“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?”
Q: In light of the current market, should I still consider giving stock?
A: Absolutely! Giving appreciated stock, real estate or other non-cash assets remains one of the most cost-effective ways to support your church or other ministries since you will receive a fair market value deduction at the time of your gift and avoid capital gains on the sale of appreciated assets.
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.
Jesus’ words in Matthew 6 have never been more appropriate. In the middle of his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus says, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (vs. 19a, 20a, 21)
He then goes on to invite us to be free of worry, assuring us that if we “seek first His kingdom and His righteousness,” He will take care of our needs. (vs. 33)
