“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” – Ephesians 3:20-21
How do you view your work in stewardship ministry? Is it about teaching people God’s Word as it relates to money? Is it about helping people get out of debt or learn how to use a budget? What if it was about more?
What if it was about introducing people to Christ? What if it was about helping people know how cherished they are apart from what type of stuff they own, and how secure they are apart from how much they have in the bank? What if it was about saving married couples from divorce? What if it was about releasing many, many more dollars for the spread of the Gospel and the alleviation of suffering, for reducing the staggering poverty-related daily death toll? What if it was about helping people make spending choices that reward companies for
their fair treatment of workers, fair trade, and the responsible use of natural resources?
Wise, God-honoring financial practices can do all of this and much more. That’s why stewardship courses should be standing room-only events. And yet the reality is that by some estimates just five percent of people in churches with stewardship ministries are reached by such ministries. Perhaps we need a larger vision for what our ministries are all about. Perhaps we need to be reminded of all the good this work can do. Perhaps we need to trust God to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.
What are you trusting God for this year in your ministry?
We would love to know your perspective. Please leave your comments below.