As I reviewed a few
articles from fall 2008
through 2009, I was
struck by the trend
of the article focus.
First they were mostly
a call to alarm about
the economy. Then it
was a call to cut back,
save, even hoard as
the sky IS falling.
That turned to reflection
as the sky did not fall,
not EVERYONE lost their
jobs and became poor,
and the United States
did not turn into a
Third World country.
The reflection articles
have taken a focus to
become more inward looking
and thinking. What is
important in my life?
What do I value? Where
is God in my life? Is
God my source? I have
read things from economists,
to pastors, to futurists,
to researchers. All
seem to be taking a
moment to catch their
breath and look at what
we can learn from this
18-month change tsunami!
I challenge each
of us as ministers of
development to use stewardship
as our foundation of
hope for the seekers
we will come in contact
with in 2010. They will
be seeking truth and
hope amidst a culture
that would promote fear.
This is your opportunity
to teach, model, and
demonstrate how stewardship
is:
- A foundation
built upon a relationship
with an Owner who
is not affected
by economic trends.
- A philosophy
of life that is
holistic and involves
all areas of life,
not just money.
- A belief
that generosity
changes the giver,
who looks at life
differently than
someone who is not
generous.
- A spiritual
discipline that
transforms the giver.
- A lifestyle
that blesses others,
but also blesses
the giver even more.
- A way
to make a difference
in others and the
world.
- NOT just
about money, but
connection.
- The future
of the church. For
if we do not get
this right, and
soon, there may
not be any more
church or para-church.
OK, my last one may
be a bit of an alarmist
comment. But I mean
this with a sincere
heart. I believe the
future of the church,
meaning all of us not
just organizationally,
is dependent on people
learning to be givers,
not just receivers.
Second Corinthians 8:7
exhorts us to excel
in faith, love, earnestness
for each other, and
IN THE GRACE OF GIVING.
Paul believes that being
generous is a key part
of walking this life
as a Christian.
And isn't that the
call of the church -
to live a life of following
Jesus in every area
of our lives?
Stewardship is not
about budgets, fundraising,
or goals. It is about
the journey each one
of us is on as we move
through life learning
and growing and abiding
in Christ. In other
words - discipleship.
Being a disciple of
Jesus means to live
a life of generosity.
By choosing to be
a good steward we are
choosing to be a good
disciple. When we are
abiding in Christ our
lives take on a different
focus, priorities, and
contentment.
So when you come
into contact during
this new year with donors
who are fearful, uncertain,
holding back, or even
becoming stingy, do
not think of them as
just a source of money.
Look at them as a concerned
or even uneducated steward.
Assist them on their
journey. Help them find
the peace and joy that
comes with being a good
steward and a good disciple.
Your calling this
year might be more difficult
than in years past.
But that is nothing
to fear for you have
the hope that stewardship
brings to everyone who
seeks to please the
Owner of it all. For
in this we find contentment,
and what could be a
better blessing during
these days than contentment?
Have a great year
of stewardship hope!
Dr. John R. Frank,
CFRE
