Compassion (&) Conviction Book Club

In a time of political polarization, I think this book provides many great insights on how Christians can approach civic engagement faithfully.

But even more important than that, the principles in this book can help us be the salt and light Jesus called us to be. The principles apply to all the ways we are called to steward our influence, not only politically, but also in our churches, workplaces, schools, and neighborhoods.

Join me on Facebook. I’ve set up a Facebook Group called “Compassion (&) Conviction Book Club.”

JOIN HERE.

We will cover two chapters per week (one on Monday and one on Friday). Discussion on chapter 1 begins March 29.

I will set up a "Guide" for each chapter. Enter comments for a chapter in the appropriate "Guide."

Rules for engagement:

• Make your comments in the spirit of Galatians 5:22-23 and 6:1-3.

• If you join the group, comment. No gawkers. But avoid technical words. Write in a way that would make sense to a well-educated 13-year-old.

• This is a very short book with relatively short chapters (eight in all). But if you can't keep up with the reading, remove yourself. No judgment if you do.

• This is only for people who are my friends on Facebook or in the Five Oaks Church family (i.e., I should be able to find you in our database), including friends invited by someone who is in either one of those groups (let me know your connection if you're not a FB friend or Five Oaker).

I’d love for you to join me. JOIN HERE.

Further Reflections on the End of the Fiscal Year

On Sunday I shared the great news of how our church ended the year financially and how we are soon going pay off a $300,000 debt note through BLESS Campaign giving. Here are some of my reflections on all this as your pastor.

1 - God’s provision. The way we ended the year is a testament to God’s provision to members of our church family. Not many Five Oakers lost their jobs or experienced significant cuts in pay. I’m so thankful for that. And I’m always mindful of the particular opportunities and responsibilities that come with that. Jesus said it: “…from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked” (Luke 12:48). And when Jesus asks of us, it’s a privilege and joy to serve him.

2 - Debt. I had a very interesting and enlightening conversation with a Five Oaker a couple of months ago. He asked me, “What’s our plan to pay off our church’s debt beyond the goals of BLESS?” I explored with him why we acquired debt in the past and explained why we might again in the future. He then clarified what he was getting at: “I’m not saying we should never take on debt. I’m saying that when we take on debt, we should also have a plan for paying it off.”

Here’s something we experienced with the pandemic: We have very little wiggle room to cut expenses short of layoffs. I could give you a dozen reasons why cutting staff is a really bad idea at a time when more is needed and being asked of them because of the pandemic, especially the challenges of simultaneous ministry online and in-person.

Some might argue the debt is cheap these days. What we need is more money in the bank. But holding really large amounts of cash in the bank is a hard sell for a church. It’s complicated.

But having and implementing a plan to pay off debt (even future debt we may incur) makes a lot of sense to me, and it energizes me.

3 - Stewardship Education and Generosity. Stewardship “education” and financial generosity are a huge part of the Bible. Handling money looms large in the teaching of Jesus. Why? Jesus put it in simple terms: Money is a powerful god competing for our hearts. It hits at the core of our sense of security and our desires.

Our congregation is generous. Our annual survey reveals that (at least for the core of our congregation that fills out long surveys), a significant majority give away 10% or more of their income. I think that’s something to celebrate. I’m thankful for folks that have led FPU over the years. I think you’re having a huge impact. And I’m thankful for all of you who tell me how encouraged you are when I teach on stewardship. I will continue to do so as we seek to grow our congregation in the love of God and in the image of Christ.

Photo by Fabian Blank on Unsplash