10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 4:10 – 11, New International Version)
Theme: The Local Church
Context:
We continue our focus on the Discipline of Stewardship. It is understandable that the first thought that usually comes to mind when we think about stewardship is money. The topic is certainly discussed a lot in local churches and for good reason. Churches need money and they should practice good financial stewardship. As mentioned yesterday though, there is a a lot more to stewardship than money.
Bible Passage:
Today’s passage is 1 Peter 4:10 – 11 (presented above). Please pay close attention to what verse 10 says we stewards of. Also, note the link between gifts, stewardship and service.
Question:
In the matter of being good stewards of our spiritual gifts, what do you believe good looks like in the local church? In other words, what are some specific things that local churches should be doing?
April 1, 2022 at 7:23 am
A true believer knows that God wants a cheerful giver. Money is of course needed by all churches, but the service of talents offered to church is also considered valuable and of great importance. In my personal experience, I tend to get surprised in the church with a pastor whose message very often than not is mostly about money, to the point of making the members feel that they are “ very sinful” if they don’t give the right amount of money they ought to give at church. Sometimes, if what you hear from the pastor’s message is mostly about money, it makes the members feel like the focused of church is more on being materialistic. What I was saying is that, pastors should not be worried if church is collecting enough money or not from the tithes/offerings because whatever happens, God will provide, that’s how we as believers were assured by God through His word. That even the birds or plants survive because our provider, our Lord will take care of everything. A church with a pastor who has faith in the body of Christ who serves cheerfully with their actions and material gifts is a church that is truly blessed and can minister well enough to all members. Any amount given to church that really comes from the heart is what the Lord wants from us. Pastor at church who uses pulpits to gain wealth is a different story. Sometimes, small churches can be more transparent with issues involving money matters.
I can be wrong, but that’s just from what I witnessed in the past.
April 1, 2022 at 8:09 am
What I believe good looks like in the local church is if they are living out a belief rooted in Christ, which extends to service to each other and the community. In my opinion, some specific things which the local church should be doing are looking at the needs of each other (the congregation) and also to the community. This will us all to actively know the needs which pertain to our community. Maybe this can be done through paper and online surveys. Also possibly teaming with local non profits, leaders and or other businesses to help the need.