midweek Bible studies and Sunday sermons exploring the human-Divine relationship, focused on the following topics: 1) Connection to God: Understanding the connection between God and ourselves; 2) God’s Property: Determining what belongs to God and what belongs to us; 3)Worshipping God: Cultivating an understanding of the covenantal importance of worshipping God; and 4) Giving to God: Connecting the essential element of worship with sacrificial giving. Read more of The Intervention — A Study of the Human-Divine Relationship: God and Me.
The focus was on sharing God’s narrative with the members of Beulah AME. A better understanding of God’s story enabled the members to appreciate God’s intent for a special relationship with each person. Through this project, the congregational stories of the members were personally connected to God’s story. This connection has encouraged positive change in every individual’s response to God’s expectations — and, as a result, in the entire congregation.
As we moved through the four weeks of studies and sermons, it became increasingly noticeable that the members were open to thinking differently about their stewardship practices. The problem was they had not previously been given enough instruction on covenantal theology and its relationship to financial stewardship.
The project has produced both spiritual and tangible results. As the members of Beulah commit to change their stewardship practice, their giving patterns have begun to shift from situational giving to a more frequent and consistent pattern of giving. There has been a 200 percent increase in Bible study attendance as well as a slight increase of attendance in morning worship, which is usually well attended. Two months after the intervention, there has been a steady increase in attendance and giving. And the atmosphere continues to be charged with positive energy.
In Stewardship for Vital Congregations, Anthony Robinson indicates that persistence is essential in implementing change in stewardship practices. Robinson writes, “Often in the stewardship area we imagine that doing things differently for one year will result in complete and lasting change. Forget that. Congregations have a tremendous capacity to settle back into what they have long known and been comfortable with. You should be prepared to work at stewardship over a longer term and to develop a practice that is sustainable.”
This project has convinced me that when congregants understand the genuine connection between God and themselves, they accept their responsibility as personal rather than institutional. And giving becomes a part of God’s vision rather than meeting budgetary needs. While persistence will be essential to sustaining these practices, Beulah AME has taken a first, faithful step in that direction.
Dwayne Bruce is pastor of Beulah African Methodist Episcopal Church in Sumter, South Carolina. This article summarizes work done for a project thesis submitted in candidacy for the degree ofDoctor of Ministry in Church Leadership at Wesley Theological Seminary.
Working with a group of church leaders, I came to see that this approach was deeply ingrained in the congregation’s culture — a culture that viewed financial stability as dependent on rallying the congregation to give to special financial causes, encouraged competition between various church groups, and motivated giving by publicly recognizing major contributors. These stewardship practices had developed over the years and had sustained the church over many decades. But they no longer sufficed given current economic challenges. More importantly, God was missing from the equation. The congregation needed to adopt a more biblical approach to giving to God.
I knew that redirecting the congregation’s giving pattern from one of appeal and response to one of spiritual and covenantal stewardship could not happen overnight. But I could begin by taking one faithful step. So with the support of a core group of leaders, I launched a “stewardship intervention.”
The intervention consisted of a series of midweek Bible studies and Sunday sermons exploring the human-Divine relationship, focused on the following topics: 1) Connection to God: Understanding the connection between God and ourselves; 2) God’s Property: Determining what belongs to God and what belongs to us; 3)Worshipping God: Cultivating an understanding of the covenantal importance of worshipping God; and 4) Giving to God: Connecting the essential element of worship with sacrificial giving. Read more of The Intervention — A Study of the Human-Divine Relationship: God and Me.
The focus was on sharing God’s narrative with the members of Beulah AME. A better understanding of God’s story enabled the members to appreciate God’s intent for a special relationship with each person. Through this project, the congregational stories of the members were personally connected to God’s story. This connection has encouraged positive change in every individual’s response to God’s expectations — and, as a result, in the entire congregation.
As we moved through the four weeks of studies and sermons, it became increasingly noticeable that the members were open to thinking differently about their stewardship practices. The problem was they had not previously been given enough instruction on covenantal theology and its relationship to financial stewardship.
The project has produced both spiritual and tangible results. As the members of Beulah commit to change their stewardship practice, their giving patterns have begun to shift from situational giving to a more frequent and consistent pattern of giving. There has been a 200 percent increase in Bible study attendance as well as a slight increase of attendance in morning worship, which is usually well attended. Two months after the intervention, there has been a steady increase in attendance and giving. And the atmosphere continues to be charged with positive energy.
