More Good stuff from Emil Turner.

I've laid off reposting Dr. Turner's Blog the past few weeks, as he's been addressing pastor search issues.  And one or two were aimed at pastors, and were very challenging for me, but I didn't see the need to repeat them here.  However, this week's is very well worth our consideration.  I'll let his words stand on their own, and in the next few days will share my own thoughts.


Weblog: Emil Turner | Arkansas Baptist State Convention

Weblog: Emil Turner

“Our Church Is a Poor Church…”



This is exactly what a search committee member told me after I had agreed with them that I thought God was calling me to be their pastor. What the brother meant was: “we can not pay much”, “don’t preach on giving”, and “lower your expectations of us”.



Your church does not have to be “poor”. It should not aim to be rich. The goal is faithful stewardship, not a subjective description of your financial position.



Some things that will help your church members become faithful stewards:



Begin now talking about year end giving. This year, because of the cost of fuel, non-profit organizations are going to be very aggressive in soliciting your church members. Remind them now to plan on honoring the Lord and His church before they give to any other organizations.



Plan a stewardship campaign for the spring. In mid March plan a campaign to increase the number of tithers in your church. Lead the church to begin planning now.



Once a month, before you receive your morning offering, share briefly about the ministry accomplished by the tithes and offerings of your church. It motivates giving, and it reports on how the money is spent.



Ask a family to share why they tithe. Have the whole family on the platform and interview them, giving each member of the family an opportunity to say why tithing is important.



Church leaders should be expected to tithe. Deacons, Sunday School teachers, committee chairpersons—these should be tithers at a minimum. Leaders lead, and tithing demonstrates commitment, discipline, and sacrifice for the Kingdom.



Develop an endowment for your church. The Arkansas Baptist Foundation can help. Make it clear you want to build an endowment and that your church controls it to insure future ministry. When someone leaves a gift to the church, lead your church in recognizing the eternal impact of the gift.



Good stewardship is critical to reaching a lost world.