Missionary Baptist Church

It’s Sunday morning and it’s offering time. What are you thinking? Have you ever wondered if people are really giving when the offering plate passes around at Church? Or, have you ever thought to yourself, why is this person preaching at me about giving? Why is he/she saying I am cursed? All of these questions and more are going through people’s head at Church. But no one would dare asked it out loud. Well I have asked and answered the questions in my new book, “Mis-education of the Christian: On Money and Giving.” This book will shed some light on what I believe should be the motivation for giving and receiving an offering in our Churches.

I am concerned about what happens in Churches today in America. There are games being played with people who sincerely love God. Although giving is a staple in the Church, a recent study show giving is on a decline. According to Barna Research, the proportion of households that tithe their income to their church, give at least ten percent of their income to that ministry - has dropped by 62 percent, from 8 percent in 2001 to just 3 percent of adults during 2002 (2003); and, the study's authors state that only 9 percent of Christians tithed their income to churches in 2004. So, I ask the question "Why?" Why has the offering decreased? I believe it is because of the mis-education.

I had the privilege of being the Director of Stewardship and the ministry head for the Financial Counseling Department at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church for over 10 years. I was always amazed at the various responses I would get about giving. I thought at the core of our giving should be a love for Christ. But, for some it was not. Unfortunately, we are never honest in our conversation about money and giving at church. It’s like we are in this silent agreement. I think it is time to stop being silent in the pews.

There will be no more silence in the pews when it comes to money and giving, if I can help it. There is lot of talk today outside of the Church about money, giving, and prosperity preachers. But, the ironic thing about the 'prosperity' message is that statistically as you see church offerings are on a decline.

My book, Mis-education of the Christian…: On Money and Giving has been released through Author House Publishing. The book outlines money and giving from Genesis to Revelations. The book addresses the true motives and purpose for giving. Have you ever wondered why there is so much confusion?

"It's time for Christians to study". "The Bible tells us that God’s people perish for lack of knowledge."

In my book, I take a look at Abraham and his motives for giving an offering to Melchizedek. Did you know that Abraham had just returned from battle? Lot had been taken captive. When Abraham learned of Lot’s captured, he gathered his army and went out to battle to gain Lot’s freedom.

On Abraham’s victorious return from battle Melchizedek, King of Salem, saw him and sent his men to refresh Abraham. Then Abraham showed his appreciation by giving the King a tenth of his spoils. This is just one story that I share in my book that gives us the true motive for giving. I believe Abraham acted out of appreciation, not fear; not greed; he was not asking for anything from God. He was giving out of his heart because of what had already been done.

I believe this is what we are missing at church during the offering time. It’s time to check the conditions of our heart. It’s time for our affections to be turned back toward God. God challenges us to remember Him in Deuteronomy 8:18. We show God that we love Him by presenting a portion of our spoils as an act of worship. We give because of what He has already done.

As a whole, I don’t believe that giving is the problem—I believe it's the motives. The motive behind the teaching and the motive behind the giver or the lack of giving is the issue. The Bible says, 'you will know the truth and the truth will make you free.' It is time for the Body of Christ to be free." In the Mis-education of the Christian…: On Money and Giving, you will be education and informed on what the Bible says about money.

Quote:
"It's critical that believers have a scriptural context for money. From Genesis to Revelation -- this book gives readers easy-to-read Bible-based guidelines on how God views money - it will help to liberate and empower all who embrace and apply its principles."

Regina Freeman-Lewis, APR-president

Celsius Holdings Corp.

"Mis-education of the Christian has challenged me to think about why I do what I do. Today more than ever before, I am more conscious of what the Bible teaches about money. This book has motivated me to truly check the condition of my heart upon giving. It's a must-read for Christians and non-Christians alike. It will dispel any myths you've had about the Bible and money, and will free you to be more faithful in your giving."

Lisa Harriston Birch

Harriston Birch Communications

My motivation for publishing this book was because of my own desire to know the truth and I feel that it's my mission to share the truth. I am a Proclaimer of Truth.