One Sunday morning I challenged the members of the church to give more – the contribution dropped $200 on that Sunday. Several Sundays later I commended the increased contribution and the contribution dropped $300. So, I decided I would not say another word – every time I said something about the contribution, it went way down.
Even though I believe the mentioning of the contribution to be coincidental to the dropping in each of those Sunday’s collections, let me encourage all who are occasionally away for trips and holidays to make provision for the support of the congregation’s work to give, either before you leave or after you return, at the place where you “hang your hat.” If you have a question about the work being done or a suggestion about work that needs doing, then talk to the elders. They need your confidence and they solicit your help.
Paul received assistance from Philippi that enabled him to preach in other places (Philippians 4:15-16) and he took wages from other churches while he was at Corinth (2 Corinthians 11:8). We follow that same scriptural pattern in supporting preachers. We are currently helping 20 preachers in many different parts of the world enabling them to preach the gospel. They are depending on every one of us in order that they might do their work. And, we are, by our support, sharing with them and the Lord in the saving of souls. The souls that are saved ought to produce joy in your hearts, because you are having a part in their preaching.
Our local teaching work and benevolence also require the dedicated, consistent financial support of every member. We are, each year, doing more, because members have increased their giving. Every member is a vital part of the together work we do here, regardless of how much or how little each of us is able to give.
I did say “another word” didn’t I? I hope the contribution doesn’t go down, because I am really trying to encourage us all in the Lord’s work. – Jim R. Everett
One Sunday morning I challenged the members of the church to give more – the contribution dropped $200 on that Sunday. Several Sundays later I commended the increased contribution and the contribution dropped $300. So, I decided I would not say another word – every time I said something about the contribution, it went way down.
Even though I believe the mentioning of the contribution to be coincidental to the dropping in each of those Sunday’s collections, let me encourage all who are occasionally away for trips and holidays to make provision for the support of the congregation’s work to give, either before you leave or after you return, at the place where you “hang your hat.” If you have a question about the work being done or a suggestion about work that needs doing, then talk to the elders. They need your confidence and they solicit your help.
