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Christians in a Post-Christian World / September 2010, Featured Articles

An Unpleasant Conversation?

By Tim Mathiesen   Wed, Sep 01, 2010

An Unpleasant Conversation?

Stewardship and the joy of giving is talked about in Christian circles, but it’s often an unpleasant conversation as the speaker feels awkward asking for money and the listener has conflicting feelings of guilt and defensiveness. It’s too bad that we often give out of obligation rather than excitement. Many times we don’t even know what exactly we’re giving to, which is understandably not very exciting.

How would the topic of giving sound if it was brought up in the midst of a unified vision and mission within the body of Christ? If the vision of our Church rises out of a culture of prayer and the leading of the Holy Spirit, as we share the vision that God has called us to, he will work in our hearts and create an understanding and excitement for the larger mission that will naturally generate a spirit of unity and stewardship.

During the biennial convention, each ministry shared plans and goals and how they fit into the larger mission of the Church of the Lutheran Brethren. Now each ministry would like to ask you to think about God’s plan for his church. How can we as a family of churches work with each other, strengthening each other and cultivating the call and mission of each part of the body, serving God to further his mission in our communities, throughout North America and to the ends of the earth?

It starts by understanding that we are one body, and it ends with understanding that we are on one mission. One mission. Together. The Church of the Lutheran Brethren has always been rooted in God’s Word, and spreading God’s Word to the ends of the earth requires unity and stewardship.

As we enter our 2010 and 2011 giving cycle we currently find ourselves uncomfortably behind our anticipated goal for contributions. Our mission is one with your mission, and more importantly one with God’s mission. I ask now that you would prayerfully consider partnering financially with the Church of the Lutheran Brethren as we serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Tim Mathiesen is Director of Communications & Prayer for the CLB (www.clba.org).

 

The Great Commission: Join the Mission! 

UnpleasantConv IMAll authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
Matthew 28:18-20

  • UnpleasantConv NAMInternational Mission
  • Lutheran Brethren Seminary
  • North American Mission

By Tim Mathiesen

Tim Mathiesen

Tim Mathiesen serves as Director of Communications and Prayer for the Church of the Lutheran Brethren.

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