I’m writing to you from Walt Disney, Orlando –  in the middle of our 3-day Church Systems Check-up & Boot Camp. We are blessed to have our largest event attendance ever – just look at this amazing group of pastors!

We’re focused these 3 days on the 8 Systems of a Healthy Church, but with a specific focus on Stewardship, which impacts ALL of the systems.

I shared this story here today – so funny, yet so true . . .

There were two men shipwrecked on an island. The minute they go to the island one of them started screaming and yelling, “We’re going to die! There’s no food or water!” The second man relaxed by a tree and was calm as can be. He simply said, “My pastor will find me.”

The first man looked at him dumbfounded and again said, “We’re on an island with no food and water, we’re going to die!”

The second man answered, “I tithe $5,000 a week to my church. Don’t worry – my pastor will find me!” 

This second man is an example of an extravagant giver – and yes, the kind that all of us want to develop in our churches.

The key is to have a system to move your people from first-time givers to extravagant givers. As a leader of your church, it’s up to you to demonstrate and encourage good Stewardship for one key reason –Stewardship is Discipleship! 

Some key reminders I shared here today in order to develop extravagant givers in your church:

1. You have to model it. 

2. You have to teach it. 

Most people have never been taught about giving and as pastors we may be hesitant to. But remember, that Jesus taught frequently on giving – in fact, 30% of his teachings were about money!

3. You have to challenge people. 

You need to be the chief challenge officer in your church.

At this event we went in-depth on the subject of how to develop your stewardship system and move people up the ladder of generosity to a full life of blessing! As it is written – “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.“Your partner in ministry,

Nelson

P.S. I have several resources available on Stewardship:

For more information on How to Conduct Your Own Tithe Challenge, something we will be doing at The Journey this fall, just click here to learn about my proven resource.

And to help you in implementing the complete Stewardship system, check out The Stewardship Seminar or The Stewardship Intensive – both available in the Church Leader Insights Store.

© Nelson Searcy. All Rights Reserved.

About Nelson Searcy

Nelson Searcy is an experienced church growth strategist, pastor, church planter and coach, consulting with churches around the world. As founder of Church Leader Insights and the Renegade Pastors Network, he has personally trained more than 3,500 church leaders in over 45 denominations through live events, seminars and monthly coaching. Nelson is also the Founding and Lead Pastor of The Journey Church, with locations across New York City and in Boca Raton, FL. Nelson and his church routinely appear on lists such as “The 50 Most Influential Churches” and “The 25 Most Innovative Leaders.” He is the author of over 100 church growth resources and 18+ books, including The Renegade Pastor: Abandoning Average in Your Life, Ministry and The Difference Maker: Using Your Everyday Life for Eternal Impact, and At the Cross with the People Who Were There. He and his wife, Kelley, have one son, Alexander.