| Author | Message | ||
| Dennis Registered user Username: Dennis Post Number: 1031 Registered: 4-2000  |
Faith Bible Church had its first service on the campus of Union College ten years ago. Their first meeting in the Everett Dick Building brought together 170 devout believers in Jesus Christ. The first offering was most generous for being such a small group. The offering actually amounted to several thousand dollars. Some felt that this was probably due to the excitement of starting a new church, that people had probably been piling up their offerings, and that this would soon dissipate with weekly services. However, the following weeks revealed a different story with consistent, sacrificial, Spirit-led giving. This was all achieved without taking up a single offering during the worship service. This unique stewardship model is still upheld today at Faith Bible Church here in Lincoln, Nebraska. They NEVER take up an offering during their worship services. They simply extended the "faith" part in their name to apply to their stewardship as well. Their annual budget now amounts to nearly one million dollars. Today their 1000+ worshippers enjoy a beautiful, new structure and campus without any formal membership requirements. Without embracing Old Covenant tithing codes and without labeling people as robbers and thieves, worshippers simply drop by the information desk in the back of the worship center to deposit their sacrificial gifts in a slot simply marked as "offerings." Some families have been observed as actually kneeling together quietly in prayer before joyfully depositing their monetary gifts to God. They consider grace giving as an act of worship. However, their stewardship remains a very personal matter between them and God. May their tribe increase! Theologically, this church family largely embraces the teachings of John MacArthur. The children's ministries utilize the materials from John Piper. On eschatology and nonessentials, there is diversity of thought. Without any sabbathing and tithing requirements, this congregation stands out from the crowd. It is no wonder that many find it most exciting to be a part of this successful stewardship program--myself included. Dennis Fischer | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 3600 Registered: 3-2004  |
Dennis, I really like this way of worship. I would like to be part of a worship like this. Diana | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 5760 Registered: 12-2003  |
Dennis, what a wonderful approach to "church". I'm glad you have found a home in such a spiritually nurturing congregation. Colleen | ||
| Benevento Registered user Username: Benevento Post Number: 147 Registered: 4-2005 |
My husband always felt if the true gospel was preached there would be no need for appeals and offerings taken up in church. I went to an SDA campmeeting last summer after any years of being away and was horrified by the many appeals.The church Dennis tells about is a wonderful example. Peggy | ||
| River Registered user Username: River Post Number: 713 Registered: 9-2006  |
I have always felt that if the true gospel was heeded by all there would be no reason for a collection plate. Then maybe we could get by with a slot. |
