When it comes to the offering YOUR attitude sets the course for success. When it comes to helping churches increase giving I often run up against attitudes about the offering that doom its success. Here are some actually quotes people have given to me about the offering…
“Just when we really get going in worship then it is time for the offering and it interrupts the flow of worship!” You may have read or heard me share that story of a staff member once telling me that. As I listened in amazement to this comment I thought, is it any wonder their giving is declining? Too many pastors and staff members don’t treat the offering as worship. It is simply an intrusion upon the service. If this is your attitude then no one can help you!
“Could you write briefer offering talks? The offering comes right after the message so shorter and to the point would be helpful for us.” Again, this attitude is treating the offering as an intrusion. For this church the offering comes as the last piece of their service and basically they want to get out and beat the Baptist or Methodist in line at the local cafe. So, can we hurry it up? When this is the prevailing attitude at a church the offering will never be successful.
Your attitude determines everything! The best illustration of how attitude impacts your course comes from flying. Pilots use what is called an attitude indicator to determine if their plane is level, climbing or descending. So, the “attitude” of the plane determines its course.
The same is true for your “attitude” about taking up the offering. A positive attitude starts with a belief in what you are asking people to give to, the missions and ministry of your church. A positive attitude will drive you to make the offering time as worshipful and meaningful as possible. If YOUR attitude about taking up the offering is poor your approach to the offering will be poor. Before you know it you will be struggling financially. At that point your attitude becomes one of desperation! When it comes to the offering you MUST have the right attitude.
The Right Attitude for everyone on staff including you is this… Our mission, to impact our world for Jesus, is given to us by God. We are changing the world one life at a time. Since all this is true why would a Christian NOT want to give money to support that mission?
If you adapt this kind of attitude you will never be afraid to ask people to give to support the work of ministry. You will ask with boldness because, you believe! Your offerings will become exciting worshipful times. You will be on the road towards being fully funded because when it comes to the offering YOUR attitude sets the course for success!
Mark Brooks – The Stewardship Coach