An eccentric widow in Italy left $13 million to her cat. A real estate mogul in New York left $3 million to his dog and another $1 million to a domestic care giver for the dog. That’s crazy! Well, the church needs a few crazy Christians.
We live in unprecedented times. Never before in the history of the world have so many voices had a platform to promote whatever cause or belief they render as important. Many of these agencies compete against one another. For example, you may open your mailbox and receive an ad for the NRA (National Rifle Association) and an ad for legislative gun control, both asking for financial contributions, both finding many who give. There is a competition for charitable donations. Colleges, hospitals, elementary schools, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Parks and Wildlife, and many more all clamor for our gifts. They are unhesitant in asking and relentless in their quest. They will cater to large donors. They will spend $1 million to make $2 million.
In this competitive landscape, the church also needs to stand-out. We can’t just expect people to give to the church out of obligation. We have to make a case for why people should give to the church. Why be that crazy person who gave so much money people had to talk about it?
The #1 reason is the world needs to see the Way of Jesus!
Our church is known for being a voice of compassion and justice. We have earned a reputation as people who not only talk about loving our neighbors, but as people who visibly take action to demonstrate that love. The call for such action comes from Jesus. More than any time in our lives, we need the Way of Jesus to be upheld and supported.
One of my favorite all-time hymns, “Here I am, Lord,” asks the question, “Whom shall I send?” It asks who will go to tend to the poor and lame, the sick and outcast? Who will be a voice for justice and promote Christ-like ideals amongst the people? The refrain answers the question saying, “Here, I am Lord…
I will go, Lord, if you lead me. I will hold your people in my heart.”
The church is an ambassador for Christ in the world. The people of the church are the representatives. I would love to have a few crazy Christians support this work and leave the church $30 million dollars instead of their pet. More realistically, I am asking for us to each go big in our own way. Please prayerfully consider giving generously again, so that we may continue to “share God’s love and shine God’s light.”
Rev. Trey Hegar
We live in unprecedented times. Never before in the history of the world have so many voices had a platform to promote whatever cause or belief they render as important. Many of these agencies compete against one another. For example, you may open your mailbox and receive an ad for the NRA (National Rifle Association) and an ad for legislative gun control, both asking for financial contributions, both finding many who give. There is a competition for charitable donations. Colleges, hospitals, elementary schools, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Parks and Wildlife, and many more all clamor for our gifts. They are unhesitant in asking and relentless in their quest. They will cater to large donors. They will spend $1 million to make $2 million.
In this competitive landscape, the church also needs to stand-out. We can’t just expect people to give to the church out of obligation. We have to make a case for why people should give to the church. Why be that crazy person who gave so much money people had to talk about it?
The #1 reason is the world needs to see the Way of Jesus!
Our church is known for being a voice of compassion and justice. We have earned a reputation as people who not only talk about loving our neighbors, but as people who visibly take action to demonstrate that love. The call for such action comes from Jesus. More than any time in our lives, we need the Way of Jesus to be upheld and supported.
One of my favorite all-time hymns, “Here I am, Lord,” asks the question, “Whom shall I send?” It asks who will go to tend to the poor and lame, the sick and outcast? Who will be a voice for justice and promote Christ-like ideals amongst the people? The refrain answers the question saying, “Here, I am Lord…
I will go, Lord, if you lead me. I will hold your people in my heart.”
The church is an ambassador for Christ in the world. The people of the church are the representatives. I would love to have a few crazy Christians support this work and leave the church $30 million dollars instead of their pet. More realistically, I am asking for us to each go big in our own way. Please prayerfully consider giving generously again, so that we may continue to “share God’s love and shine God’s light.”
Rev. Trey Hegar
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