Sermon Text: Mark 12:41
-44
Sermon Excerpt
I think it is about time we return to the little stewardship booklet I mentioned earlier so that I can ask a second quiz question. This one allows you to play the role of subject matter expert.
A new church member wants to know how much he or she should give to the church. You say:
- “That’s a very important decision. So important that I could not possibly advise you on it.”
- “Pick a number—any number.”
- “What I do is take a percentage of my income. It’s a way of sharing what I have,” or
- You pretend that your hearing aid isn’t working and you don’t know what the person is saying. Or, if you don’t need hearing aids, you pretend you hear someone calling for help.
Whether or not you would like to select another answer or perhaps avoid answering at all, I think that all gathered here know the best advice to give is C. When it comes to giving of our finances, offering a percentage back to God is a best practice.
The average American now gives 3% of income to charity. Many here were taught years ago to strive to tithe or give 10% to their church.
I can’t tell you what the right percentage is for you for the year ahead. Given our emphasis on extravagant generosity, I encourage you to step out in faith by stepping up your giving.
The woman in . . . (read manuscript or watch video)
So What?
United Methodist Bishop Robert Schnase suggests:
Vibrant, fruitful, growing congregations practice Extravagant Generosity. These churches, teach, preach and practice proportional giving with a goal toward tithing. They encourage their church members to grow in the grace of giving as an essential practice of Christian discipleship, and as a congregation they practice generosity by their extraordinary support for missions, connectional ministries, and organizations that change people’s lives. They thrive with the joy of abundance rather than starve with a fear of scarcity. They give joyously, generously, and consistently in ways that enrich the souls of members and strengthen the ministries of the church (Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations, 2007, p.107-108)
Living a life of Extravagant Generosity changes the way people see the world. This lifestyle has the ability to change both the giver and the church.
- How do you determine the amount you/your family unit will pledge to your church financially each year?
- What has been the most meaningful stewardship campaign or worship experience in your life? Why do you think it had the impact it did?