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When There's Too Much In The Collection Plate

“And so the people were restrained from bringing more, because what they already had was more than enough to do all the work.” (Exodus 36:6-7, NIV)

Here’s a silly question: Is there ever such a thing as too much giving? When it comes to generosity, is the sky always the limit?

What’s the cost of church renewal?

It depends on the type of cost, right? Fees for renewal programs range from hundreds to thousands of dollars; but there’s also the human cost of soul searching, prayer and repentance.

Which cost would you rather pay?

I once suggested to a funeral director that his standard pay rate for conducting a funeral service be raised. His curt reply: ‘I thought you did this for ministry.’

Ouch

So when does greed leach into ministry? Where’s the line and how do we know it’s been crossed?

Let’s have some fun with a sermon challenge! Here goes…

Could you or would you ever compose and preach this sermon: “Jesus Is the Key to Your Financial Success”?

“With that kind of money, anybody could have their dream job and not worry about failing. How sweet is that?”

This is a line I rehearse regularly whenever I hear about the careers and lifestyles of people I consider to be uber-wealthy. Wanna hear another one?

“For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died.” 2 Corinthians 5:14

Trust me, you’ve already seen this movie a time or two: a pastor is asked to sit down to “hear what some people are saying” about the church’s current ministry.

The lines are so tired, you can parrot them as they’re spoken: “The sermons are weak. The flock isn’t being fed. There’s too much emphasis on the community. What about us?”

A simple reflection from somebody who knows a thing or two about quarantine.

Dear pastor,

I keep thinking of you. The afternoon doldrums take over my thoughts, and there you are. The reaches of the night find me restless, so I pray for you. I pray for your family. I pray for new mercies and for shalom.

The temptation to bury digital giving is real, especially for churches that haven’t used it for very long. But let’s not lose sight of how virtual still plays a role in our reality.

Let’s not beat around the bush. It doesn’t cost anything to say church mission is a priority. Talk is cheap; and frankly, mission-talk preaches really well.