In Stewardship for Vital Congregations, Anthony Robinson indicates that persistence is essential in implementing change in stewardship practices. Robinson writes, “Often in the stewardship area we imagine that doing things differently for one year will result in complete and lasting change. Forget that. Congregations have a tremendous capacity to settle back into what they have long known and been comfortable with. You should be prepared to work at stewardship over a longer term and to develop a practice that is sustainable.”
This project has convinced me that when congregants understand the genuine connection between God and themselves, they accept their responsibility as personal rather than institutional. And giving becomes a part of God’s vision rather than meeting budgetary needs. While persistence will be essential to sustaining these practices, Beulah AME has taken a first, faithful step in that direction.
Dwayne Bruce is pastor of Beulah African Methodist Episcopal Church in Sumter, South Carolina. This article summarizes work done for a project thesis submitted in candidacy for the degree ofDoctor of Ministry in Church Leadership at Wesley Theological Seminary.
THE INTERVENTION A STUDY OF THE HUMAN‐DIVINE RELATIONSHIP: GOD AND ME
The intervention consists of a series of midweek Bible studies and Sunday sermons which explores the human‐Divine relationship. The goal of the lessons and sermons is to provide a basic awareness of covenantal theology in an effort to show that it offers an essential foundation to understanding God’s unique relationship with each individual. In better understanding the unique relationship that exist between God and humans, individuals will hopefully be inclined to evaluate their personal commitment to God. The Bible study lessons are designed to provide insights and dialogue in areas of developing the human‐Divine Relationship. The theme of the midweek lesson is interconnected into the topic of the Sunday morning sermon. This method of back‐to‐back presentation of the weekly theme offers detailed teaching, questions, and responses from participants. The Sunday morning sermons also communally reinforces the Bible study teachings. There are four essential areas of study which seeks to help individuals to: 1) Connection to God: Personally understand the connection between God and themselves; 2) God’s Property: Determine what belongs to God and what belongs to themselves; 3) Worshipping God: Cultivate an understanding of the covenantal importance of worshipping God; and 4) Giving to God: Connect the essential element of worship with sacrificial giving. I contend that these four areas are vital to the development of a biblical based approach to financial stewardship rather than the often used coercive methods. The initial step, is to obtain a personal and clear view of God’s connection with oneself. Week One—Bible Study: A Genuine Connection: God and Me. Genesis 1:26‐27 “Then God said, “Let Us make humankind in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the wild animals of the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.”1 The intent of this Bible study is to help participants understand their uniqueness in God’s plan for humanity’s existence in the world. As humanity’s role in the world has been given by God, there is a need for influencing conformity to God’s expectations. This influence is governed by God’s covenants or arrangements that He made with humanity. 1 Genesis 1:26‐27 (NRSV). Source: Bruce, Dwayne. “Changing a Congregation’s Perception of Financial Stewardship through the Awareness of Covenant and Human‐Divine Relationship.” Doctor of Ministry Project Thesis, Wesley Theological Seminary, 2015. The participants are introduced to a basic understanding of covenantal theology. The first covenantal agreement between God and humanity is located in Genesis 1:26‐27. This agreement is the first of many which reveals much about the human‐Divine relationship. The text “Let Us make humankind” suggests that a request and agreement of participation is being made to all members of the Godhead to be involved in the creation of humanity. The Trinitarian relationship in this text display one of the most genuine of covenant relationships. There is a Divine collaboration that exist within the Godhead between the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. As humans are created in God’s image, humans are also created as covenant creatures. Our first and most important covenantal relationship begins with God. God gives humanity the freedom to choose his/her response to His love. After humanity falls into the serpent’s temptations, God graciously implements ways for humanity’s restoration by implementing the Old Testament covenants. After several years, God’s restorative plan eventually leads to God entering this world as Jesus Christ and declaring a new covenant of grace. This covenant of grace focuses on God’s love for humanity and the responsive love that humans are to give to God and humankind. At the close of the study, participants appear to have internalized the key concept of his/her unique and genuine relationship with God. Knowledge of God’s full care and concern for each person will strengthen their personal relationship with God. Sermon 1: A Broken Relationship – Restored: It Is In My Heart. Jeremiah 31:31‐33 “The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant that I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt—a covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, says the Lord. But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.”2 