Pastor’s Corner April 2011

The following was published in our monthly newsletter, the Redeemer Report.

Your elders and deacons are asking you to prayerfully consider designating an additional 3-5% of your income over the next three years to help us reach our goal. We believe such a commitment on the part of our members will totally pay off the $2.7 million dollar debt. Yes, this is an ambitious goal, but we have witnessed God’s amazing provisions for the entire life of Redeemer, especially when the church is challenged to give. For some people giving an additional 3-5% of their income will just be too much right now. For others, giving more than an additional 3-5% of their income is very possible. We are asking every member to seek God in prayer about what part they can play in this campaign.

2 Corinthians 9:6-8  The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.  And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.

No matter what you give financially, I sincerely hope this campaign has blessed you and given a clear perspective on the Redeemer vision and the many ways you can give, serve, and grow for the glory of God.

Once again, we have designated April 10 as “Commitment Sunday”. On that day you can bring your pledge card to worship to be collected during a special offering. All giving will be completely confidential. Only a couple designated people in conjunction with the accounting company we use will oversee the campaign gifts during the three-year pledge period.

There are many ways you can give- weekly, monthly, quarterly, or in one sum. There are also ways for you to donate securities, stocks, and even material items that can be turned into cash. Contact our church treasurer if you are interested in contributing in ways other than cash.

Very honestly and personally, I was a bit nervous to embark on this formal capital stewardship campaign. I have no problem teaching and preaching on money and stewardship as it comes up in the biblical text, but I confess to not wanting to come across as a pastor or church that is always asking for money. The Lord eased my hesitation about this over the course of the campaign and has really given me courage to be direct with you about our need, as a church, to be generous. In a place entrusted with so much, I would be pastorally derelict to not challenge you (us) about generosity toward God’s Kingdom work. There are lots of things to spend money and time on, but very few are as eternally significant as your church. I thank God for this opportunity and want you to share in the blessing of giving.

In the Lamb,
Pastor Tony Felich