IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM
In order to fix a problem, first you need to understand its roots. Likewise, when it comes to the level of generosity, or lack there of, we need to identify what is “lying beneath the surface”. On face value, it may just look like an issue of an absence of generosity, but the truth is that there is a range of reasons why our members could be holding back on their giving. We can only fix something when we truly understand its cause.
Consider the Global Financial Crisis that engulfed most of the world in 2008, what did the majority of Politicians do across the globe? Instead of exercising caution and explaining to their citizens the need to live within the nation’s means, they borrowed even more money, to solve a debt problem! Clearly they don’t understand the cause, so much so, that they have added an additional $58 trillion to the debt pile since then! Madness!
So what are some of the problems in our Churches that we can identify?
Differentiation – one of the most upsetting aspects about modern Church life in western society is that there is so little difference between a Christian and a non-Christian. We worry about the same things, we are preoccupied by things of this world and not consumed with a passion for God’s kingdom. We are focused on the here and now rather than the eternal. We want what the world wants, but with a dash of Christian spirituality to as a way to justify our behavior and cleanse our conscience! This needs to change quickly. Taking up our cross could be a good start! We need to get back our “saltiness”….
They don’t know the Word of God – Church Leaders today feel a real pressure to deliver messages that are engaging, exciting and humorous. But I sense that in many cases we are neglecting to teach the full word of God almost fearful to deliver the full message in case someone feels offended or upset about it. Could it be that we have become too politically correct? It is easy to preach on the bits we like and avoid the bits that we think may upset some members. The famous “cherry picking” approach to preaching can lead us to compromise on what should be “a full message”. For instance, preaching on money, will probably upset a few people and “shake things up” a little. However we must remember that the word of God is powerful and transforms lives. It is the only sure thing in a world that is increasingly chaotic. A generous culture can only come if your members know what true biblical generosity looks like.
Fear – when it comes to money, there is enormous fear. Will I have enough to pay my bills, mortgage, and school fees? What if I lose my job? Fear stems from not having sufficient grasp of God’s characters, his goodness, his provision and his power. If you want to beat fear, you need to help your members, go beyond knowing about God, to truly knowing him.
Is your Church worth giving to? – Ouch! Shouldn’t your members just give because they are really giving to God? Whilst that may be true, your members aren’t going to give to your Church if they don’t think it will make any difference. As tough as it may sound, your Church needs to demonstrate that it will be, and has been a good steward with the funds that it receives and that the generous donations of your members are going to have a kingdom impact! It may be uncomfortable to think of it this way, but there are a lot of other great Christian organizations out there competing for the same funds. The good news is you have the home field advantage of being in front of them each week, a luxury that none of the others have.
Reflection
Reflect on the level of giving in your Church. Would you say it is generous? Or does your Church have a generosity problem? If so, what do you think may be some of the reasons that people are withholding?
Call to Action
Conduct an anonymous survey to find out the attitudes of your members towards giving, to your Church, to Christian Stewardship. It should also gather basic demographic information and financial information (confidentiality is critical) so that you can get an accurate impression of the state of your flock and indeed the potential.
In addition make a list of the common reasons members of your Church may not be generous. In conjunction with your leadership team, identify the ‘true’ source of the problem. It is unlikely to be one thing and may vary amongst the different demographics of your Church. Be honest, what may you need to change about yourself or your Church in order to turn it around? For each problem you identify, write what you believe will be the best solution to that problem.