(dot) Stewardship: January Edition
Joyous Generosity
by Jesse C. Middendorf, General Superintendent
It was in Africa that one of my most memorable services occurred. The district assembly was well
under way, and people were deeply engaged in the proceedings—listening to reports, electing officers,
and enjoying the fellowship so characteristic of assemblies around the world. This was a rural district,
remote enough that our long drive on rough roads had taken us over the countryside and through
small villages. The people came with joy, smiling, greeting one another, and graciously receiving guests
as we arrived. When we entered the church, everyone stood and began to sing and wave their hands.
It was a most humbling experience for me.
As is often the case, the superintendent wanted to challenge the district to generosity in their support
for the World Evangelism Fund (WEF). This took place before we had adopted the global formula for
WEF, and yet that district felt it necessary to encourage people to remember the mission of the Church
of the Nazarene around the world.
I do not know all of the details, but it is likely that before they left home the people were encouraged
to come with an offering for missions. At any rate, when the time came, I expected plates or baskets to
be brought out and ushers to be in place to pass them to the people in the crowded church building.
But this was different. There were baskets all right, but they were at the altar, and they were not little
baskets. They were large, four of them, and a couple of them had lids. I watched as a most amazing
offering began. People got up from their seats—some walking out the back and then returning, others
picking up bags or packs from beneath their feet. Soon they were singing, swaying, and dancing as they
filed their way to the front of the room to place their gifts into the baskets.
Very little money was given. Cash was not the common medium of exchange in that remote district.
There were small sacks of corn, wheat, and other garden produce. Some of those who had walked
outside returned carrying live chickens, and others brought pieces of dried meat.
As I watched, tears began to flow down my face. These gracious, generous people were not giving out
of an overflow of abundance. They were not giving symbolically. They were giving the very essence of
themselves. This was their livelihood. These gifts were extensions of their very lives. This was who they
were … this was what they were. And as they gave they sang, rhythmically and with a look of joy and
privilege on their faces that was reflected in their movements. I asked for a translation of the words
they sang so beautifully, with such harmony: “We get to give. We get to give. God has been so good to
us that we get to give.”
That is joyous generosity! It is a reflection of gratitude. They had endured drought, floods, and
deprivation. Their lives were lived in harsh conditions and under difficult circumstances, but they gave
with joy! I have never been the same. I never want to give grudgingly or selfishly. I want to give with
JOY!
Leading with Love
by Jami Coffman, Imajine Unlimited, LLC
Every person has a different style to celebrate a new year. Some enjoy the time spent with family over
the holidays and feel refreshed and ready by the connections that were made. Others make sure their
resolution and priorities are in place before a new year starts so they may begin a new year with
intention and clear purpose. Either way, it is always refreshing to experience the start of a new year. If
you are like those who enjoy reflecting on your priorities or simply prefer to focus on relationships, a
good way to start the year is to focus on a Love that gives. And I am not just talking about giving money.
As a church leader your life style has much to show about your real passion and love to others, more
than just your pocket! Your commitment to a leadership that shows love will make a tremendous
impact on your local church or ministry.
Allow me to share with you a few things that personally represent a leadership style that reflects a
deep commitment with a Love that gives.
Leading with Passion
What drives you to love another person? It is a passion. So when you think about a focus for your love,
what would that mission look like in your congregation and in your community? There are so many
outlets and ways to show love to people where we are and through the church we serve. Where does
God lead your heart to show love? When seeking an outlet to demonstrate love for others, go with
your passion.
Leading with Money & Time
As I said before, giving love to others goes beyond giving money. Think about it. When you love
someone, what other things do you tend to give them? You give them your time. I know that my kids
appreciate it when I give them gifts or money. However, what kids most crave from us is our time.
They appreciate it when we serve them or just spend time being with them. When you decide to share
love, don’t do it just with your money, but go beyond and encourage your congregation to do the same.
There are several ways close and far in which we can dedicate our time to others. When you are
passionate about something, you will also volunteer your time.
Leading with Advocacy
What else do you do when you really love someone? You talk about them and glow when sharing
about them. This is called advocacy. Someone who loves, shares with passion about their mission. In
a recent trip I made to Israel, Andrey, our tour guide, was an advocate for youth in Israel. When he
talked about serving Israeli youth, you could see the passion flowing out of him. You could also see
how this came from him giving of his time to be with youth and using his gifts and talent as a tour
guide to take youth on special trips. Including in your sermons your church’s community projects might
be a great way to advocate for those you love.
Leading with Relationships
A good steward who loves with their treasures, gifts and spirit also gains something powerful. In the
business world they call it social capital. At the core of loving someone is a relationship! The network
of loving relationships focused on a shared vision and values is a powerful net of supporters. When I
was in Israel, I had the privilege of staying with Ann. She is truly someone who has love as a lifestyle.
Her passion for her mission is shown in her giving of money, time and advocacy. Also she has built
powerful relationships, which she uses to further her mission. In fact one of the non-profitorganizations that she leads is focused on connecting people.
What a great thing it would be if all church leaders would commit themselves this year to give fully and
completely to what they love. Based on where God has placed you, define your passion and then give
your money, time and advocacy. Build relationships and love one another.
Questions to ponder:
•
When you serve on a board or volunteer, is it connected to your passion?
•
How do you advocate for the mission of the church you serve with passion?
Stewardship Quote:
“The less I spend on myself and the more I gave to others, the fuller of happiness and blessing did my
soul became” (Hudson Taylor)
Thank you for reading!