“Oh no, it’s that time of the year when they talk about money!” Believe me, I know this is what many of you say when it comes time for our annual stewardship appeal. I have been involved with the finance committee and teaching/preaching stewardship at Wesley since the turn of the century and I know this reaction is pretty common amongst our congregants (and most Christians in the country)! I am always saddened by this reaction as it is completely contradictory to the teachings of Christ. If we talked about money and the stewardship of our resources as much as Jesus did, we certainly wouldn’t hold off until a few weeks each fall.

I have always loved the quote from the former Chaplain of the United States Senate, Richard Halverson, when he said, “Jesus Christ said more about money than about any other single thing because, when it comes to a man’s real nature, money is of first importance. Money is an exact index to a man’s true character. All through Scripture there is an intimate correlation between the development of a man’s character and how he handles his money.” When we understand that all we have is God’s and we are just managing it on His behalf, it totally changes how we approach our budgeting and spending habits.

I have taught many Bible studies over the years on the subject of stewardship and there were two Wesley members who attended EVERY class I ever led … Paul and Jan Gill. I am pretty certain they had more knowledge and experience with the subject matter than I did, but there they were, never missing a class and always telling me how much they learned in the class. They knew that everything they had came from God and not from their own efforts. They were faithful with what God entrusted to them and gave Him thanks for their blessings. I have cried many tears this week as I had to say goodbye to both of them, but I know they heard those words we all strive to hear … “well done, good and faithful servant”.

As we approach this year’s stewardship appeal, I pray that we can all be more like Paul and Jan … thankful for what God has given us to steward, anxious to invest in the ministries of Wesley Church, and faithful to give our first fruits back to the One who gave us the greatest gift of all … His Son.

- James Ingold • Stewardship Chairperson