Pages

Friday, October 3, 2008

Excerpts from Revolution in Generosity

Should fundraisers concern themselves with spiritual growth?
The pattern of conforming to the world around us is also characteristic of how Christian organizations ask for resources. Christian organizations, including churches, have increasingly adopted secular models of fundraising. For example, supporters are often encouraged to give for what they can get in return (tax deduction, gift, name on building, etc) and are not challenged to honor God and be generous as Christ is generous. The common practice of using transactional techniques that emphasize manipulation to motivate giving is often contrary to God's word.
Thankfully there is another path. It is possible to flip current notions on their head and place God first, focusing on transforming giver's hearts and lives towards God-focused stewardship. Once a Christian understands how God views money and generosity, it becomes clear that asking is about facilitating the heart transformation of believers to conform to the image of Christ. Once this happens among believers, the result will be a revolution in generosity and God's kingdom work on this earth will be fully funded. Section three of this book focuses on the unique role of askers in spiritual formation.
Will a transformational model raise money?
yes and the amount becomes less of the focus as transformation and character formation move to center stage. Sadly, two out of three senior pastors of Protestant churches believe that their churches are not living up to their giving potential. If members of historically Christian churches in the United States had raised their giving to just 10 percent of their income in 2000, an additional $139 billion a year would have become available for kingdom work. Our potential is mind-blowing: 80 percent of the world's evangelical wealth is in North America- and the total represents way more than enough to fund the fulfillment of the great Commission. What might the Lord accomplish through His church if she took the first step of faith on the journey of generosity?
Until believers acknowledge the simple truth that "where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" we will not see believers starting to conform to the image of Christ and become generous as Christ is generous. The revolution in generosity will flood forth when believers start to allow the Holy Spirit to work his truth out in their lives and realize that generosity is a spiritual issue of the heart.
Horace Bushnell writes "One more revival-only one more- is needed, the revival of Christian stewardship, the consecration of the money power to God. When the revival comes, the Kingdom of God will come in a day."

I have a couple disagreements with this.. mainly it comes across that money alone will accomplish God's purposes. I don't think this is what they are saying, but parts come across that way.

No comments: