The followers of Jesus can have a complex relationship with money.
Sometime there is an obsessive and overly positive view of money. We're to name it and claim it. We can think that having a lot of money and possessions is a sign of God's blessing on the faithful person. So, in a sense, the balance of our bank account or the size of our house could be a barometer of our trust in God.
We can also have a dismissive and negative relationship with money. Money itself is a problem so we should have nothing to do with it. We can misread Paul's words in 1 Timothy 6:10 and conclude that money itself is evil (not the love of money like he actually says!).
But neither of these positions are helpful or right.
Money is part of God's good creation to be received with thanksgiving and used for his glory. Yet money also seems to have a particular allure which, if we're not careful, might tempt us away from being wholehearted followers of Jesus.
Our heart toward our money and other people is also a part of our Christian maturity and discipline. As we grow as followers of Jesus we ought to be growing in our generosity towards those in need, the needs of our local church and the spread of the gospel throughout the world.
So why this talk about money?
Financial resources are one of the many things God has given us to deploy in service of him and the growth of his kingdom. As we employ pastors, hire buildings, purchase and maintain equipment, provide coffee and food for hospitality, support our mission partners, it all requires some level of financial resources to make it all happen. This means managing those finances well is part of our life together as a church.
To do this at City on a Hill we have an external bookkeeper, two trustees and an Administration Team. Each year the Admin Team looks at the needs and opportunities before us to multiply and mature wholehearted followers of Jesus and then they come up with a financial plan (budget) for how we can use our resources to see that vision become a reality. The budget is then administered by the Trustees who pay bills and oversee giving to make sure we stick to the plan. This is then all recorded and reported by our bookkeeper.
If I'm losing you... stay with me! Now comes the good part!
This week we got a draft financial report for 2023 and there is much to be thankful to God for. Giving from regular members of City on a Hill was about $24,000 over budget for the year. In addition to this our expenses were $262 under budget for the whole year which is pretty amazing given expenses for the year were $420,000! Both of these results are cause for much thanks to God, to those who manage our finances and also to those who have given generously to our church.
We don't talk a lot about money at City on a Hill because we want to make sure that people hear the good news of Jesus free of charge and without the compulsion to give. We do however call on all those who belong to our church to give generously to God's work amongst us and through us.
Will you join me in thanking God for his provision and ask that God will continue to supply all our needs through the generosity of his people? Will you ask God to grow your heart in generosity as you seek to follow Jesus wholeheartedly?
Grace & peace,
Andrew