The supporting Sunday sermon deals with God’s restorative act to reunite humankind with God. All humans are bound to several relationships. In all of these relationships there are understood expectations. When one party goes beyond the understood boundaries, the relationship suffers mistrust, betrayal, unfaithfulness, and infidelity. One of the parties may be 2 Jeremiah 31:31‐33 (NRSV). Source: Bruce, Dwayne. “Changing a Congregation’s Perception of Financial Stewardship through the Awareness of Covenant and Human‐Divine Relationship.” Doctor of Ministry Project Thesis, Wesley Theological Seminary, 2015. willing to forgive with the hopes of restoration, or the relationship could be damaged beyond repair. This sermon teaches how God forgave humanity’s disloyalty after God implemented covenants to help develop a lifestyle of faithfulness to God self. The written covenants were a starting point for shaping a mindset of loyalty. However, the covenants do not create a natural desire for one to become loyal to God. Covenant driven obedience creates faithfulness to the law rather than to God. God modifies the motivating factor from one of command to one of desire. This is the new covenant that the prophet Jeremiah speaks of in our text. This sermon calls on persons to assess their motives for their acts of loyalty to God. Congregants are challenged to evaluate whether their loyalty is from obeying the law or loving God. This new covenant will not be written on stones but will be written in the human heart. The motivation is no longer the obedience of the laws. This newfound obedience is initiated from one’s heart desire to love God. The love is instilled in one’s heart as one realizes what God has sacrificed for him/her through the atoning act of Jesus Christ. Jesus explains “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.”3 Understanding the value of the sacrifice that Jesus Christ made for each person’s life becomes the force that emboldens one to love God with all one’s heart. Week Two—Bible Study: This is Mine – Really? Psalm 24:1 “The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it;”4 Another important step in the development of the human‐Divine relationship is the acknowledgement of ownership of one’s possessions. This lesson helps the participants to analyze the origin of all their resources. The goal is that the participants will realize God’s total ownership of all. This realization will transfer any false security that may be placed upon one’s possessions to their true security—which is found in God alone. There is a natural inclination to claim those items that are in our possession as our belongings. William Otto Kent in his project thesis writes “The challenge for Christians is to practice a theology of relinquishment and detachment of money, wealth and possession.”5 Kent acknowledges that Christians are unable to be effective stewards of the means of grace to 3 Luke 22:20 (NRSV). 4 Psalm 24:1 (NRSV). 5 Kent, Willie Otto Kent “The Feasibility of Creating a Tool That Will Help the Members of a Congregation to Experience Wesley's Earn All You Can, Save All You Can, Give All You Can as a Means for Growth in Personal Stewardship.” (D.Min project paper, Wesley Theological Seminary, 2008), xii. Source: Bruce, Dwayne. “Changing a Congregation’s Perception of Financial Stewardship through the Awareness of Covenant and Human‐Divine Relationship.” Doctor of Ministry Project Thesis, Wesley Theological Seminary, 2015. others who are in need because of attaching themselves to their possessions. The acceptance that God is the owner of all things can be liberating and offer detachment to material possessions. When one is attached to what one considers his/her belongings, it becomes difficult to be generous givers. This lesson clarifies any misunderstanding of who is the rightful owner. Sermon 2: SCANDAL. Genesis 3:1‐7 “Now the serpent was craftier than any other wild animal that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God say, ‘You shall not eat from any tree in the garden’?” The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden; but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the middle of the garden, nor shall you touch it, or you shall die.’” But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not die; for God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate; and she also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made loincloths for themselves.”6 The title of this sermon drew in the entire congregation because of the popular television show Scandal. When the weekly reminder was sent out regarding the upcoming sermon, there was much anticipation surrounding this sermon. The themes of the sermon were parallel with the television show: deception, cover‐ups, and scandals. After pointing out some of the most recent modern day scandals, the sermon shifts to a biblical scandal in Genesis. The Genesis passage for this sermon points out the hidden agenda or scandal that the serpent devised in order to cause humanity’s disloyalty with God. The scandal is to injure or destroy the perfect human‐Divine relationship. The sermon emphasize three areas in which the serpent develops the scandal. The first deceptive plan of the serpent is to create confusion so that God’s human creatures take pride in possessions that ultimately belong to God. The serpent causes individuals to question God’s command and suggest that they can eat from any tree in the garden, even God’s tree that were off limits to them. “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?”7 Fruits from all the other trees were at the disposal of Adam and Eve. However, there was one tree not privy for them to partake. However, the human 6 Genesis 3:1‐7 (NRSV). 