Recession-Proof Evangelism (Part 3)
“But now, since I no longer have any room for work in these regions, and since I have longed for many years to come to you, I hope to see you in passing as I go to Spain, and to be helped on my journey there by you, once I have enjoyed your company for a while. At present, however, I am going to Jerusalem bringing aid to the saints.” Romans 15:23-25
What would have happened if Paul after writing his letter received Rome’s response saying something like:
“We’re really sorry Paul but we’re not going to be able to help you on your way to Spain. You see, the bill collectors are calling and the Roman Express bill is late and we took out an interest only, sub-prime loan on the villa. We used “same as cash” credit for the chariot wheels and the misses just had to buy a party toga for the gala. We’re sorry but we just can’t afford to help your missionary work to Gaul.”
Signed, The Church at Rome
I’m not suggesting that there was no debt in Paul’s day; historians know that debt was a part of ancient Roman society. It’s one reason why people became slaves; failing to make good on a loan! However, had Paul made it to Gaul the church in Rome would not have had any problem assisting him in his ministry funding. Listen to his confidence in requesting their support. They simply did not carry the amount and scope of debt that we westerners do today.
But what a difference a few thousand years make! I believe that many missionaries and ministries fail to find support today because Christians, allowing themselves to become buried under a mountain of debt, don’t have any money to give. When the paycheck is already allocated to paying off debt before the month begins people simply can’t give to ministry and the work that God perhaps wanted to do through them isn’t theirs to do. Knowing that many Christians are in debt because of risky behavior makes raising support difficult; we’re struggling to share in Paul’s confidence. It was not supposed to be this way. We’re instructed to owe no one anything but a debt of love and reminded that the borrower is a slave to the lender. Even KontaktMission, our mission agency requires that we be debt-free. So how can evangelism take place in the midst of a down economy and indebted people?
God’s people need to get out of debt! Think of the good work that could be done, the ministries supported, the lives and communities changed if all of us were debt-free. The thought is staggering. God wants to work through his people, he wants the senders to send the goers, but to do that his people and his church need to have the money to give. Below are a few ideas on how to accomplish this:
1. Stop using credit. Somehow we bought the lie that said we had to have “it” now. So we opened credit accounts, applied for credit cards, used “same as cash” and borrowed money for houses we couldn’t afford. We must stop spending money we don’t have on things we can’t afford!
2. Seek counsel from someone who can teach you how to become debt-free. Like many people, my wife and I looked to Dave Ramsey to help us become debt-free. Our congregation runs Financial Peace University a few times a year and we’re now graduates of FPU and living completely debt-free! This is not a boast but a testament to the power of living out God’s financial plan. In my opinion Dave’s is the best approach to money management for Christians that I have ever heard of.
3. Re-examine your priorities. One of Dave Ramsey’s slogans is “Live like no-one else so later you can live like no-one else.” Christians have historically been known as givers and living debt-free allows us to continue our mandate from Jesus to give. Likewise, being shackled to a credit-card company keeps us from being able to freely choose who to give to. Do you want to give to Jesus or American Express Excess?
4. Elders, teach your people to live debt-free. One of the qualifications for an elder is living a self-controled life and I believe that this encompasses financial control. Elders must model and teach financial control for their people so that they can freely do the work that God has called them to. Asking them to support ministers, ministries, elders, missionaries, benevolence, and a building plan while struggling under a mountain of debt is dangerous. It’s better to lead them through financial freedom so that they can give to all of the great things that honor God.
5. Elders, keep your churches debt-free. Sadly, I have heard of a few churches that began building projects during the (fake) financial boom that are now sinking under a mountain of debt because they borrowed more than they should have and now can’t afford to pay their lenders. Guess what? Those churches are having to pass up great ministry opportunities. If your congregation is in debt, do what Dave Ramsey recommends, start your emergency fund, pile on the money to pay off the debt, and become and stay debt-free.
6. Remember, God’s grace extends to your wallet. It’s tempting to think that our financial lives are outside of God’s scope of redemption. The temptation to lose hope when in debt is great, especially when realizing that it was your fault for the financial mess you’re in. Fear not, God’s grace extends to your wallet and the way you handle money is being sanctified. Realizing your sin in handling money and repenting of it is the first step in changing your behavior. God is slow to anger and abounding in love and promises to work all things together for your good for those who love him, including your financial life. Look to Jesus, repent of your sin, and seek Godly counsel for getting your life back. It’s worth it.
Evangelism in a recession can and is happening. Individuals and churches can continue to give but it will take a commitment to living like Jesus and following God’s commands about our finances. And you know what? Being debt-free is great and controlling your finances is important but giving to others because of your love for God and your commitment to changing the world is priceless.
