Rolf A. Jacobsen: We need to rethink how we teach stewardship in church

“Everything we have belongs to God. Here is what we say through our stewardship practices: 10% belongs to God; the rest belongs to you. Give that 10% to the church which will use it for God’s purposes. The other 90%? Do whatever you want with it. Here is what we say through our stewardship practices: The church’s budget is God’s money; your household budget is your money. Here is what we say through our stewardship practices: You only have to make a connection between God and your money once a year, when we are asking for pledges. (Stewardship, apparently, is not about all of life, but only a code word for “help us plan for next year.”

Here is what we say through our stewardship practices: Your time and talents are valuable when you volunteer at church. See, we call you up front and pray for you when you are installed on the church council, or as a Sunday School teacher, or are sent off on a trip with the youth…Do you see that our practices divide a “self” that should be a whole into two piece…We are mistakenly telling people that what they give to church–both in terms of time and in terms of treasure–matters to God; but what they give at home–in terms of time and in terms of treasure–does not matter to God…

Maybe the issue should be put like this: Congregations should focus on growing “stewards” all year and should completely drop the bifurcating, fragmenting practices around congregational budgets. A steward is someone who belongs to God. And thus, a steward is someone who understands that everything she is and has belongs to God. That is a year-round topic, not a topic for four weeks when the church needs to plan a budget.”

Rolf A. Jacobsen in Rethinking Stewardship: Our Culture, Our Theology, Our Practices, ed. Frederick J. Gaiser (St. Paul, MN: Word & World, 2010) 4-5.

“It is easy for money to become a distraction. Just the making and management of money alone takes effort and focus. Yet money becomes a subtle master if it is not held in check. We love what we think about, so if the majority of our waking moments are consumed by the thought of making more money, then we are distracted…If a life is consumed by money, then very little is left over for a life well spent. Time and energy for others become scarce in the wake of compulsive money making.

You may think that your current obsession with making money is for the long-term purpose of autonomy. This thinking is flawed, because the follower of Jesus Christ is never really autonomous…A life of unshackled leisure and self-indulgence is not on God’s radar. He may free you up to serve Him and others, but not to sit and soak. Too many options can be a distraction to God’s best. So how can you avoid money’s distraction?

By faith, regularly look into the loving eyes of Jesus. Let Him love you, and you will feel led to love Him. Money’s distraction is derailed by a love relationship with Jesus. When you love Him wholeheartedly, there is no room for money to distract. It is a love issue…You cannot love God and money at the same time. This is double-mindedness. Receive His love, and love Him, not money. Give generously, especially to the poor. Then you can enjoy your citizenship in His kingdom with community, accountability, and authentic love.”

Boyd Bailey, excerpt from “Wisdom Hunter” blog post for December 31, 2013.

If today’s meditation looked different it’s because after 1,673 days of faithful work, my Apple MacBook Pro crashed yesterday. I will be unable to post meditations to my website indefinitely. I am thankful that just one day earlier I completed final edits to a book you will hear about shortly. For now, at least I give thanks to God that most of my work since my last back up was emailed to people so I will be able to restore most of the data. On the eve of another trip and attending my academic awards in the UK this next weekend my meditations will look quite plain coming to you by way of my iPhone.

“Living is giving. We live life best when we give ourselves, our resources, our competencies, and our time in service to others and in support of God’s mission. If you spend your money on yourself, you are just surviving. But if you want your life to count, if you really want to live–give.”

Timothy Keller, pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church, NYC, as quoted on Generous Giving website.

“I consecrate all that I am and all that I have, the faculties of my mind, the members of my body, my worldly possessions, my time, and my influence over others, all to be used entirely for thy glory and resolutely employed in obedience to thy commands as long as Thou continuest me in life.”

Thomas Maclellan as quoted on the Generous Giving website. His legacy contributed to the formation of the Maclellan Foundation in Chattanooga, TN, and subsequent generations formed Generous Giving which has hosted conferences and Journey of Generosity (JOG) spiritual retreats to stir thousands across America to reflect on biblical truth as a basis for growing in Christian generosity.

This past week my friend, Sung Wook Chung (Professor at Denver Seminary), and I had the privilege of introducing Daryl Heald, founder of Generous Giving and its new international counterpart, Global Generosity Movement, to church leaders in Seoul, South Korea. We hosted a JOG, I got to train 500 pastors at Yoido Full Gospel Church, and I also had the privilege of preaching at Myung Sung Church, Noryangjin Church, and Anyang Church.