7 Genesis 3:1 (NRSV) Source: Bruce, Dwayne. “Changing a Congregation’s Perception of Financial Stewardship through the Awareness of Covenant and Human‐Divine Relationship.” Doctor of Ministry Project Thesis, Wesley Theological Seminary, 2015. creatures took something that did not belong to them. Very similar to Adam and Eve, individuals claim ownership of the objects in their possession. We claim them as our own, when they truly belong to God. The second area of deceit is to get the human creatures to consider being as wise as God. “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”8 This self‐gained wisdom can lead individuals to make decisions without considering God. The third deception is getting humans to believe that there are not any consequences for their actions. “You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman.”9 This misleading concept, invites humanity to act without care for themselves, others, or God. This sermon points out that perhaps one may have been taken advantage of by the scandalous and deceptive acts of the serpent. These deceptive acts perhaps misled one to believe more in one’s possessions, wisdom, and invincibility over and above that of God. However, the fragmented human‐Divine relationship can be fixed and restored through Jesus Christ. The television show Scandal does suggest that everybody needs someone to help him/her when fallen into actions of regret. Olivia Pope may have been the best fixer in Washington, but the best fixer in the world is found in the atoning, redeeming, blood‐covering works of Jesus Christ. Week Three—Bible Study: Worship Matters10 Psalm 95:6‐7 “O come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker! For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. O that today you would listen to his voice!”11 This lesson is taken directly from Chapter 1 in Lovett H. Weems Jr. and Tom Berlin’s Overflow: Increase Worship Attendance & Bear More Fruit. This chapter is easily adaptable for use as a Bible Study lesson. The bible study directs the participants to the critical element of worship within their relationship with God. Worship is a helpful reminder that we belong to God. Humans will become attached to those things that are meaningful to them. Attachment can easily turn into worship. God calls upon God’s people to attach themselves to God. Worshipping God is a sign of one’s faithfulness. 8 Genesis 1:5 (NRSV) 9 Genesis 1:4 (NRSV) 10 Lovett H. Weems Jr. and Tom Berlin Overflow: Increase Worship Attendance & Bear More Fruit 15‐27. 11 Psalm 95:6‐7 (NRSV). Source: Bruce, Dwayne. “Changing a Congregation’s Perception of Financial Stewardship through the Awareness of Covenant and Human‐Divine Relationship.” Doctor of Ministry Project Thesis, Wesley Theological Seminary, 2015. This lesson emphasizes that worship is primary in the human‐Divine relationship. Worship is not optional if one seeks to nurture and cultivate his/her relationship with God. When worship is God‐centered, one will become more attuned to one’s relationship with God and is apt to honor the expectations in the relationship. Sermon 3: Created to Worship. Colossians 1:16 “. . . for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers—all things have been created through him and for him.”12 Understanding one’s purpose(s) in life will determine how one will live out one’s lives. Knowing one’s purpose creates focus and motivation to excel in life. The essential purpose in God’s human creatures is to worship God. God intentionally created us with worship in mind. The Gospel written by John points out the only time in the Bible of which we are told that God seeks anything from God’s children. “But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such as these to worship him."13 The owner of all that exists actually seeks to acquire something from humanity . . . our worship. God desires our worship, but he will not take it by force. Worship is something that we can freely give to God. In essence, worship is humanity’s response to God’s love. In the act of worship, humans are the givers, and God is the receiver. There are three areas this sermon encourages the congregants to examine their worship: Worship is not about you; Worship always Honors God; and Worship is Engaging and Giving. This sermon summoned interest in the connection between worship and giving. Week Four—Bible Study Overview: Making Sense of It All (Group Interview). One surprising twist was due to a very complicated schedule. The sermon series schedule was adjusted to accommodate the presiding elder’s visit and quarterly sermon held at Beulah AME Church. Part three of the sermon series was postponed for one week. This was actually beneficial to our learning process by giving the congregation time to digest all the information. After the first two Bible studies sessions, the bible study attendance increased by 200% when compared to the normal weekly attendance. Along with an interesting study topic, I attribute much of the increased attendance to our public relations committee who took on the task of making sure that there were weekly emails and text reminders regarding the bible study topic, time, and a preview of the upcoming Sunday sermon (Appendix D). As the word spread and new participants joined the studies, it became essential that an overview of all previous 12 Colossians 1:16 (NRSV). 