It can be a challenging thing for a pastor to talk about money. After all, some ministers are well known for their “FLEECING” instead of “FEEDING” their flock. Extravagant lifestyles of certain TV preachers, and questionable accounting in certain congregations have left a bad taste in many mouths. So, as a Pastor, I want to approach the topic of finances with care.
If you started coming to Wildwood sometime in 2023, you might think that this is a topic I talk about often … after all, I led a 5 week Wednesday night study on money in January/February, I preached a 3 week series entitled “In God We Trust: 3 Thoughts on God and Money” in March, and now am in a 4 week series of sermons entitled “Mission:Fund” as we look at 2 Corinthians 8-9. The truth is, though, that this year is somewhat atypical for me. So much so that I have had fellow Elders and church leaders ask me why I haven’t preached more about this topic! Some of you who have been around longer than 2023 may even share this sentiment.
That said, I do think it is important that we talk about money. After all, it was Jesus Himself who said, “where your treasure is your heart will be also.” Also, there is no way to preach through the Word of God without talking about this subject … and one of the chief sections of God’s Word where financial giving is mentioned is 2 Corinthians 8-9. Since we are studying 2 Corinthians this year, we get to dive into this treasure chest of information about giving.
So far, we have seen that Christian giving is sacrificial (8:1-7), and Christian giving models after Jesus Himself, and turns our desire to give into actions (8:8-15). This Sunday, we will be in week 3 of this series as we look at the need for accountability in handling finances in the church. Apparently taking extra care when dealing with finances is not new to the modern church … the Apostle Paul dealt with similar levels of challenge in the first century! To this end, Paul says in 8:21, “for we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord’s sight, but also in the sight of man.” In other words, Paul was saying, “the Lord knows I am honest with the offerings collected, but I want you to know it too!”
This Sunday at Wildwood Community Church in our 8:30, 9:45, and 11:00 services, we will talk about the importance of integrity in handling finances at the congregational level, plus more encouragement for all of us to live (and give) generously. See you Sunday as we look at 2 Corinthians 8:16-9:5 … and bring friends!
P.S. Vote for our Mission:Fund projects between now the end of the month at this link! Vote each week between now and August 1.