The right attitude about generosity will dictate whether or not you are fully funded. Your attitude will be driven by what you believe to be important. So, let me ask you,
Do you believe? Do you believe that God has called Christians to make disciples for Jesus? Do you believe in the mission of your church to fulfill that calling? Do you believe in the mission work your church supports? Do you believe in the work you do for your church?
If your answer is not yes then you either need a personal revival OR you need to get another job! We are in the life changing business. What we do makes an impact for all eternity.
I am counting that you said yes to the questions above. Here is my next set of questions then. Do you believe the mission of your church deserves to be fully funded? Do you believe the work you do for your church means you should be fairly compensated? Again, I am counting on a yes. So, one final question.
If your members don’t give their money to support all of the above how will you ever accomplish what God has called you to do? You know the answer. So, let’s work towards seeing your mission and ministry initiatives AND your salary fully funded.
It starts with you! When it comes to helping a church be fully funded the biggest obstacle I have to overcome in the typical church is the staff. Sometimes it is the Senior Pastor! If the ministerial staff don’t see the importance of being fully funded then how in the world will the rest of the congregation? They won’t.
If your members don’t see the importance of what you are doing they will not generously give to support the work of your church.
Being fully funded will not happen by accident. I believe miracles still happen today but I have found that money doesn’t fall from heaven or grow on a tree. People give you money and you have to capture their attention and most importantly their hearts before you get their dollars. You need a plan. But first you need to have…
The Right Attitude – My mission, to impact my world for Jesus, is given to me 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!
One last thing. Having the right attitude is the first crucial step. However if you are not willing to put the work into a good generosity plan you will not be fully funded.
Mark Brooks – The Stewardship Coach