I should be working on a sermon. I really should. True…I do work ahead so I’m okay with that. No panic. But it is my Easter sermon.
H-O-W-E-V-E-R
Something happened last night which stunned me. I just have to tell you about it.
First, some history for those who may not know. I started here in November of 2005. The church was started in October of 2004 and although I did not plant the church, I have told people I feel like I have. 🙂 We rented a facility which was dirty and grungy until the Fall of 2010 when we purchased an abandoned Mormon church building. In January of 2010 I found out we were the victim of financial misdealings. (That book was closed last year for good when we offered forgiveness and erasing of the debt). In the summer of 2012 we remodeled the inside of our building and paid cash for it. It was apparent fairly soon after that we were needing to go to two services. Then we began talking expansion with no debt. But a twist came when I approached the leadership and Building Team with a discomfort because that expansion did not include any additional room for our youth. So we switched gears and for the past year or so have been planning & saving for the addition. We are hoping it happens this summer.
Now for last night.
We had a leadership meeting and we had already been announcing that we were taking up a special offering on Easter to benefit the Building Fund. Last night I proposed we take the whole Easter offering and put it toward the building.
I got trumped! (No not him…please).
One of the elders suggested we take the offering and not use it for ourselves at all.
HE SUGGESTED WE GIVE IT AWAY!!!
All of it, except that which is designated. (IRS laws say you can’t use designated monies for anything but what it is designated for). That means we will be able to bless every mission we support with a special gift!
Here’s the (great) thing: it never even crossed my mind! Not so great it didn’t cross my mind. 🙂 But super great that someone else thought of it. Funny thing is: the only discussion is what missions can we support-locally and foreign. No kickback. No “we can’t do that!”
I love being stunned. And humbled. And blown away. And I was never so proud of the 6 guys who sat in that room last night than I was at that moment.
Now…I can’t wait to see what God is going to do with that offering, its distribution, and its eternal reward for lives being changed. Oh yeah…one more thing: is there any wonder why I love being the pastor of this church so much?
Cool! Let’s hear it for more stunning {in the best ways!} church business meetings!.
You’ve got something very good going on there, Bill. God bless you all …
I truly wish others could experience something like this Linda. You are right…I am part of a very good thing.
My church did the same sort of thing years ago – gave to missions & church planting – even though our facility needed a lot of work. That was about 15 years ago. My pastor has testified many times how we have been blessed because we were first a blessing. I say this to encourage you in this decision. It’s absolutely the right choice!
Thanks for the encouragement Kari. I know some will wonder about the wisdom of this but I am convinced it is from God.
We need more elders like him.
Yes we do. Thanks Glynn
Amazing! Love it!
And u get to see it first hand
That was the real thing.
I believe it is as well. Can’t wait to see the results.
I don’t understand why you were stunned. I thought that was what all Christian churches were supposed to be doing.
Operative word: supposed to be. We are honestly trying to be involved in our community, Jeff, and with others. I’m glad the suggestion wasn’t even mine.
I think you and your people are on the right track. Good job.
Thanks Jeff. Your comment & compliment is appreciated.
Wow. Great stuff, Bill. The tidal wave of blessings is just beginning for you and your church. And yes. That’s what it’s all about. I’m proud for you and that portion of His church. Continued prayers for you and church.
I concur Floyd. I can’t wait to see what God is going to do through our generosity. Thanks for your prayers.
What an amazing group of leaders you have in your church, Bill. Love this show of genuine generosity, especially on Easter Sunday when the church should be fuller than normal. Perfect timing!
Blessings to you and to them!
True Martha. I am continually humbled and blessed to be working with these guys and that God led me here 10 years ago. Perfect timing for sure.
I knew there was something special about you! 😉 Great job Bill! Our God is an awesome God!
My flesh wants to take credit but I just can’t. The idea was another guy’s and I am just so honored to be working with guys who feel that way. In my mind it was God’s leading. But thanks Ed for the kind words.
Fantastic!!!!
I agree!
Love it when God stuns us with the goodness of His people. What wonderful giving hearts!
My thoughts exactly Pam…on both counts.
I appreciate the focus of the church on ministering in our community, After all, these are the people we come in contact with on a daily basis. Lord, help us all to be models of truth and love.
Glad you “approve” and appreciate it Daniel. It is people like you who keep those “home fires” burning. And I definitely agree with your prayer.
Hi Bill! Can we have any greater an example of how the Holy Spirit moves in all of us? What generosity and love for others! That’s giving without expecting back, giving without knowing if that building extension will be funded fully…turning hearts to the Lord in surrender to His will.
You gave me a such a beautiful encouragement today! Thank you 🙂
Ceil
I’m excited, Ceil, to be part of this group of followers of Jesus and to work with this group of men. Glad I gave some encouragement to your day.
I know the truth of being “others minded.” But knowing and acting upon what I know is a sign of maturity. Great to have leaders think outside themselves. Blessing