Offering plate 2Are you excelling in everything in your ministry?  As a former pastor for 20 years I clearly understand the pressures of the ministry.  Recently as I read my quiet time passage in II Corinthians or 2 Corinthians for you Donald, I came across the passage that is the theme of our companies.

II Corinthians 8: 7 says, “But just as you excel in everything – in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us – see that you excel in this grace of giving.”

Paul was collecting an offering for the saints in Jerusalem and one reason for II Corinthians was to make sure that what the church promised was actually delivered.  Apparently not a lot has changed when it comes to giving from the first century to now.  Churches struggle in that grace.

As I read this passage I had to wonder if in all that we do are we excelling?  I know from my experience in the last nearly 18 years that few churches excel in the area of giving.  Very few have all the money they need to do all the ministry and missions they desire.  Generosity does not come naturally.

“Our pastor hates to talk about money.”  I heard that comment recently from a staff member.  I hear that a lot.  I get it.  Who wants to preach on something that so few people like to hear?  Yet if we do not do a good job in this area we will suffer from lack of funds that harm our ability to do the very thing God has called us to do.

Make giving easy and fun!  This is one of my mantra’s as I work with churches.  I believe in what the Church is doing.  I believe that we are called to share about the One who is the only hope for the world.  As such our message and mission deserve to be funded.  So, why not ask people to support our cause?  It is not that the church talks too much about money it is that we don’t know how to do it in a way that creates a desire within people to give.  I am about changing that.

Excelling pastors know what they don’t know and find ways to accomplish what they cannot do on their own.  You might not have the expertise to build out an effective giving program.  I do!  You might not have the time.  I do!  You might not know how to increase giving.  I do!

Every week I write a newsletter that focuses upon key aspects of building out your message and content.  We give pastors and church leaders the tools to tell their story and thus see giving increase.  Every day I am available to those who are members here to answer their questions, review their appeal letters or emails and other questions.

I do that for $1 a day.  $365 a year to get help to increase your giving.  Here is my promise.  If after one year of using my tools you do not see at least $1 more than you paid me coming in I will give you back your money.  I have done all the work for you.  I have the plans ready.  Do you have a plan?

Get my plan here, https://thestewardshipcoach.org/about/

Let’s get started now helping you and your church excel in the grace of giving!

Mark Brooks – The Stewardship Coach