A message for 2009 from Stewardship
Can the Body of Christ flourish in a time of famine? Is there a “Joseph dimension” that we can manifest: bringing forth resource to supply need in a time of economic pressure.
Recent developments in the world’s economic systems have clearly revealed how shaky is their foundation. Not a place to place trust. No new news there for followers of Christ who take His words in Matt 5:19-21 seriously. But where are we investing? And what will be the Church’s response to the present times? Could there actually be resurgence in a time of recession?
We want to convey a message at this time that is not unrealistic about the present pressures, and yet seeks to take a God perspective. We know many ministries and works are facing reduced resources for valuable Kingdom work. We know many are feeling real pressure. We are praying for you. And we want to encourage and rouse the Kingdom community to rise to the present challenge. Surely this is a time for the Church to be like Joseph.
Two rich and powerful words are becoming core to our focus at Stewardship: generous discipleship. The heart of God is generous, and overflows in lavish goodness to all He has made. As disciples, followers, of Christ, we have the great calling and privilege to manifest that same generous heart.
We encourage all the givers whom we serve that this is the time to invest all the more strongly in an eternal kingdom. The needs and opportunities are greater than ever and the return incalculable and guaranteed. Some of us will lose jobs and income, but for most of us, our outgoings are coming down and many Christians have managed their finances well and have capability and opportunity through their generosity to supply the lack of others (see 2 Cor 8:14-15). Could this be a time of an outpouring of generosity that insists the Kingdom must continue to advance – to flourish in a time of famine?
The latest Share magazine will reach your doormats shortly. We focus on the Church’s response to recession. Please read and, we trust, be encouraged and inspired to a stronger walk of generous discipleship. If you would like to read something now, see our Recession Response page on our website. We are also working with the Evangelical Alliance and others to put out a positive and practical message to galvanise and encourage the Church.
Our prayer for you and all God’s people is expressed in Paul’s words to the Corinthians, as adapted: “[May] He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food … supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness; [may] you … be enriched in everything for all liberality, which … is producing thanksgiving to God.” (2 Cor 9:10-11)
David Jones, Chief Executive
