This is our money issue and I have a confession to make: My currency is time. You see, my father is a retired corporate controller, an accountant by degree. Good stewardship was never an issue in our home – we didn’t spend what we didn’t have, had to complete chores for an allowance, never carried a credit card balance, always ate everything on our plates … all that good stuff.

Growing up with this degree of discipline was a godsend. I’m grateful to say I’ve never had financial issues, which probably contributes to me being such a cheerful giver. That is, until someone asks for my time.

Do you know my type? It’s important to learn to recognize us because part of our spiritual growth is dependent upon it. And that’s where today’s church leaders come in.

More than ever, you’re fighting the “consumer” mentality: People go to your church, take or use what they want, and then go home. You can’t really blame them. Our drive-through, throwaway society encourages it – so much so that the consumer types who do sow financially into the church are likely to not even realize there’s more to give.

And that’s where I was five years ago. I was faithful to attend church, faithful to tithe and faithful to disappear for anything beyond that. I didn’t really want to participate in additional functions; nor did I care about building relationship with my church community. And I didn’t see anything wrong with that, especially if I was doing my part financially.

Without ill intention, I simply kept control of my involvement at church, thereby stifling any prospect of connecting with its people or purpose. It was an underlying behavior pattern I adopted somewhere along the line, and one I’m grateful to be rid of.

The change began when my pastor asked me to join a “health intensive team” he was forming to study the health of our church. Suddenly, I went from an outside consumer to an insider with a sense of belonging. My participation forced me to plug in, opening the door for my transformation.

Your church is filled with people who have financial difficulties, and you can provide preaching and programs to assist. Just keep a watchful eye on your “time” folks, as well. Their problem is just as deep-rooted, but often goes unchallenged. However, once it’s addressed, these good stewards may just end up bringing you and your church untold riches.

God bless, 

Karen Butler 
Group Editor 
kbutler@vpico.com