Dear Elder Beatrice,
We understand that the budget was not fully utilised
the previous year for whatever reason. However, expenditure for this year has
been clearly planned out by the committee and we would sincerely appreciate
that the amount we had requested could be granted for God’s glory.
We want St. Andrew’s
to excel for the glory of God and events and activities are crucial to get
members involved, in both participation and ministry. Where members are further
involved, I believe that by God’s grace our collection shall improve as well. Remember
that the congregation do not give to the church for the purpose of running our
operations. They give to God and honour God with their sacrificial giving.
A meeting between our elders, committee and Pastor Bob
Weniger with regards to the collection is essential, and also to the nature of
the message which has to be preached to the church. A church is not a social
club, but rather a body of Christ, who are to be stewards of the resources
which He has entrusted to us. For we are all owners of nothing, but stewards of
everything.
A church which fails to be generous, fails to glorify
God. In fact Paul in his second letter to the Corinthians wrote:
“Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread
for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of
your righteousness, while you are enriched in everything for all liberality,
which causes thanksgiving through us to God. For the administration of this
services no only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding
through many thanksgivings to God.” – 2 Corinthians 9:10-12
Traditionally St. Andrew’s does not talk very much
about money as it is a sensitive subject. However, honouring the Lord with our
finances is essential for the work which He has commissioned us to do. As God’s
church, we must no longer consider ourselves shareholders looking for a return
on investment, but rather stewards in His service.
We do not seek a bigger church building or any sort of
extravagance. However, the Lord is not glorified when the grounds are allowed
to fall into disrepair while we renovate our own houses. We do not honour the
Lord if we can throw costly parties but then have no resources to organise
meals together in the house of the Lord. We do not exalt God in our actions if
we travel on holiday but fail to fund our own mission trips.
Being a Christian is not confined to the four walls of
the church. Being a Christian does not begin and end with the Sunday service. How
can we be salt and light to the world as Jesus has commanded us when we
withhold our best for ourselves? Paul in his letter to the Galatians explained:
“Let him who is taught the word share in all good
things with him who teaches. Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for
whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will
of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit
reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due
season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have
opportunity, let us do good to all, especially those who are in the household
of faith” – Galatians 6:6-10
I pray that you may not take offence at anything which
I have said, but rather allow the Holy Spirit to convict you about the truth as
to what the Lord is saying to our church. By the grace of God, 2012 is the year
that St. Andrew’s regains it’s lustre. May the Lord bless us abundantly that we
may be better equipped to serve Him, for His is an everlasting kingdom and He
is deserving of all glory, honour and praise now and forever.
“Brethern, the grace of our Lord
Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen” – Galatians 6:18
Blessings,
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