Archive

http://www.intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=Budgeting-for-Pastors&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0

How to live on a shoestring budget for anyone.

http://www.intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=32857&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0

Stewardship Part 3: Learning What It Means to Give Cheerfully!

How do you feel when churches, ministries, or even missionaries seek you, asking for funds? Does it give you a toothache? Do you cringe and make the quickest possible exit, or do you see those requests as opportunities to serve? A lot of people run away from stewardship because they do not see it as God does. This is a reflection of our spiritual condition! We should never separate money and finances from our spiritual life. Yet, so many Christians do, seeking to be cheerful with what they can keep, not with how they can be used. Have you ever thought that

http://www.intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=32856&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0

Stewardship Part II

Are you giving what's right, or what's left?

In my experiences and observations, I have observed, with sadness, that most people in evangelical circles do not see stewardship as important. A common response to the subject of stewardship is that all we need to have is a good heart, or be sincere in our faith. Our money, and how we manage life is irrelevant. But, is this true? Is God only concerned with our heart? If so, what does that mean? Well, when you read the Bible, you can see that it has a totally different definition of stewardship than what is popular in the church today!

http://www.intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=45630&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0

This may sound strange, but this article was originally a funeral sermon. This is about the legacy we leave when we pass on, into heaven and God's wonders, rest, and rewards-how we live and then hand down hope by the way we lived and how we touched others. However, as I have done this sermon over the years, I could not help noticing and even be convicted by the Holy Spirit that this is also about building a successful church...

http://www.intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=36275&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0

Shortly after the formation of the Presbyterian Church in America, on 4 December 1973, Dr. Francis A. Schaeffer composed the following thoughts in observance of that event. Notable in his mind was the contrast between the divisions of the 1930's and the 1970's and the manner in which each of these divisions had been conducted.

http://www.intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=46732&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0

When we are not exercising boldness, we will not be able to do missions , in fact we will become Christian cowards. This means we will be held back from what God has called us to do; we will miss the opportunities and connections with others He provides for our growth.

http://www.intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=33033&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0

Are you Willing to Improve Your Preaching? What About Your Words?

When we preach, and whether we use a pulpit or not, we are the "vicars" of Christ on earth-His ambassadors and representatives. In addition, we have been given the stewardship of a special call to proclaim His precepts in truth. In so doing, we are to preach in His power, in clarity, and in genuineness with passion and conviction. And, to top it off, we need to make sure our words are edifying and never condescending or evil. Because, when we preach, we are leading others to Christ.

http://www.intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=32854&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0

Stewardship Part I

Q: What does stewardship mean to you?

There are two words that send the average congregation and common churchgoer into fear and panic, from the leadership and pastorate, that fears to offend or drive people away, to the church member who may be too far stretched in time and giving, and cannot give anymore, to the person who does not want to be convicted, lest he be forced to reach for the sacred will of his wallet or the exercise of His call. Yet, these two words are simple, and needed, because the church and the body of Christ could not function without them being proclaimed and exercised: These simple words are...

http://www.intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=32761&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0

Basic Guide and Checklist to Start and Develop a Program.

After following the process of determining needs and developing a purpose, programs need to be implemented to meet those needs.

Your main goal is to love and serve the Lord with all of your heart, mind and strength…Mark 12:30, and to influence others to do so. At the same time, you need to be effective stewards of resources, including the gifts and abilities as well as the finances and facilities of the church.

http://www.intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=35971&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0

Are you crying out to God asking why things are not going right in your church? Dealing with apathy and ineptitude? Is your church on the path of self-destruction and ineffectiveness? Are people lining up for war in various factions and sides while conflict and discontent are running amok? Are some people gossiping while others are being ignored? Is Christ outside knocking on your door, but not getting in? Instead, have you replaced Him with what you think is relevance and attractiveness to the Gospel but in fact,