Keep the Vision Hot

How do you keep the vision hot? I realize the challenges that Pastors face especially when it comes to talking about money. We walk a tight rope balancing the need to continually keep the vision before our people and not seeming like we always talk about money. First, let’s set the record straight about our communication about money.

It is our responsibility as leaders to set the stage for our people to do well financially. It is part of the Pastoral qualifications that the Lord established for shepherds (Jeremiah 3:15; 23:4). Money is the second most talked about topic in the Bible. I wonder if it should be the second most talked about topic from our pulpits. Talking about money with your church is a part of discipleship. Our commission is to go into all the world, making disciples of the nations. It is easy to see why talking about the new birth comes easier to us. In reality, the results of the new birth are not necessarily tangible (give me some latitude here). However, as Solomon said, “…money answers everything.” Ecclesiastes 10:19

Nehemiah rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem in just 52 days (Nehemiah 6:15). Half-way through the rebuilding process, the people became discouraged and Nehemiah had to build them in the Lord. With that thought in mind, I would suggest that keeping the vision “HOT” must be something that is continually before the people on a monthly basis. Here are some suggestions that I have for keeping the financial vison strong with your people.

1. Encourage the people at every gathering by reminding them of the faithfulness of God as they sow financially. Tithes, offerings, alms, first-fruits are all powerful weapons in the hand of skilled people.

2. Spend at least 2-3 minutes every Sunday speaking about God’s plan for finances and their success.

3. Help them see how those funds are being used in your locale. We have saying, “If our church was suddenly gone tomorrow, would anybody notice?” If the answer to that is I’m not sure or no, then I would submit that we are not doing enough in our communities. Would your absence be felt?

4. Use the tools in Chrimata to stay on top of this topic. If we want to build disciples, then we cannot shy away from any aspect…including money!

I will elaborate more on some of these topics in the future. Remember, all of our blogs are available and searchable. I trust they are a blessing to you!