BOOK RESOURCE ON STEWARDSHIP FOR LEADERS

Emmaus Road leaders, I've come across a great little book, which speaks to some of the attitudes around congregational giving in Emmaus Road, and how we address the issue as leaders.  Of course it's relevant to the Stewardship Team, but also to all church leaders (see Myth 4 below).  This easy-to-read, 128 page is titled

FIRSTFRUITS: A STEWARDSHIP GUIDE FOR CHURCH LEADERS by Robert C. Heerspink.  As I read through the book, I'm taking some notes.  I recommend we all read it.  At least you can check out my notes.  So far, I've covered the introduction and chapters one through three:

SPEAKING OF MONEY…
Stewardship a broad term: time, talents, treasures; purpose of this book is to zero in on treasure. p. 6

Unnamed pastor quoted: “’The biggest challenge the church will face is not a matter of doctrine. The biggest challenge for the dhurch is a matter most practical: How will we handle our wealth?’” p. 7

In-other-words, “firstfruits”

DISCOVERY ONE: IS THIS MAKING ME UNEASY?

Church Leader Unease
Deacons, Elders, Pastors, often share anxiety around stewardship issues; tend to feel as if “fund-raising” for church staff/programs has been foisted on them.
Teaching about giving can turn into legalism; pastors may avoid such teaching; wisdom of stewardship left on the shelf

DISCOVERY TWO: FOUR MYTHS ABOUT STEWARDSHIP

Myth 1: The congregation’s stewardship is mainly a matter of raising funds to pay the church bills.
“Fund-raising” just a “slice of the stewarship pie; stewardship really about discipleship, about a lifestyle.” Godly leaders help church discover joy of good stewardship. p. 11

Myth 2: Faith and finances do not mix.
Research demonstrates this as the prevailing attitude among majority of American church-goers, yet one-eighth of Bible gospels deals with money. Contrary to popular notions among greater American church, faith and finances are closely connected, at least to Jesus. P. 12

Myth 3: Stewardship is best motivated by guilt.
“Prosperity preaching” is one form of faulty motivation techniques. But “Unless grace is the first word in stewardship, our giving will become forced and pinched – a pale reflection of what God intends it to be.” See 2 Corinthians 9:7, “God loves a cheerful giver.” P. 13

Myth 4: Encouraging congregational stewarship is the job of (a) the pastor, (b) the elders, (c) the deacons. (Choose one.)
“Why not add ‘(d) all of the above’? Encouraging stewardship is the task of all leaders in the church. Once we get past the myths, we discover that leading a church forward in stewardship requires a team effort.” p. 13

Breaking the Silence, Working Together
“A team approach also helps us overcome the fear of having to go it alone. We seldom feel more isolated as church leaders than when we are singled out to lead in areas of stewardship: the deacon forced to beat the financial bushes to meet the budget; the elder coerced into making that call on a nongiving member; the pastor railroaded into a sermon about money. When we go it alone on matters of stewardship, we find ourselves climbing out on a fragile limb that can easily be cut off by fellow leaders if someone complains about our stewardship initiatives.” p. 14

DISCOVERY THREE: THE REAL YOU

In Search of Identity
Answer to peoples’ question, “Who am I?” is often “You are what you buy.” Biblical answer is closer to “You are what you care for.” p. 16

Creation Context
God created us to be stewards, both spiritual and physical; our identity given in Garden of Eden. Our hearts, minds, and work of our hands all count. “Half of what we read in the book of Acts about the early church deals with material possessions.” p. 17