Relationship over Money

In the bulletin of a church I served in Texas we printed this every week: “If you are visiting, please don’t feel compelled to contribute to the offering this morning. We are interested in you, not your money.” A new member asked me one day, “Can this be true? It’s unlike any other church I have visited!” This reminded me of a great story in Exodus 36:2-7.

It seems that Moses needed some cash to build the tabernacle. He invited anyone “whose heart stirred them” to give a freewill offering. No pledge cards; no pressure or guilt maneuvers; no arm twisting; no fancy thermometered campaigns.  But, because the cause and vision was so compelling, the people opened their hearts and checkbooks and gave way more than was needed. The vision captured their hearts so that their giving reflected an excitement about being a part of what God is doing in the world today. So Moses said something pretty unbelievable: “STOP! YOU’RE GIVING TOO MUCH!” Seriously, that’s what he said. I don’t remember this ever happening again in the Bible, but it teaches us a valuable lesson: spontaneous, joyful, and generous giving follows a great vision – not the other way around.

I think churches get this backwards all the time. They squeeze people like a tube of toothpaste and then they ask, “Now, how much ministry can we afford with this much money.”  That’s secular fundraising, and no one likes to be treated like that!  It lets money (not vision) drive the ministry; it makes parishioners feel that they are victims – just wanted for the body count and for their money. A better way, and I think the biblical way, is to preach the gospel and tell of God’s vision, and if it is really God’s, it will touch hearts and people will happily open up their check books.

Underlying everything is that God wants a relationship. He wants you, not your money. He who created everything owns everything already and he doesn’t need your money. When he has you he has someone whose heart is being synced to God’s heart. The owner of everything loves you, whether you give anything or nothing. But if you haven’t come to respond in trust to his love, I hope you will not add to the collection this Sunday. God will provide for what He calls for – people who are excited and captured with the vision of Christ Church Anglican will support his vision. How much I look forward to the next time God says to his people, “Stop! You are giving too much!” because that will be the day his people see for themselves how great is our God!

Gratefully yours,

Chuck Collins
Interim Rector