“Although wealth and sharing are two of the major issues addressed in Scripture, and Jesus spoke about giving more than about any other single issue, most pastors are reluctant to preach on the subject regularly. Theological schools also do not deal with this subject and have had no required course on it in their curriculum. As a result, financial giving for Christian ministry is still minimal in most churches and Christian organizations. Sermons, seminars, courses, and lectures on topics such as Biblical Stewardship, Giving and Sharing, and Christian Fundraising, should be mandatory for every church and theological school. Only if the theological school and the local church begin to teach and preach with conviction that everything—all that we are and all that we have—belongs to God and not to human beings will there be sufficient resources and finances for future Christian ministry, including theological education.”
Manfred Kohl in his “Biblical Stewardship” article in The Earth is the Lord’s: Reflections on Stewardship in the Asian Context (Quezon City/Manila: Asian Theological Seminary/OMF Literature, 2011) 134.
Preach it Manfred! If you feel there are inadequate resources for mission in the church or ministry where you serve, assess what you are doing to teach biblical stewardship principles and how you are modeling obedience to the teachings of Jesus!
It’s great to see that Sophie is flourishing at San Diego Christian College. She’s found a great church, she’s living within her means, and she’s doing her best in school. Jenni and I are praising God as we see her living, giving, serving, and loving generously.