I read 1 Corinthians 8 this morning and it opens with Paul commending the Macedonians for their sacrificial giving, even giving beyond their ability and how they begged to be able to financially participate in Paul’s ministry. As is obvious news by now, it was a rough financial week for America, with stocks dropping, a government bailout out to the tune of $700 billion dollars, and some fearing the worst may yet to come. It will be interesting to see what effect this has on charitable giving, and especially if we notice anything at Hillcrest. Our giving at Hillcrest for 2008 has overall been pretty strong; we will need to see whaf effects the sour economy is having on main street, as the pundits call it, will effect churches like ours. Giving is always an interesting and sometimes touchy subject for churches, as one of people’s perceptions about church is that 'they just want my money'. To further complicate the issue, some churches contribute to this image by either mishandling funds, paying church leaders excessive amounts, or promising prosperity to generous benefactors.
When money does get tight, the temptation is to lower one's giving. Certainly, that would be tops on what some might 'disposable income'. And yet as Paul writes in this chapter of the Macedonains, when times were tight, it seems like giving increased. They were so certain that their giving was instrumental to Paul's ministry and the spread of the gospel. I would think we should expect some dips in giving during times like this. Fear is a powerful motivator and a force that leaves people powerless. But as churches continue to connect the gospel with tangible causes outside of themselves, I would suspect that giving to these churches should sustain. I suppose we will see if that holds true, bur regardless, as followers of the Christ, the most fiscally responsible thing you can do is to continue to give.
Click here for a good look at the economic crisis from a theological perspective.
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