This morning I preached the fourth message in a series based on Robert Schnase’s book Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations (revised). Today, we focused on the practice of extravagant generosity.
Sermon
My message, “Going All In” was based on Mark 12:41-44.
Extravagant Generosity
I preached from this manuscript. You can watch a recording of the livestream here (the Gospel lesson begins at 23:58 and the sermon begins at 25:00).
Excerpt
Given our cultural tendency to love money and even to obsess about it, we need to be reminded that this is not God’s plan. God in God’s great wisdom, teaches generosity as a way of inviting us to live differently.
I recently came across a stewardship booklet written by two well-known pastors and authors: Martin Copenhaver and Lillian Daniel. It features several multiple-choice questions. Let me share one with you. As I do, be sure to choose an answer.
When the preacher begins a sermon on stewardship, your first thought is:
- “Did I leave the oven on?”
- “I’m so glad my shallow, materialistic neighbor is here to hear this.”
- “I come here for hope and inspiration, not to have some spoiled brat make me feel guilty for what I have,” or
- “Does God really care about money? I’ll listen just in case the Spirit has a word for me.”
I hope we all know the right answer is D. To help us hear what God has for us this day, I will share a few stories. These are not simply stories of money or giving, but rather reminders of some of the ways extravagant generosity is practiced.
Notably that term is the one championed by the author of the book that inspired our current sermon series. Bishop Schnase explains
Extravagant Generosity describes the practice of sharing and giving that exceed all expectations and extends to unexpected measures. It describes lavish sharing, sacrifice, and giving in service to God and neighbor.
Fruitful congregations thrive because of extraordinary sharing, willing sacrifice, and joyous giving of their members out of love for God and neighbor. Such churches teach and practice giving that . . . emphasizes a Christian’s need to give rather than on the church’s need for money.[2] At this week’s Roundtable, Advent members shared stories . . .