Alert the media – I went to church yesterday. Scratch that, just alert my mother because she’s the only one who really cares. For the past few months I’ve been in church burn-out mode. Rather than Sunday mornings being a time of worship and refreshing, church has sort of felt like maddening water torture. I guess we all go through that from time to time and I don’t feel too bad about. God made me a complicated and emotional creature so I’m sure He’s not surprised… and judging by some church services I’ve been to in my day, it is quite obvious that He too stays home on occasion.
A year ago, I began visiting my sister’s church. It’s a protestant non-denominational congregation that meets in an old retired convent. Apparently, this pastor skipped class the day that his seminary covered the rulebook for organized Southern religion. It is unlike any other church I have ever been a part of. There is no elaborate production to their worship. No one stands on a stage to perform. Instead of expensive stained glass artwork there is a simple cross made of drift wood that hangs on the wall. Each prayer request is called out loud and new visitors receive a handwritten card in the mail. This, to me, is church done well.
Yesterday, I noticed for the first time that they do not collect an offering. There is a non-descriptive box by the door for collecting donations. I’ve worked in the church world for ten years, so I know how important the offering is. If the congregation doesn’t give, the lights get turned off, VBS doesn’t happen, and the staff members don’t get paid. Some churches overdo the offertory and people quickly become jaded by church leaders “beating the sheep” to receive donations, as the pastor said yesterday. Their philosophy is based off of 2 Corinthians 2:7, “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.”
I believe that everyone should donate to something, whether it is church work, world relief or a children’s hospital. Donating encourages a healthy perspective on money and allows us to feel like we’re a part of something bigger than ourselves. In 2008, despite the economic crisis, Americans gave more than $307 billion dollars to charities. Based on that fact alone, I don’t think our great nation is going to fall apart just yet. We still have a lot of heart left – and heart will carry you a long way.
For where your treasure is… there your heart will be also.
Where is YOUR heart?
Want to get involved but don’t know how? Here’s a ministry I proudly support and highly recommend.
