Taking a Deeper Look: Stewardship

I'm continuing a series on a deeper look at the 6 areas of growth in our Rooted in God's Love initiative.  Check out earlier posts on Study and Prayer, then dive into today's post on Stewardship!

Biblical Basis

It's easy to read the Old Testament and understand that a tithe (AKA 10%) was expected of everything.  For generations people have argued that it doesn't apply in New Testament living.  Here's 5 passages to read.  You connect the dots and see that we are to continue in this grace of giving!

Passages: Leviticus 27, Malachi 3, 2 Corinthians 8-9, Genesis 14, Hebrews 7

Growing in Stewardship

Our Rooted in God's Love formational goals range all the way from "I know all things belong to God" to "I am investing in the global church with my time and treasures."  As usual, quite a range.  However, also note that one can't simply start giving money to foreign missionaries and be rooted in stewardship.  It's a process of growth and requires much more than some of your money.

While I am for from an expert on this myself, here are some other resources that can push you to grow in this area:

Contagious Generosity by Barry Cameron
Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey
The ABC's of Financial Freedom by Barry Cameron
Proverbs: Wealth - A Sermon by Mark Driscoll

DISCLAIMER: I'm not saying any of these resources have the ideas of stewardship perfected, but they have been partners on my journey, so I offer them to you hoping you can use them wisely as well!  Be a good STEWARD!

Some Practical First Steps

1. Step back and check if what you're giving is still a tithe.  Those cost of living raises or extra side jobs add up fast!
2. Do an evaluation of all your resources. Are there resources that could be finding a purpose in God's Kingdom that aren't being used?  Make a list of things you can use to enhance the kingdom.
3. Check your schedule.  Our responsibility to manage our time well is stewardship.  Are you wasting time that could be focused on something more productive?  Are you giving God space to work in your schedule or are you manhandling it with the things you want?

Taking Root,

Blake

This Week's Wins

Some more reasons to be reminded that I LOVE MY CHURCH!

• We've got a new brother in Christ! Be praying for Aaron as we know that Satan usually likes to attack in situations like this (See Jesus, Matthew 4).  Also, consider inviting our new brother to your small group, Sunday school class, or just out to lunch!
  
• KCA Pastor Appreciation was REALLY cool!  Just makes me smile thinking about seeing so many CCC kids quoting and singing scripture as they appreciated us and challenged us at the same time!  Special thanks for our notes and cards too!  You keep those around for future encouragement...

• A Lot of People Filled-In for Role's they don't usually play this week!  It's just stressful to fill-in for role's that aren't usually yours.  This week, I can count double digit people who did that to help fill in the gaps!  That's a great TEAM!
• Some Pictures From the Week...

This is a 55 Gallon Trash Can FULL of Candy!
People tell me it takes about 4 of these to be ready for Trunk O Treat!
Great job so far!

Tinley got to spend time with her Great Grandparents this weekend!
I post this because I want to THANK so many of you for being Tinley's
Grandmas, Grandpas, Aunts, Uncles, and cousins during the week!
It means a ton to have that kind of family at church!

What's Up Wednesday!

All kinds of opportunities for you and your family to take a step towards being rooted in the upcoming weeks.  Here's 3 I want to highlight:

1. Prayer Vigil - I can't tell you how many times I've witnessed people's faith being changed by intentional time away in prayer.  God is really good at speaking to us when we give him the margin to do so.  Get yourself and/or your family signed up today!
   
2. SuperStart - Click here for more details on this trip for 4th-5th graders.  Click Here to get signed up ASAP!
   
3. Buried:  Student Fall Retreat - Click here for more details on this trip for middle and high school students.  Click here to get signed up before Nov. 1!

Taking Root,

Blake

This Week's Wins

Running a little slow on the blog this week, sometimes God has other ministry in mind!

Here's a few pictures to highlight some good things:

Trunk o Treat: Is this you?

The details at the end are wrong, but I love this video promoting trunk o treat!

Trunk or Treat Downtown Promo from Heather Dobbins on Vimeo.

FYI - This was the first thing that popped up when I googled Trunk o Treat promo.  Gotta love the internet!

So....

Here's our details:

Wednesday, October 31, beginning at 5:30 pm.

We need the following:

• TRUNKS! Contact the church office to get signed up to host a trunk.  We have limited spots, so call ASAP!
  
• CANDY! LOTS AND LOTS OF CANDY!!  We're talking thousands of kids here.  Donate your candy in the bin in the foyer.

Taking Root,

Blake