Is there something we can do to transform the future of our churches by providing a firm operational foundation? The answer is, and always has been, yes. So, what is it?
Of course, we are not speaking ecclesiastically or sacramentally, as that path is clear in the Holy Orthodox Church. And yet, many parishes live financially hand to mouth, and month to month, hoping for a good Festival or strong level of December contributions.
We live in a country of unprecedented abundance and are blessed to be in communion with faithful who are in the top quartile of financial and other blessings. So how do we reconcile the unimaginably endless gifts we possess and the relatively sparse ways in which we invest in our churches and the life-changing ministries they can provide.
In the ancient times before our Lord, our ancestors had The Law and The Prophets. Clear guidance. Clear rules. Clear guard rails. The answer – the tithe.
I can hear some of you now: “Did he really use that ‘T word?’ Oh my goodness, that isn’t Orthodox, is it? Surely, we don’t have to do that very, very ‘difficult’ thing! Or do we? We can’t ‘afford’ to tithe. Why should we?”
Tune in on Wednesday, February 6th at 8:00 p.m. Eastern (7:00 Central; 6:00 Mountain; 5:00 Pacific) to a one-hour, live, internet radio Stewardship Calling program on Ancient Faith Radio and join in the discussion of the tithe with my special guest, and tithing advocate, Nick Kasemeotes. (Tune in here: https://www.ancientfaith.com/radio/live)
This is the first of our new 1st Wednesday Stewardship Calling Ancient Faith Radio programs and you are invited to listen in, or join the chat room, or better yet, call in. In any event, come and learn how the tithe can change your life and help your spiritual journey on your way to salvation. It will also transform the operations of your church. Thanks, and God bless.
Bill Marianes
www.stewardshipcalling.com
Bill@stewardshipcalling.com