Creating a culture of generosity in the church is a challenging endeavor. I believe one of the obstacles to this Biblical culture of giving is that we have created an environment within the church that says, “give to the needs of the church!”. That is all wrong according to Rev Clayton Smith, pastor of generosity at The Church of the Resurrection. We must encourage our partners to “to give to the needs of our people, not to the needs of our church”. This is more than just saying the church is an institution that gobbles money ineffectively. It also implies that the church, it’s people, know the needs of the people it serves. It says the congregation has listened to it’s community and is willing to give it’s resources to meet those needs. When this becomes a reality the church will become a trustworthy-loving force living out The Great Commandment. I believe this culture of generosity will be met with an unprecedented abundance that will meet all the needs of the people.
Jun 09, 2010 @ 13:27:50
well, pastor, seems to me it’s probably more accurate (for lack of a better term) to look to the needs of the people, rather than the needs of the church. so often it seems the church simply needs another piece of gold to put somewhere, but then again, you’re talking to someone who is not really aware of the needs of the church. people though, we can talk. seems to me too often the church puts their needs above the people’s needs. take care.
Jun 09, 2010 @ 16:05:52
Janice, It is good to hear from you. I totally agree with you. I think I should have defined “people” a little better. I use the term people to refer to all people who are in need inside and especially outside the formal church.
Jun 09, 2010 @ 14:50:20
If we could only be as generous as Hannah. She prayed for only one gift from God: a son, and as soon as he was weaned, she delivered him to Shiloh, to be raised by Eli, in service to the Lord.
She knew Eli and his lousy reputation as a priest (he lacked people skills. See 1 Sam 1:12-17). She knew how poor of a job Eli had done in raising his own sons. But she knew what God had given to her, she could give to God. And she did.
And look what God did with Samuel, her son. The mighty judge and prophet. The anointer of kings. Despite what the director of the institutionalized worship at the time, the Priest Eli, was doing. Despite what influence his sons might of had on the boy. Yet, Samuel heard God’s call and responded, just as his mother did when she gave to God what God gave to her.
And what if, when God looks at what we give Him, He were to think we were only worth only 10 times that much. Luckily He values us much more than that: He gave his Son!
ybiC
Rich
Jun 09, 2010 @ 16:06:17
Awesome Rich thanks for chiming in!