Emphasis Preaching Journal

Money, or more correctly, the lack of money is a problem in many congregations. But the pastor of the First Christian Church in Kingsport, Tennessee, reports that instead of begging for money, his church gives it away. At a worship service one Sunday, each person was given a $5 bill. And the members were told to invest that money with their natural and spiritual talents. Some of the members proceeded to use that money to purchase craft supplies and sold their wares for a profit. And others used their money in various creative ways. After ten weeks the church members returned the fruits of their investments. The original $1,500 had now become $8,500. By receiving that free money, that Tennessee congregation learned something about giving. -- Bowen