A Christian View of Money

Pastors attending this year’s regional conferences are offered an additional three-day seminar on A Christian View of Money presented by the Christian Stewardship Association (CSA).

"In my opinion and experience, CSA did a great job helping me fill the void left when we ended ‘legalistic tithing,’ " said Ron Dick, pastor of the Lexington and Hazard, Kentucky, churches.

"After reading their materials, I was able to effectively teach giving as worship and stewardship life-style principles. Our experience at the institute with presenter Mark Vincent helped reinforce the whole package. The result is ongoing healthy financial growth in both my congregations."

Mr. Dick noted that it takes a while to get from acceptance of the principles to consistent practice because it is first a change in values followed by resetting of life-style priorities. "For this reason, I feel that any pastor who wants his congregation to grow in this area needs to avail himself of the training."

Dan Fricke, pastor of the Vancouver, Washington, and Portland, Oregon, West churches, noted that the more than 15 hours of interactive instruction focuses on "how we are stewards of the many blessings and graces of God."

Class participants receive an enriched understanding of how God views stewardship, according to Mr. Fricke. "Stewardship is where one’s faith connects with all aspects of life. How each of us manages money becomes an expression of our relationship with our generous God."

Comments from those attending from the Portland conference are as follows:

Sue Lageman, a deaconess in the Portland West church: "The training provides a spiritually based, Christ-centered approach and model on how we should handle personal and congregational finances. I found the expanded view on firstfruits living and giving a significant and guiding principle."

Glen Weber, pastor of the Spokane and Kennewick, Washington, and Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, churches: "I was amazingly surprised that the class actually dealt with a whole new way of thinking. In fact, it has transformed how I see my life and the life of the congregations I serve."

Robin Chester, pastor of the Bend, Oregon, church: "I found the CSA class life-changing with respect to my spending and giving habits. I have already acquired a newfound freedom from the grip of the money god."

Wayne Mitchell, pastor of the Salem, Oregon, church: "The class brought a fresh insight and perspective to the concept of firstfruits living and brought a renewed conviction from the Holy Spirit to live that way, not just give that way. Mark Vincent is certainly gifted and anointed to do this teaching. I wish everyone in my congregation could go through the class."

The tuition for the class is $450 per person for any interested member.

PASADENA SESSION—Mark Vincent, top center,
leads stewardship seminar June 6 in Pasadena.
[Photo by Thomas C. Hanson]

Copyright © Worldwide Church of God, 2002