NO MINISTER enjoys pleading for funds or employing gimmicks to squeeze money out of unwilling people. The pastor need not assume the role of a fund raiser if he will seriously undertake his commission, "Teaching them to observe all things what soever I have commanded you." If you have financial problems in your church, may I suggest that you seriously undertake a program of STEWARDSHIP EDUCATION. Begin with a serious study of the theology of stewardship; it will be very rewarding. It has been estimated that there have been more books written in the field of Christian stewardship during the past ten years than in the previous century. The book Counsels on Stewardship is an invaluable aid. God's remnant people should be taught to give willingly, regularly, and proportionately of the material possessions entrusted to them. "Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him" (1 Cor. 16:2).
Liberality is not so natural to us that we gain this virtue by accident. It must be cultivated.— Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 271.
And had the ministers done their duty in educating every member, whether rich or poor, to give as God has prospered him, there would be a full treasury from which to pay the honest debts to the workers; and this would greatly advance missionary work in all their borders. God has shown me that many souls are in danger of eternal ruin through selfishness and worldliness; and the watchmen are guilty, for they have neglected their duty.—Ibid., p. 375.
A consistent example of stewardship of material things on the part of the pastor, a permanent program of STEWARDSHIP EDUCATION within the life of the church will combat selfishness in the hearts of the people and produce a full treasury.
A shortage of money in the treasury is symptomatic. A red light on the dash board of your automobile indicates that something is seriously wrong with your motor. So, a lack of funds in the treasury is an indication of a serious spiritual malady. If a red light indicates that your generator is not functioning and you replace the fan belt you have not solved the problem. In like manner, if your budget is short, funds are low, and you plead for money to meet the subsidy or to fix the roof, you are not meeting the real need. The real need of the church is not a new roof, but a new heart. If you will come to grips with the disease, namely covetousness and selfishness, you will naturally take care of the symptoms—a lack of money in the treasury.
We are in a world of plenty. If the gifts and offerings were proportionate to the means which each has received of God, there would be no need for urgent calls for means.—Ibid., vol. 3, p. 410.
There is means enough in the hands of believers to amply sustain the work in all of its departments without embarrassing any, if all would bear their proportional part.—Ibid.
The greatest sin which now exists in the church is covetousness.—Ibid., vol. 1, p. 194.
Too often churches go from one financial crisis to another. Our people have become so accustomed to financial crises and emotional appeals that it has become increasingly difficult to move them.
To give or to labor when our sympathies are moved, and to withhold our gifts or service when the emotions are not stirred, is an unwise and dangerous course.—Counsels on Stewardship, p. 25.
God has devised a plan by which all may give as He has prospered them, and which will make giving a habit without waiting for special calls. . . . Until all shall carry out the plan of systematic benevolence, there will be a failure in coming up to the apostolic rule.—Testimonies, vol. 3, p. 411.
The American people today are under a constant barrage of advertising. People are flocking in droves to brilliantly lighted shopping centers, buying, buying, buying. Millions are in pursuit of material things with financial dedication; and many Seventh-day Adventists are among them. God is thus edged out to the periphery and "things" assume the supreme place in life. As a result most people today are frustrated and unhappy. As leaders of God's people we must face up to this frightening development. We must show the transitory nature of material things and call the attention of men to the attractiveness of our Lord and the eternal nature of His kingdom.
We do our people a distinct service when we present the superior claims of Christ upon them.
Self-sacrifice is the keynote of Christ's teachings. Often this is enjoined upon believers in language that seems authoritative, because there is no other way to save men than to cut them away from their life of selfishness.—Counsels on Stewardship, p. 25.
If we will seriously undertake the work of educating our members in the field of stewardship and come to grips with the selfishness and materialism rampant in the church the sword of the spirit will unclog the springs of the heart that the waters of generosity may flow.
As we appeal to our people to give, let us appeal to the highest motives. Certainly our members should be made keenly aware of the nature of our financial needs. The need of a new roof on the church is important, but let us lift the eyes of our people to a higher good than the roof. A roof is only a temporary shelter. David had a clear concept of man's real shelter. "For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy" (Ps. 61:3). Perhaps this is why he said upon another occasion "I have set my affection to the house of my God" (1 Chron. 29:3). Let us "seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God" (Col. 3:1).
If in dealing with financial problems we will place the emphasis on people and their need to give—thus extending the kingdom —then "all these things shall be added."