13 John 4:23 (NRSV). Source: Bruce, Dwayne. “Changing a Congregation’s Perception of Financial Stewardship through the Awareness of Covenant and Human‐Divine Relationship.” Doctor of Ministry Project Thesis, Wesley Theological Seminary, 2015. studies should be presented to give the additional students the foundational steps shared in the earlier lessons. The overview consisted of a review entitled Making Sense of It All. This session was fun and relevant for all participants. The class was divided into three groups. Each group was given one question related to one of the previous lessons. Group members discussed the question for a few minutes and prepare to share their insights to the entire group. There were several probing questions from the class which guided the discussion to provide biblically accurate responses. Group one discussion: Now that you better understand the genuine connection between you and God, what impact will this have in Your Personal Life; Beulah AME Church; Home; and Community? Group two discussion: Knowing that God owns everything, including those things that are in one’s possession, what impact this will make in Your Personal Life; Beulah AME Church; Home; and Community. Group three discussion: Because worship matters and is an important part of your relationship with God, how will this affect Your Personal Life; Beulah AME Church; Home; and Community? The group discussions were shared with much energy and excitement. This session helped to evaluate the effectiveness of the lessons and sermons shared thus far. I was impressed with the depth of understanding of the group’s ability to share on these topics. Along with their sharing, members mention that they were beginning to make personal commitments in developing their relationship with God. Week Five—Bible Study: Worship is Giving and Giving is Worship. 1 Chronicles 29:6‐9 “Then the leaders of ancestral houses made their freewill offerings, as did also the leaders of the tribes, the commanders of the thousands and of the hundreds, and the officers over the king’s work. They gave for the service of the house of God five thousand talents and ten thousand darics of gold, ten thousand talents of silver, eighteen thousand talents of bronze, and one hundred thousand talents of iron. Whoever had precious stones gave them to the treasury of the house of the Lord, into the care of Jehiel the Gershonite. Then the people rejoiced because these had given willingly, for with single mind they had offered freely to the Lord; King David also rejoiced greatly.”14 The final bible study lesson of the intervention, moves the participants into the heart of this project which is to develop the proper motives for generously giving to God. All previous lessons are foundational building blocks which are essential to understanding generous giving. 14 1 Chronicles 29:6‐9 (NRSV) Source: Bruce, Dwayne. “Changing a Congregation’s Perception of Financial Stewardship through the Awareness of Covenant and Human‐Divine Relationship.” Doctor of Ministry Project Thesis, Wesley Theological Seminary, 2015. This study draws from the participants understanding of God’s unique love for them which reciprocates a natural response of giving back to God. William Bentley Brunson insists that “Scripture tells us that we serve a God who expects something from those who are followers of God. . . . We can come to understand that stewardship is an act of worship as we give thanks to God for the incredible generosity God has shown us.”15 The natural response to God’s love is to offer and give back to God. The response is natural because of a joy‐filled human‐Divine relationship. Under these conditions, humans accept that God owns everything, and God only expects a portion in return which are acts of worship. This study provides an awareness that giving to God is an act of worship. One cannot separate worship from giving, nor can one separate giving from worship. The Old Testament covenants always refer to sacrifices, tithes, and offerings as acts of worship to God. As one worships God today in one’s giving, God’s expectation of the giver has not changed from the Old Testament covenants. God expects New Testament givers to also demonstrate one’s faithfulness to God by returning portions of one’s blessing back to Him. The Old Testament and New Testament’s giving expectations are similar in that they both require giving to be regularly, planned, and based on one’s ability (proportionately). However, the New Testament giving is motivated out of a natural response to God’s love rather than a command. Under these circumstances, giving to God will always be executed with joy and cheerfulness. Sermon 4: Giving God Your Two Cents Worth. Mark 12:41‐44 “He sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. Then he called his disciples and said to them, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”16 This is the follow‐up sermon that is linked to the Bible Study regarding giving is worship. The focus of the lesson is to encourage the congregants to act on what they have learned from the entire series. Congregants are challenged to evaluate their motives for giving. The most critical condition of this project is to move the congregation away from being motivated to give only because of special appeals and church fundraisers. Lovett Weems Jr. states that when 15 William Bentley Brunson, “A Charge to Keep I Have: Stewardship in the Wesleyan Tradition” (D.Min project paper, Wesley Theological Seminary, 2007), 12. 