Aug 18 2010

Funded and Free

I have heard Andy Stanley ask the following question numerous times:

What do I believe is impossible to do in my field…but if it could be done would fundamentally change my business?

Pursuing a picture of a preferred future energizes everyone with at least one leadership bone in their body.  The challenge? Vision almost always outpaces the capital needed to pull it off.  Don’t sit back and wait for a better set of circumstances.  Your calling is too important to back down from just because it presents a challenge that you can’t afford to solve.  Besides, what you are called to do always precedes how you are going to do it.

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My friends Casey Graham and Joe Sangl have written an important book specifically for church leaders that will help you navigate and prepare for the challenges/opportunities that are ahead.  Don’t just “hope” to generate a culture of generosity at your church.  Embrace the tools needed to see that culture become a reality.  Here is a link to purchase Funded and Free. Do it today!



Comments Off | posted in Generosity, Leadership

Aug 17 2010

Generosity from Buffett

You might not recognize the picture, but you will recognize the name.  This is a story of  generosity.  This is Warren Buffett – in his own words.

In 2006, I made a commitment to gradually give all of my Berkshire Hathaway stock to philanthropic foundations. I couldn’t be happier with that decision. Now, Bill and Melinda Gates and I are asking hundreds of rich Americans to pledge at least 50% of their wealth to charity. So I think it is fitting that I reiterate my intentions and explain the thinking that lies behind them.  First, my pledge: More than 99% of my wealth will go to philanthropy during my lifetime or at death. Measured by dollars, this commitment is large. In a comparative sense, though, many individuals give more to others every day.

You can read the rest right here…

Comments Off | posted in Generosity

Aug 9 2010

54 Years

I received a great email a few weeks ago from a lady at Freedom. I wanted to pass it along. It’s a great reminder.

Pastor JR,
Message today was right on. I want to share my story about giving…I have been a tither (10%) since I accepted Christ in 1955 – even though I had three small children and lost my husband only 1 1/2 month’s after I accepted Christ.  I have never become wealthy, but my needs have always been met. When I get my Social Security and retirement checks, the tithe comes out first.
If we put God first in our finances, he promises to meet our needs. Maybe not all our wants, but all our needs. It just seems to make the rest of the money’s go further. At least that is what I have found to be true over 54 years of trusting the Lord. Mal 3:10 says, Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there may be food in my house, and test me now with this, says the Lord, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.  This is the message I heard back then and it hasn’t changed over the years. God is faithful to His word. When things get tough, He always has made a way, it would be hard to not trust Him after over 54 years of His being faithful to His word.  He always has been and He always will be.

Comments Off | posted in Empowerment, Generosity, Gratitude, Leadership, Partnership

Jul 28 2010

MidWeek Review

  • Great day on Sunday at Freedom.
  • Spoke on Giving / Trust and had 35 families sign up to take the 90 Day Giving Challenge.
  • I am excited for them and for all that God is going to do in their lives as a result.
  • I’ve never been more excited about what God is doing at our church and in my life as I am right now.  That is a great thing.
  • We are going to the next level when it comes to investing in Church Planting all across the world.  More to come on that very soon.
  • I have learned some things recently that have transformed my prayer life.  I am asking God for the “impossible” and moving forward with expectancy knowing that God has an incredible plan.
  • Sunday is our last day at Barber before moving back to North Cobb High School on August 8th!  Can’t wait!
  • Don’t miss this Sunday.  Mark it down right now – it will be an incredible day!

Comments Off | posted in Church Planting, Generosity