"When John Bisagno went to the First Baptist Church of Houston, Texas, as pastor nearly 50 years ago--that seems so strange now, since I recall when it happened--the church was stagnated in growth and forgotten by the city. Looking over the finances, Brother John saw a bank account holding $60,000, a goodly sum in those days.
"What's this for?" he asked.
The financial manager said, "That's for a rainy day."
The pastor said, "For a rainy day? My lord, it's been flooding for years!!"
That money was spent quickly as their new pastor called the church into action.
The only one who should be making a profit from a church sits on the Throne in Heaven. We who labor on His staff, so to speak, should keep His resources working for Him and not bury them in the ground like a disobedient servant Jesus spoke about. After all, our Lord's resources are as infinite as He is. He is not pleased when we hoard them, pile them up in savings accounts for some possible disaster in the future, and act as if He has left us to our own devices."
All I can say to this is "Been there, Done That." Or, at least, tried to do that. I have seen many churches bound up by this same stronghold, namely, hoarding God's money rather than using it for God's glory. In my opinion, it all comes down to a lack of faith. Do we trust that God will provide and make up for the funds that we spend to reach people and fulfill our calling as His church, or do we hoard money for "a rainy day" in a total lack of faith?
I think Joe McKeever is spot on with his analysis (in italics above), and I hope that all of us consider this whether it's with our own personal finances or the finances of a ministry or church.
Until next time,
Pastor Greg
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