On Sunday, June 7, I shared with Calvary Community Church that $10,000 of our benevolence funds would be redistributed back to 100 different groups within the church body with the goal of identifying and meeting financial needs within the local community.
We recognize that 100 different groups will be able to identify and meet the financial needs of more people within our community more efficiently and effectively than through one centralized program.
So Calvary groups, here are your guidelines:
1. This is God’s $100…
2. Pray and Be Intentional…
3. Meet a Local Financial Need…
4. Email: stories@calvarycc.org by August 1
As we continue to learn what it means to live and love like Jesus in the context of community, we hope and pray that this will open doors for transformation in the lives of those in need in our community and within the Calvary body.
While money is able to meet financial needs, lets keep our hearts open to what God would want to do in order to meet the spiritual needs of those we encounter as well.
{ 3 comments }
Pastor Shawn,
I have appreciated your efforts with the 100 X 100 initiative and many of the things that the church has been doing for members. The bible talks about giving generously, profusely, to those in need. God gave us more than we can return, and so I personally feel accountable to give also.
But I am concerned about where is the line. Your sermons recently on personal accountability in Christ have touched on this point while reiterating the giving that is essential too. But when I read the postings on the blog I read that every request was granted. Everyone who, and resource was available, received. Yet here in California, if not the nation, we have a culture of entitlement. I need my house, even if I can’t afford it. I need my car, even if I cannot maintain it. I find this particularly amongst our community, inside and outside our church.
Jesus gave us the ultimate gift, and while he walked amongst us he met many needs. But Jesus did not meet everyone’s request. How do we draw the line as Christians? Has the Calvary Community drawn the line?
Chris:
It may appear that every request is granted. Actually, that is not the case. We say “no” to many requests. Some we say “no” to because we have helped as much as we can. Some we say “no” to because we just can’t help at the time. Some we say “no” to because there are issues of personal responsibility that have continually been ignored. I would suggest you stop by the “info” booth some Sunday and speak to Pastor Steve Day (Calvary’s Care Pastor). He usually hangs around there after the services. Or, give drop him an email during the week. He can share with you the very clear criteria we use to evaluate who and how we help others in need. You will quickly discover that while Calvary is generous (as Jesus would want), we don’t just hand out funds to everyone who asks. There are biblical, common sense guidelines we use to sort through our benevolence to others. We even watched as our small groups moved through a similar process naturally as they participated in the 100 X 100. It just would be awkward and perhaps embarrassing to share the stories of the many occasions we do not sense the Spirit leading us to help. Great input on your part. Be assured that while we will remain deeply committed to showing the love of Jesus through our generosity to those hurting during this time, we do it with prayerful balance!
Shawn Thornton
I will do that. Thanks for your insight and thoughtful response.
Chris
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