One of the challenges of local church life is money... you know, having enough of it to do what the church is supposed to do. Why is that? Lack of teaching? Skepticism? Greed?
Here's what I think. Most people aren't greedy, they just need a good reason to give and the church just doesn't seem like one. This chasm in our understanding of seeing the church as a viable cause is deep and wide but, it is earned.
But, I for one think the church is a good cause. It has the potential to mobilize an army of volunteers in a moment's notice because its rooted in a value system (theology) of love, compassion, care & hard work. (Notice I said it has the 'potential' to do this.) There has been too much separation in our understanding of who we (the church) are and what we do. Our identity has too often been rooted in a doctrine we talk about rather than a way of life we demonstrate and sometimes describe. Perhaps if we witnessed churches catalyzing movements & becoming more like community centers and less like temples we would earn a new reputation.
This is Isaiah's confident, hopeful prediction about God's people, his church...
"The nations will see your righteousness. World leaders will be blinded by your glory. And you will be given a *new name by the LORD’s own mouth."
Isaiah 62:2 (NLT)
* The new name: "Sought Out" from Is. 62:12 (NASB)
What kind of shift needs to happen for the church to be seen as a good cause?
2 comments:
Proven Stewardship
-- people want proof that the investment is being properly managed & is yielding results.
I believe there has to be a tangible effect that the church must have on it's community. People may not agree with the theology but generosity, compassion and love is a language that people understand and are more receptive to. Just my opinion...later!
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