NPR has the story of one church’s reaction to the recession.
Despite being themselves affected by layoffs and cutbacks, one church decided what really mattered was making a difference in the lives of others affected by the economic downturn. The pastor decided to take the parable of the talents very seriously.
He offered up a wad of $100 bills, one to whoever wanted it, with one condition: they needed to multiply it. Some held dog washes or sold jewelry. One person even used their $100 to hold a game night that raised $12,000 for a 6-year-old with brain cancer.
The article ends with a sort of off-hand comment that is actually pretty profound: “Fair Haven expects to give more money to the poor during this recession than it’s ever given before.”
Sound like a great way to recession-proof your church. Luckily, we have a God who is not participating in the recession, and we should make that very clear in the way we market during difficult times.
Lawyer
March 21, 2009
This is a refreshing story, albeit a risky tactic.
It’s interesting to hear churches teach their members to give rather than spend on themselves. They teach that if members hoard their money, God cannot financially bless them.
Yet some churches do just that. Rather than spend the money on missions or outreach, they hoard the money for buildings and presence. Does that then mean that God will not financially bless them?
This exercise not only reinforces the church’s mission, but also teaches stewardship at the same time.