Approximately 40 people attended the afternoon session and another 30 came in the evening to listen to a presentation given by Robin Stevens, former National Stewardship Officer of the C of E.
the afternoon meeting in progress
We were very fortunate in having Robin to give this presentation. His experience of and commitment to the idea of Christian giving shone through the talk which was sure-footed in its conviction and enlivened by pointed humour. When he was succeeded in 2005 in his post as National officer, the bishop of Ripon remarked that he would be a hard act to follow – and after having listened to the presentation I can see why he would have been moved to say that.
Cogently, persuasively and ultimately compellingly, Robin set out the case for the scripture-based demand to make monetary contributions in proportion to one’s ability, and for any Christian’s responsibility to further the church’s mission in the community through such contribution.
He showed how this is a demand, not exactly made of us by the church, but one we will make of ourselves in response to God’s love for us – in accordance with our understanding of our own discipleship. He illustrated this with the Six Steps.
Six steps in Christian giving
Our Christian stewardship can operate on a number of levels. Where are we now? Where would Christ like to see us? Can we move up a level?
Survival. I give a bit when I’m asked because I hope the church will be there if I need it, though with any luck I won’t have to. My giving is a bit of an insurance policy, really.
Supermarket. I’m happy to pay for the bits of the church that I want to enjoy. I can ignore the challenging or boring parts of the church, and still enjoy some benefits.
Support. I think the Church is important and that I’m a member of the supporters club, so I’m happy to play my part in sustaining it.
Subscription. I see myself as a member of the church and want to contribute my fair share of the costs. Church membership is part of my identity, and others recognize that I play an important part in the life of the Church.
Submission. My understanding is that if I am to be a Christian I should put God first in my life. My giving is more about God than the institution of the Church.
Sacrifice. My Christian calling is to be Christ-like. I really do believe that God ‘demands my soul, my life, my all’. Because God has given me so much, even his own Son, I want to give back, joyfully and sacrificially.
Sacrificial giving is costly; it doesn’t come out of loose change or surplus. It is a reflection of God’s sacrifice in Jesus.
When reviewing our current church contribution we might consider the biblical guide-line of the tithe but the diocese recommends 5% church contribution, with the other 5% to some other charities.
Nothing very humourous in any of that, so let me finish the report by repeating one of Robin’s pointed jokes:
A twenty pound note and a one pound coin were having a conversation.
The note said: “I lead such an exciting life! I get taken out to all the best places, swanky restaurants, fantastic holiday resorts, and I lounge around in the first class areas in airports. I cannot wait to find out where I’ll be going next.”
Turning to the one pound coin the note asked:”And what about you?”
“Oh,” replied the coin, “I go to church a lot.”
