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Colossians 3:23 2300 verses in the Bible about money and possessions 16 of 38 parables told by Jesus were about money/possessions Mark 4:18-20 Worries of this life Deceitfulness of wealth Desires for other things Key Questions for the church: What are you doing to help lead your church to overcome the grip of materialism? How equipped are you to present the different between fund raising and biblical stewardship? What is your church offering people to help them overcome the power of money to deceive? Theology Basics  (ask for self first, then for the church) God is the creator and owner of all things. God gives the ability to produce wealth. Money is a major competitor to God. Money is a test.

"Highly effective churches utilize holistic stewardship practices."                George Barna, 9 Habits of Highly Effective Churches 2 Corinthians 8:20-21 1. The structure of clergy compensation is evidence of the  congregation's  stewardship. 2. Clergy are almost always employees for income tax purposes Form W-2, Form 1040 3. Clergy pay social security as self-employed. must be ordained, licensed, or commissioned employer responsibility congregation match is taxable Quarterly payments 4. Clergy rarely qualify to opt out of social security. theologically object to tax not for financial reasons 5. The housing allowance can be the clergy's best tax friend. Designation vs. Exclusion 6.  4 Tests (lower of 4) Reasonable compensation Actual Expenses Amount Designated Fair Rental Value (15% of Tax Assessment) 7. ...

I received a free book at the MB Convention in Omaha.  This book is written by Chip Ingram and is called The Genius of Generosity. The MB Foundation provided the book and I can say that the first chapter has been an encouragement to me.  Here are some quotes to get you thinking: "I would learn then that generosity has little or nothing to do with how much money you have or how far along you perceive yourself to be on your spiritual journey.  In fact, I was shocked to learn that being generous has much more to do with being smart, shrewd, wise, and deliriously happy.  In a word, I discovered that generosity is genius!" "Money is the mirror of our hearts before God." "Our stewardship of His resources  isn't just an assignment. It's relational." "We get our greatest treasure by giving and sharing rather than hoarding and accumulating.  When we let go of the temporal and quit focusing on ourselves, and when we embrace instead the eternal ...

This is my fourth post from the LEAD ONE event sponsored by Mission USA. Jon Wiebe of the MB Foundation shared on the the topic of, "Maximizing Generosity in Tough Times: A Realignment of Faith and Fundraising." Here are my notes: Tough Times Giving Realities General Population <1% Roman Catholics 1.5% Mainline Denominations 2.8% Evangelicals 4% A Crisis Exists Few seminaries teaching on generosity Pastors avoid it Fundraisers at Christian Organizations are competing 4 Biblical Principles Urge those who sit as stewards of storehouses to open them rather than hoard them.          (Genesis 41:56-57) Invite those with a portfolio of assets to sell as asset. (Acts 4:34-37) Direct the church to send aid to those in need. (2 Corinthians 8-9) Ask everyone to give sacrificially. (1 Kings 17; Mark 12:41-44; 2 Corinthians 8:1-7) 4 Tools Evaluative Tool Organizational Tool (see 7 steps below) Discipleship Tool Individual Tool...