I enjoy talking about MONEY at church! That wasn’t always the case. And if I am honest- I allowed several fears (conveniently nurtured by the enemy) to get a foothold. Here are the fears I have when preaching about money (and I know these do not come from God)

• People will leave the church.
• People will say, “all that church wants is “our money”.
• The 1st time guest will think, “I knew it- He wants a raise”.

It is embarrassing to admit that those fears would even cross my mind. Rather than answer them right now- I want to tell you why I teach regularly on Godly principles for money management:

• The number one stress producer in our lives is money or the lack of…
• Jesus talked about money management more than Heaven and Hell put together.
• Because of the financial culture in our country right now fear seems to own the financial emotion of the day
• BUT THE BIGGEST REASON I REGULARLY TEACH ON MONEY- when I see people begin to honor God with their money and its management they grow spiritually in huge ways. In fact, in my experience, there is no greater booster for a growing faith than getting this area right! I have seen no other habit cause people to grow faster than learning to trust God with their finances. Also, you may find this interesting, when money is the topic we always have people committing their lives to Christ for the first time (in big numbers).

So this weekend as we press farther into the Bible for determining how to bring Balance to our financial live- YOU NEED TO BE THERE!

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I remember when I first heard of a church that challenged people to tithe and offered a money back guarantee. I believed it to be hype and a marketing tactic. I was wrong! Here is what I have discovered about this type of challenge (we have now done it twice at The Bay):

• Some people need help taking that next step- the money back guarantee helps themPeople see the church as putting its money where its mouth is!
• Sometimes people feel like the church makes promises and yet won’t step to the table and risk as well. The money back guarantee helps people understand how much we believe God’s word.
• Anytime people take a step of faith we are helping them deepen their walk with Christ.

Having been a critic of this challenge in the past- I know some people are critics now. I am good with that because I am confident that I would rather live life with 90% of my money and God’s blessings (Malachi 3:10) than live on 100% of my money with my ingenuity and I believe that for other Christ-Followers as well. So periodically Church at the Bay will throw this challenge out there to help people jump into the stream of being a manager and not an owner of their stuff.Finally, I am asked by some (usually pastors of other churches) what will you do if people say God did not bless them? Simple- we will look at our records and return their tithe! We won’t ridicule or argue- if they stepped up to the challenge- and yet they believe God didn’t come through; we will do what we promised.

I’ve gotta tell you- I am so amped by the buzz of obedience to God I sense around The Bay.

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I want to continue my blogging on money and the radical change that happens when people line up with God’s plan for the resources He has loaned us. When a Christ-Follower discovers they are managers and not owners of the stuff in their possession I believe their world view changes. We all tend to see life as, “what is in it for me?” When I see God as the owner of everything, it takes the pressure off my performance syndrome. And… when I act and obey what the Bible says with my money- my life changes. I believe that is why the enemy (Satan) so desires to keep Christ-Followers holding on to their money. It just seems that this area unlocks so many areas of obedience. I know everyone that gives doesn’t necessary walk with God- you can give and not LOVE… But you cannot LOVE AND NOT GIVE. I am watching a group of people get this right in their lives and seeing God show up in big ways. Bottom line- if you are acting like the owner of your stuff (you really are not) you will miss out on all God has for you. I love the phrase in Malachi 3 when it says, “bring the tithe”. The Tithe(10% of my income) is already God’s, He gives us the chance to bring it back. If you are not resonating with these thoughts, I challenge you to listen to this message about Partnering with God and not miss God!

Tune back in tomorrow… I want to talk about…

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I have often struggled talking about money on the weekend. Several things come to mind that probably drive that struggle:

• I hate legalism and don’t want to come off like all God wants is your money (He is actually much more ambitious than that- He wants all of you!)
• I have been in some churches that are led poorly, overspend and then “beat down” attenders because they do not give enough to cover the leaderships lack of discipline.
• I have read studies that people “feel like” all the church wants is money and the church talks about money too much.

If I am honest though, my biggest issue is me: I am sometimes afraid people will reject the message and me and leave Church at the Bay. Again honestly, that is the wrong focus. I am always reminded we play to an audience of ONE, but… sometimes I still struggle.

Here are a few reasons why I speak about money:

• Over 30% of Jesus parables were about money and possessions
• Jesus talked more about money and possessions than he did heaven or hell
• Money is a heart issue and God really never has your heart until He has your money

For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Matthew 6:21

Did you know that during our financial/money management/stewardship series called, Mind your own Business, we had more 1^st time decisions recorded for Christ than any other 4 week run (not Easter or Christmas) in the history of our church? That is right 18 people indicated they have become Christ Followers! Did I mention the main thrust of the message was MONEY? We need to talk more about this … So watch for my next post and we will continue this discussion.

Almost forgot… For Men only- Guest blogger on Frat House- check out the original “Frat House Man“

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