16 Mark 12:41‐44 (NRSV). Source: Bruce, Dwayne. “Changing a Congregation’s Perception of Financial Stewardship through the Awareness of Covenant and Human‐Divine Relationship.” Doctor of Ministry Project Thesis, Wesley Theological Seminary, 2015. leaders are encouraging other to give generously, one should “always begin with a spiritual reason for giving and not the need.”17 The widow’s mites passage places emphasis on giving as worship. Christian Smith, Michael Emerson and Patricia Smith offer “Two contrasting congregational cultures which is the Paying the Bills Church in comparison to the Serve God’s Vision Church.” 18 Beulah would be categorized as a pay the bills church according to the authors of Passing the Plate. The authors point out that the pay the bills church focus on the physical needs of the church and often feel a sense of struggling. While the serve God’s vision church understand giving as a necessary part of their Christian Discipleship. The giving culture in this type of congregation is fulfilled in its participation of God’s work in the earth. This final sermon offers insights that will enable congregants to give to God as an act of worship rather than giving to the physical needs of the church. In the text, Jesus implies that many gave for the wrong reasons in the temple offerings, but the widow gave to God out of a pure heart. There are three observations from the sermon that should provide guidance to generous giving. First, Jesus noticed the earnestness in which the widow gave here two mites. Likewise, God is aware of the sincerity and level of sacrifice in one’s giving. Secondly, God observes our giving, but God also observe what we keep to ourselves. We can then ask, are we truly giving according to our ability? The widow gave above and beyond her ability as she desired to give God her best. Thirdly, the widow evidently had a longstanding and in‐depth relationship with God. She could have given God one mite and kept the other for herself. But, she chose to give God all she had. The text does not suggest that the widow did anything unusual in presenting her gift in the temple. This would imply that this is not the first time the widow gave God her all. This level of giving can only suggest that the widow gave with an expectation, knowledge, and trust in God’s ability to provide and take care of her. The widow’s human‐Divine relationship is the benchmark for all of us to achieve. Week Six—Evaluation Session: Putting It All Together. Since the beginning of the intervention, the makeup of the Bible Study group has evolved into a full representation of the entire congregation. During this final session, the Bible Study group 17 Lovett Weems Jr., “Funding Your Congregation Vision Series: Increase Generosity in Your Church” (lecture, Myers Park United Methodist Church, Charlotte, May 29, 2014). 18 Christian Smith, Michael O. Emerson, and Patricia Snell. Passing the Plate: Why American Christians Don't Give Away More Money (New York: Oxford University Press, 2008), 127‐128. ource: Bruce, Dwayne. “Changing a Congregation’s Perception of Financial Stewardship through the Awareness of Covenant and Human‐Divine Relationship.” Doctor of Ministry Project Thesis, Wesley Theological Seminary, 2015. was used to provide feedback regarding the entire project. Each participant was given a copy of Putting It All Together (Appendix E) to review and prepare to discuss openly during this session. The following is a summary of the responses from the participants. From the series of Bible Studies and Sermons, which discussion or topic impacted you the most? The majority of participants stated that the first and last session made the most impact. The first session provoked the participants to assess their relationship with God as well as make efforts to further develop that relationship. Most participants selected the last session also because they were motivated to consider their motives for giving and the opportunity to evaluate the giving culture that exists in the congregation. Did these studies make a difference in how you understand your relationship with God? Several of the participants agreed that their responsibility to God in their human‐Divine relationship was not regularly considered. Many participants expected God to uphold God’s responsibilities to them, but the participants were relaxed in honoring their commitment to God. If you needed to explain this to someone, do you feel you could get them to understand? How would you do it? The participants all felt knowledgeable on the subject of the human‐ Divine relationship. They group agreed that the best approach to sharing with others is the outline used in this series. Name something about this series that was share that you did not know. The largest consensus was the lack of understanding regarding covenants and the connection between giving and worship. Do you think the series made an impact in your church? If so, in what way? All agreed that the series made a major impact on the church and in the personal lives of the members. There was an increase in attendance in both the Bible Study and the Sunday morning worship services. The atmosphere was filled with anticipation of the studies and sermons. The members of the congregations were having positive discussions regarding church growth. Rate on a scale of 1‐5: The overall effectiveness of this series. The students were asked to rate the effectiveness of series on a scale of one to five. Their responses were kept anonymous and data analyzed. All participants rated a score of five for the effectiveness of the series. Closing out the intervention process revealed the need to offer similar interventions in the future. The atmosphere was charged and continues to be charged with positive energy.
