Summertime Suggestions

In Uncategorizedby tfwm

Here’s a way to get in good with the pastor and church administrator at the same time…

During the summer months, churches often experience a downturn in giving as people go on vacations and busy themselves with summertime activities. Plus, with the current challenges in the economy, the impact this year is likely to be far greater. Take advantage of your media prowess to develop a Summer Stewardship Program to help give your church a financial edge this summer.

Stewardship is recognizing that everything we have belongs to God and that we have a responsibility to give a portion back to Him. Stewardship speaks of managing the resources of another – who is in this case our heavenly Father. Stewardship is the process of laying up treasures in heaven … through our actions here on earth.

A great little book to read along these lines is The Treasure Principal by Randy Alcorn. In this book, Alcorn outlines key principles with regard to stewardship. “God owns everything,” writes Alcorn. “I’m His money manager. What I call my money is really His. The question is, what does He want me to do with His money?”

Many pastors are reluctant to preach about “money” – but they will find a comfortable place with stewardship. Yet the outcome is the same. When the people of God are good stewards, they are faithful to invest into God’s kingdom.
Once you take a little time to understand these principles, choose a theme and build your program. Shoot testimonies of people in your congregation who are faithful stewards of God’s resources. Shoot a short film illustrating the benefits of being a faithful steward. Send a couple of postcards with a picture and testimony of one of your church leaders who is committed to good stewardship. Create corresponding collateral materials to include in your church bulletin, on your church website, in pre-service slides, etc.

The best way to communicate stewardship is in a clear biblical context, combined with testimonials of people who have experienced the blessing of God through their giving. Stewardship is the way to raise people’s awareness of their need to give, without pressuring them for money.

I’d love to see what you come up with!

Once you put your Summer Stewardship Program together, send me a sample of what you did. Perhaps I’ll comment about your work in upcoming articles. I would love to see your creativity in action.

Also, if you have questions or topics you would like me to address in a future column, send them to me at mark@infinityconcepts.net. I will try to include as many as I can.

Summertime is also a great time to involve people in church activities. Look for opportunities to engage your community on a relational level. The right approach to this varies from church to church – but most of the people around your church have never thought about attending; they may have rarely darkened the door of a church building; they may be a little intimidated by what they think goes on inside the four walls … so take it to the streets. Take your faith to the people.

A friend of mine, Jerry Cook, once wrote in his book, Love, Acceptance & Forgiveness, that the church can be either a force or a field. A field is a place you come to – a place where people gather for an event. A force is something that moves out and exerts an influence on things and people around it. This summer, be a force for the Kingdom!

Drop me a note when you get a chance…

Keep your knees down – your chin up – roll with the punches – and give God the glory!