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Being Careful with the Family's Generosity

Discussion in 'Pastoral Ministries' started by USN2Pulpit, Feb 2, 2004.

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  1. USN2Pulpit

    USN2Pulpit New Member

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    Today, as is my custom, I spend breakfast at the round table in the local diner, just talking and visiting with folks in town. It's amazing to see how they all begin to talk about church and even the words "being saved." I normally don't have to say much! Today, we were talking, and the conversation led to tiresl, of all things.

    I remarked how slippery it is around here, with the roads being frozen and the tires on my truck being marginal. I joked that driving in this weather, my prayer life has definetely increased. I said that I needed new tires, but it would take me a couple of weeks to save up for it.

    Then secretly, a man that attends my church greeted me with a $100 handshake. I fell so humbled and greatful for the gift - but I wasn't sure it was necessary. The man was giving out of his heart, but I feel so unworthy - no one's ever done that for me before. He thanked me for caring for the church and preaching the Word faithfully, and cautioned me to never make a big deal out of this.

    I need to be careful what I say, because I am finding that some folks care deeply - and are ready to give - even at a flippant, passing word from their pastor.
     
    #1 USN2Pulpit, Feb 2, 2004
  2. Johnv

    Johnv New Member

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    As a person who just put two new tires on his car myself... ;)

    You've been humbled, and blessed. In short, you've just seen a Jesus in action through another person. Accept the gift, and adhere to his request. Don't make a big deal of it. If you want to return the favor, put yourself in a position where you can do the same for someone else some time in the future.

    God bless! [​IMG]
     
    #2 Johnv, Feb 2, 2004
  3. just-want-peace

    just-want-peace Well-Known Member
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    Yeah! What Johnv said!!!!!!

    One of the very few arguments I had with my Father-in-law was because he was adamant that he would not accept something I did, that he had been wanting, without paying me for it.

    He was a VERY giving person, but he found it hard to accept gifts. I had to remind him of the warm fuzzies he got helping others, so he ought to allow others to be able to feel the same!!
     
    #3 just-want-peace, Feb 2, 2004
  4. David Mark

    David Mark New Member

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    That made me think of a song by Don Fransisco.

    "Gotta tell somebody, what Jesus did for me...".

    Cheers,

    Dave
     
    #4 David Mark, Feb 3, 2004
  5. Pastor Larry

    Pastor Larry <b>Moderator</b>
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    Some of the greatest perks I get are the non-salary things that people me. It is a blessing to know that they think of me outside of the offering on Sunday morning. I was figuring up the other day that in the 5 years I have been here, I have been the recipient of more than $15,000 worth of gifts, food, etc from people who minister to me in that way. I alway try to expresss my thankfulness. To me, it means a lot more than salary because it is individual thoughtfulness. It is people putting Galatians 6:6 into action.
     
    #5 Pastor Larry, Feb 3, 2004
  6. j_barner2000

    j_barner2000 Member

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    Brother Matt... Praise God that you have ministered to the people in your church for such a short time and they feel led by the Lord to minister back to you. I would humbly accept it and thankGod for the smooth transition He has given you. I remember when they called you, they were hurting. I thank God that they recognize His call, and His love in your life and service.
     
    #6 j_barner2000, Feb 3, 2004
  7. Dr. Bob

    Dr. Bob Administrator
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    It is really HARD for me to accept gifts/charity/largess from others. I LOVE to give, but not receive. Feel "beholding" to folks who give, like I owe them a debt for their kindness.

    Suspicious nature, assuming they have an alternative motive? Probably. I grew up in a tough neighborhood and that could have warped my thinking.

    But God is constantly changing my thinking.

    For which I am grateful.
     
    #7 Dr. Bob, Feb 4, 2004
  8. USN2Pulpit

    USN2Pulpit New Member

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    I am in company with you on this one - at least in this instance. I can afford the tires, given another week, so I felt uneasy about accepting the gift. But this gentleman was giving of his heart - not just his wallet - and I didn't want to insult him by refusing his gift. I have preached and taught about being a loving and caring people...it just didn't occur to me that I would be the target. The thing is, I know that there are people around in more need than I - that's what I'm having trouble with.
     
    #8 USN2Pulpit, Feb 4, 2004
  9. Hardsheller

    Hardsheller Active Member
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    Just keep your eyes open and you will see someone you can bless like you were blessed. [​IMG]
     
    #9 Hardsheller, Feb 4, 2004
  10. Pastor Larry

    Pastor Larry <b>Moderator</b>
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    What about this idea? To refuse to accept gifts from people is to hinder their ministry? Giving is a part of ministering. The first big gift I got was a suit, shirt, shoes, and ties. When I says "big" I mean it totaled close to $1000. I was so uncomfortable with it. I constantly tried to get out of it, I tried to talk myself down to a cheaper outfit and forgo the tie and shoes. I tried everything. Finally this person told me that I had to let them do this for me because it was a part of their ministry to me according to 1 Thess 5:12 and Gal 6:6. So I reluctantly agreed but have since realized (for me at least) that this is part of letting people minister. When you constantly teach them to minister, you have to let them.
     
    #10 Pastor Larry, Feb 5, 2004
  11. Trapper

    Trapper New Member

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    Hello USN2Pulpit
    I've been a pastor a little over a year and several 100 dollar handskakes have come my way. To refuse would not be possible in most cases, they would simply be offended. Most will also offer hunting rights or fishing permission. I've come to realize it's just Christian people helping Christian people. But your right it is a strange situation.
    Ol Trapper
     
    #11 Trapper, Feb 6, 2004
  12. USN2Pulpit

    USN2Pulpit New Member

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    Now this would be most welcome!
     
    #12 USN2Pulpit, Feb 7, 2004
  13. Precepts

    Precepts New Member

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    That would mean about an extra $3750 in taxes
    :eek: No. It is always grand to know just how much people are willing to meet your needs and show how much they care. Refusal of one's giving can very easily offend, just as much as expecting a "deal" on memeber's services and a taking advantage can too.
     
    #13 Precepts, Feb 7, 2004
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