When
I was installed as the Rector of St. Andrew’s in 2008, Bishop Howard told me,
“don’t worry about the numbers,” just love the people and God will take care of
the rest.
I
told him, “but I am a finance and accounting guy, I have to worry about the
numbers, it’s in my DNA.”
Over
the years I have worried about our numbers in some way or form. I pour over the
Income Statement and Balance Sheet and look for trends to try and tweak the
budget to make room for new programs, worship services, beautify our grounds,
and maintain our property. But ten years of trying have taught me one thing,
there isn’t much relationship between the time and energy spent in these
endeavors, and the growth in the church and its contributions.
Some
people will try to use financial results to undermine their leaders. But pledge
results are about personal faith and economic well-being. The healthier your
spiritual self, the more you are willing and able to give back to God and his
church. The more willing you are to give to God’s work in the world.
Gratitude
is difficult to feel when we are in financial distress – but most of us are not.
We have survived the economic hardships of previous times and have moved on.
Our financial condition may not be splendid, but it is solid – and for some its
great!
Jesus
said to his disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to
enter the kingdom of heaven …”
When
the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, “Who then can
be saved?”
Jesus
looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things
are possible.”
We give back to God because we are grateful
for God's gifts to us. We are grateful for the food we eat, for meaningful work,
our education, shelter to protect us, and much more. All which should invoke a
certain level of gratitude to God. But most giving, and certainly any giving
beyond the token dollar in the collection plate, arises from deep gratitude,
spiritual wellness, and maturity. 
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