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Footnotes:
1 Genesis 1:26‐27 (NRSV).
2 Jeremiah 31:31‐33 (NRSV).
3 Luke 22:20 (NRSV).
4 Psalm 24:1 (NRSV).
5 Kent, Willie Otto Kent “The Feasibility of Creating a Tool That Will Help the Members of a Congregation to
Experience Wesley's Earn All You Can, Save All You Can, Give All You Can as a Means for Growth in Personal
Stewardship.” (D.Min project paper, Wesley Theological Seminary, 2008), xii.
6 Genesis 3:1‐7 (NRSV).
7 Genesis 3:1 (NRSV)
8 Genesis 1:5 (NRSV)
9 Genesis 1:4 (NRSV)
10 Lovett H. Weems Jr. and Tom Berlin Overflow: Increase Worship Attendance & Bear More Fruit 15‐27.
11 Psalm 95:6‐7 (NRSV).
12 Colossians 1:16 (NRSV).
13 John 4:23 (NRSV).
14 1 Chronicles 29:6‐9 (NRSV)
15 William Bentley Brunson, “A Charge to Keep I Have: Stewardship in the Wesleyan Tradition” (D.Min project
paper, Wesley Theological Seminary, 2007), 12.
16 Mark 12:41‐44 (NRSV).
17 Lovett Weems Jr., “Funding Your Congregation Vision Series: Increase Generosity in Your Church” (lecture,
Myers Park United Methodist Church, Charlotte, May 29, 2014).
18 Christian Smith, Michael O. Emerson, and Patricia Snell. Passing the Plate: Why American Christians Don't
Give Away More Money (New York: Oxford University Press, 2008), 127‐128.
Source: Bruce, Dwayne. “Changing a Congregation’s Perception of Financial Stewardship through the
Awareness of Covenant and Human‐Divine Relationship.” Doctor of Ministry Project Thesis, Wesley
Theological Seminary, 2015.
Look for Options, Not Solutions by Lovett H. Weems, Jr.
Look for Options, Not Solutions by Lovett H. Weems, Jr.
Leaders are constantly faced with problems. They engage such challenges with energy because they know that these issues represent what stands between their current reality and God’s vision for the future of their congregation. Leaders can celebrate that they are aware of what the problems are in order to address them. A worship leader has a worship service that is overflowing or scarcely attended. An education leader fields complaints each week about teachers arriving late or holding students well past the ending time.
Once leaders recognize a problem, the default mode for many is to come up with a solution, perhaps even seeing that as their responsibility. Usually they are wise enough to propose their solution to others, including those who are most involved or at least those who must approve the solution. Often, to their surprise, leaders discover that some are not aware of the problem, and others know there is an issue but do not agree with the response a leader is proposing.
A different approach for leaders faced with a problem is not to offer a solution but to gather those with responsibility or involvement in the area of ministry facing the challenge. Instead of saying, “We have a problem, and I would like to suggest that we consider doing ‘X’ to solve the problem,” the opening to the conversation might be simply naming the challenge.
Some of you have noticed that.…
Several have called my attention to.…Recognizing that people have different levels of knowledge about the concern, you can then offer a chance for questions.
Some of you may be less familiar with this issue than others, but there are persons here who do know more about it. They can answer any questions we may have before we spend time exploring possible options.The next sentence would be an invitation to work on the issue as a group of leaders to whom the church looks to address such dilemmas.
We are blessed with leaders such as you who bring differing expertise and perspectives to bear on what the challenge is. Let’s spend some time naming a range of options before we move to see if clues are emerging for a creative way to address our situation.If solutions do not emerge, it may help to ask other questions.
What else do we need to know?
With whom else do we need to talk?Leaders often carry unnecessary burdens of responsibility as if they must solve whatever problems arise. Whatever the dilemmas are, they are concerns for a group of stakeholders beyond just the leader. It honors and empowers others to bring them into the circle of deliberation for discernment of what is the next faithful step to address the concern they are facing.
Lovett H. Weems, Jr., is director of the Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC. A list of his books is available at churchleadership.com/books.