We were also joined by an elder from Menlo Park Presbyterian Church, David Kim, of Silicon Valley. Each of us delivered presentations at a symposium on Business as Mission hosted by Kurios International and Sarang Church. It was great for Daryl and David to see the passion that key Korean Christian leaders have for biblical generosity. I believe this will be the first of many trips there together, all for God’s glory and the renewal of God’s church in Korea.

Step Seven to Sabbath Simplicity: Live in Sabbath Simplicity

“We’re surrounded with so many appealing choices, and we mistakenly assume we should do as much as possible. But saying yes to everything will destroy us.

Living in Sabbath Simplicity means saying no to doing too much so that you can say yes to the things that matter most. Choose to do those things that nurture your soul, that deepen your connection with family, friends and faith. Take time to be playful, and have the courage to say no to doing too much. Engage fully in your work, in your relationships, but then, take time to rest.

Live a sanely paced, God-focused life. That is the heart of Sabbath Simplicity.”

Kerry Wyatt Kent, excerpt from Beliefnet blogpost on Steps to Sabbath Simplicity.

Step Six to Sabbath Simplicity: Make your Spiritual Life a priority.

“Take time each day to pray or meditate, to read Scripture, poetry, or an inspiring book—even if it is only for a few minutes. Ask God for wisdom and strength, and trust that you will receive it.

Prayer is not just talking to God, but also listening. As you go through your day, be attentive to the voice of God. Slow down enough to notice the sacred in ordinary moments. Notice opportunities to act in a loving way, and then, do it!

Here is a sure way to a deeper spiritual life: notice someone who is in need, and show that person kindness. Whether you bring a meal to an ailing neighbor, listen to a troubled friend, or smile at a stranger, showing love is a form of prayer. Don’t be so hurried that you miss an opportunity to grow in love.”

Kerry Wyatt Kent, excerpt from Beliefnet blogpost on Steps to Sabbath Simplicity.

Step Five to Sabbath Simplicity: Take Time to Play

“What gives you joy? We are often so task-focused that we lose our joy. Play is restful, and rest is playful. It rejuvenates us. Often, play engages us with others. Play can be creative—a hobby you enjoy. It can be silly—laughter has been clinically proven to help heal our bodies. Our family will often play board games—build this habit when your children are young.

Rather than signing your child up for another sport that you have to pay for and drive them to, simply do something each week together as a family—go for a bike ride or a walk. Visit a museum or a petting zoo. Take a hike through a nature preserve or botanic garden.

Be active together, instead of just enrolling in separate activities that scatter your lives.”

Kerry Wyatt Kent, excerpt from Beliefnet blogpost on Steps to Sabbath Simplicity.

Step Four to Sabbath Simplicity: Revise [your Rhythms]

“So often, we get stuck in a rut. Write down all your commitments. Then figure out which ones you need to drop.

What sort of rhythm of life would be healthy for you? Create some space in your life—some unscheduled time. Take a Sabbath day, even if your family does not. Make your home, and your demeanor, calm and inviting, even if you can only do that one day a week. Give yourself one night a week where you get a full night’s sleep. You’ll be surprised how resting one day a week will affect the rest of your week—you’ll not only be more peaceful, you’re likely to be more productive.

Revise your life to make room for rest.”

Kerry Wyatt Kent, excerpt from Beliefnet blogpost on Steps to Sabbath Simplicity.

Step Three to Sabbath Simplicity: Value relationships over productivity.

“Our hurried lifestyle isolates us. How many times have you promised to connect with a friend, but you just don’t have time? If you’re a parent, do you have any time in your week where you can just enjoy your children?

If we make time for rest in our lives, it enables us to reconnect with those we love. Your to-do list can wait, but relationships suffer if they are neglected. A Sabbath Simplicity life includes taking one day out of your week to put aside your tasks and focus on spiritual and relational growth.

Take a Sabbath day. Spend time with people you care about and reconnect with your faith, friends, and family.”

Kerry Wyatt Kent, excerpt from Beliefnet blogpost on Steps to Sabbath Simplicity.

Step Two to Sabbath Simplicity: Be honest about your motivation.

“Consider your motives for being busy. Our culture often equates busyness with significance, and rest with laziness. While it is important to fully engage with our work or our families, we also need time to disengage, to rest.

Many of us are not only sleep deprived, we’re rest deprived. We don’t have enough time to relax, to connect with our loved ones, or to nurture ourselves. What motivates you to be as busy as ite it out—you need a good, close, exact look at where you are.”

Kerry Wyatt Kent, excerpt from Beliefnet blogpost on Steps to Sabbath Simplicity.