“SHOW ME THE MONEY!!!”

3 Ways to Navigate the Tension between Church and Money

showmethemoneyIt’s the end of the year, so why not talk about the thing that NO ONE enjoys talking about. Churches and Money! I love that part in Jerry Maguire when he’s so desperate – he gives into unabashedly yelling “Show Me The Money!!!”

There is often a considerable amount of TENSION that exists when it comes to this subject. Some feel it because they don’t understand WHY the church wants their money. Some feel it because they religiously give to their local church and struggle with those “free-loaders” who are enjoying the benefits that their local church offers, but are refusing to invest in it. Some just struggle personally with how much to give (before tax, after tax, what percentage, what fixed amount), and some simply struggle with HOW many churches try to manipulate people into giving more (and more, and more).

I understand this tension from a different perspective. I’m a pastor. I literally see people’s entire body clench up when I bring up the topic of money. It’s actually quite a sight to see.

I lead an amazing church. I manage a large budget that is 100% dependent on God using the obedience and generosity of folks within the church to fund that budget (staff, ministry, missions, etc). It’s a challenge. I LOVE talking about the blessing of stewardship… when the church is doing fine. I really struggle to talk about giving when the church is behind in it’s budget.

So the tension is real, no matter who you are in a church.

So let’s talk about it.

Doubters

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Okay, so this will be a short post.  It is for all those “doubters” out there.  I don’t mean the ones that live in a constant state of worry, anxiety or hopelessness – those people have other issues I can’t address at this time.

I’m talking about seeing God move in your life, maybe in some amazing ways – but you are doubting.

“16Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go.17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.” – Matthew 28:16&17

I am always amazed at this passage.  Jesus has risen from the dead, walked and talked with folks for several days, and right before he ascends into heaven by way of mountain top – “some still doubted”.

So… The only question I have for this post today is –

“What is God doing that you are doubting?”

Is he actively at work in your marriage… but you doubt if he can take care of you financially?  Is he nurturing the hearts of your kids… but you doubt he cares about a problem you have a work?  Is he growing you in areas of your faith and helping you take a risky step in following him… but you doubt that He’ll come through in the end – even though HE is the one who initiated the risk?

“What is God doing that you are doubting?”