Connect
Quotable Leadership
When you want someone to behave in a new way, explain the “new way” clearly. Don’t assume the new moves are obvious.[Chip Heath and Dan Heath]
Learn about Stewardship and Biblical Generosity
Designed to nurture the spiritual discipline of giving, our new Theology of Stewardship and Biblical Generosity resources may be used in a variety of Christian education settings or in conjunction with an annual stewardship emphasis. The resources are ecumenical and may be used for self study or with groups:
Stewardship 101
What the Bible Teaches about Giving
A Christian Understanding of Money, Possessions, and Generosity
Biblical GenerosityEach resource is $19, or save when you bundle all four resources together — $59 (includes additional video, Faith and Generosity). Available in DVD/CD and downloadable formats. Learn more and watch an informational video now.
The Right Question
Leaders do not need answers. Leaders must have the right questions.
Any church leader responsible for stewardship seeks ways to communicate about money in ways that will connect with others and their faith commitments while also understanding the anxiety the subject tends to elicit. Margaret Marcuson suggests that a helpful beginning point is to understand better what you think about giving. Such clarity may help you understand the range of thinking and feeling others bring to the subject. Her suggested questions are:
Editors: Lovett H. Weems, Jr., and Ann A. Michel. Production: Carol Follett
Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary.
4500 Massachusetts Avenue NW
Once leaders recognize a problem, the default mode for many is to come up with a solution, perhaps even seeing that as their responsibility. Usually they are wise enough to propose their solution to others, including those who are most involved or at least those who must approve the solution. Often, to their surprise, leaders discover that some are not aware of the problem, and others know there is an issue but do not agree with the response a leader is proposing.
A different approach for leaders faced with a problem is not to offer a solution but to gather those with responsibility or involvement in the area of ministry facing the challenge. Instead of saying, “We have a problem, and I would like to suggest that we consider doing ‘X’ to solve the problem,” the opening to the conversation might be simply naming the challenge.
Some of you have noticed that.…
Several have called my attention to.…Recognizing that people have different levels of knowledge about the concern, you can then offer a chance for questions.
Some of you may be less familiar with this issue than others, but there are persons here who do know more about it. They can answer any questions we may have before we spend time exploring possible options.The next sentence would be an invitation to work on the issue as a group of leaders to whom the church looks to address such dilemmas.
We are blessed with leaders such as you who bring differing expertise and perspectives to bear on what the challenge is. Let’s spend some time naming a range of options before we move to see if clues are emerging for a creative way to address our situation.If solutions do not emerge, it may help to ask other questions.
What else do we need to know?
With whom else do we need to talk?Leaders often carry unnecessary burdens of responsibility as if they must solve whatever problems arise. Whatever the dilemmas are, they are concerns for a group of stakeholders beyond just the leader. It honors and empowers others to bring them into the circle of deliberation for discernment of what is the next faithful step to address the concern they are facing.
Lovett H. Weems, Jr., is director of the Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC. A list of his books is available at churchleadership.com/books.
Connect
Quotable Leadership
When you want someone to behave in a new way, explain the “new way” clearly. Don’t assume the new moves are obvious.[Chip Heath and Dan Heath]
Learn about Stewardship and Biblical Generosity
Designed to nurture the spiritual discipline of giving, our new Theology of Stewardship and Biblical Generosity resources may be used in a variety of Christian education settings or in conjunction with an annual stewardship emphasis. The resources are ecumenical and may be used for self study or with groups:
Stewardship 101
What the Bible Teaches about Giving
A Christian Understanding of Money, Possessions, and Generosity
Biblical GenerosityEach resource is $19, or save when you bundle all four resources together — $59 (includes additional video, Faith and Generosity). Available in DVD/CD and downloadable formats. Learn more and watch an informational video now.
The Right Question
Leaders do not need answers. Leaders must have the right questions.
Any church leader responsible for stewardship seeks ways to communicate about money in ways that will connect with others and their faith commitments while also understanding the anxiety the subject tends to elicit. Margaret Marcuson suggests that a helpful beginning point is to understand better what you think about giving. Such clarity may help you understand the range of thinking and feeling others bring to the subject. Her suggested questions are:
- Why do you give?
- What did you learn about giving from your family of origin?
- Why do you give the amount you give?
- Why do you give where you give?
Editors: Lovett H. Weems, Jr., and Ann A. Michel. Production: Carol Follett
Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary.
4500 Massachusetts Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20016 United States
lewiscenter@wesleyseminary.edu
Lewis Center for Church Leadership
Lewis Center for Church Leadership
Wesley Theological Seminary
4500 Massachusetts Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20016 United States
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