Discipleship at Messiah

As Christians and in our churches we are often reluctant to talk openly about specifics relating to our possessions, especially money.  In Robert Schnase’s book, Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations, he identifies “Extravagant Generosity” as the 5th practice.  He writes:

“Churches that practice Extravagant Generosity don’t talk in general terms about stewardship; they speak confidently and faithfully about money, giving, generosity, and the difference giving makes for the purpose of Christ and in the life of the giver.  They emphasize the Christian’s need to give more than the church’s need for money.  They teach, preach and practice proportional giving with the goal of tithing.”¹

One of the things that often comes up during stewardship discussions is the idea that “I don’t have much money so I give my time instead.”  The problem with this is that it assumes an either/or principle when the Biblical idea is both/and.  I cannot fulfill my responsibility to give money by substituting time.  Neither can I give money instead of time involved in ministry.

¹Schnase, Robert, Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations, 119