Stop talking, and show me!

A quote from Christianity Today, talking about why Christians don't put more into the offering plate. I'm gonna skip the main part, and I want to jump to the end, where the article talks about Francis Chan and his church.

Francis Chan, pastor of Cornerstone Church in California's Simi Valley, says churches are often theologically accurate when they teach about giving. But they haven't reoriented themselves.

Chan asks, "Do our actions show that we really believe that our money belongs to God?" Cornerstone gives away 55 percent of what it brings in. And staff members have tried to model financial generosity in a number of ways. Some raided their retirement accounts and gave the money to organizations serving the poor and needy. Some started businesses and donated the profits (and then their free time) back to the church.

The example spread to church members. A college student moved into his car, showered and shaved at friends' homes, and gave what had been his rent money to a Christian aid organization. A single professional moved in with his parents so he could give away a large percentage of his paycheck.

Cornerstone faced a difficult choice when its leadership looked into purchasing a new building. After five years of stagnant attendance, the church realized that its building limited growth. So Chan and the rest of the pastoral staff brought in consultants and architects who laid out a sweeping new campus for the church: an extended complex of buildings, brick streets, fountains, and gardens.

"I really felt it was repulsive," Chan says. "It showed us spending money for our own comfort."

Chan showed the designs to the congregation. When the gasps subsided, he told them it was off the table. Instead of a huge sanctuary, he explained, they were building an open-air amphitheater and saving millions of dollars. A few small buildings would suffice for offices. "There is greater joy in sacrifice," Chan says, "than when we give just out of our excess."

Christianity today "Scrooge lives!"

What an amazing impact "being examples to the flock" (1 Peter 5:3) can have! If you're a leader, lets not forget the simple truth, constantly exhibited in scripture, of leading by example. It really is powerful.... I'm often a horrible example in many issues, but i'll keep trying!

By the way, like Francis said, we are probably theologically accurate in our teachings on giving. Yet, does that go from our head to heart? Where does our money go?

Work that out!