We do a very good job of talking about money in this congregation.   We’ve been blessed with strong office and financial staff.  We have good boundaries; we provide frequent and transparent reporting.  We do a decent job of teaching biblical financial principles (10-10-80).  We understand financial stewardship to be discipleship, not organizational fund raising. These are tough economic times, but God is doing a good thing among us!   Thank you for continuing to give generously to God through the ministry of this church. 
So let’s test a theory that one of our ministry groups (Stewardship Team) has posited.  As we do,  keep in mind that our stated mission  is “to reach others with the love of Christ.”  

Here’s the working hypothesis: It is easier to teach people to share their money (be good stewards of money) than it is to share the Gospel (be good stewards of our greatest possession, the free gift of God’s love in Christ Jesus).

Short version of the theory: We are frightened, even dumbstruck, when it comes to sharing the good news of God’s saving act in Jesus. We’re rather tithe than evangelize.

On the outside chance that the theory is true ... which would be very problematic for any disciple/community of disciples “marked with the cross of Christ” and committed to being “witnesses of the resurrection” in the world .... we are confronting it head on.  For three Sundays (5/24, 5/31, 6/7), we’ll explore together “how to share our faith.” 

I pray that it will surprise noone that we Lutherans don’t do evangelism like a lot of others in the “Jesus family.”   We’re big on grace, what God has done for us in Jesus rather than what we do for God (by belief or act).  This series has the possibility to transform you as disciples ... free you from guilt ... and inspire you to the most joyful ministry we have as disciples of Jesus. Here’s the plan:

Listen May 24 - Ascension Sunday “Listen to their God story.” Listen actively, carefully, lovingly, to what God is doing in the other person.  God is alive, working for good in the world.   The ‘other’ is important to God, our neighbor, a sister or brother.  God is doing something already in their life.  Don’t be vain ... you may be the one who receives a witness!

Share May 31 - Pentecost Sunday “Share your God story” Think about how God has acted in your life, in the past and right now.  Draw a time line of your life, or do a spiritual audit right now. Where has/is God been especially close and active in your life.  What is your experience of God’s love and grace in your life?  You might have to practice this, but “you can do it?”

Tell June 7 - Trinity Sunday “Tell God’s story” Each Sunday we rehearse the entire history of God’s saving act in a memorizable form.  It’s called the Apostolic Creed.  We practice sharing the faith with each other every week in worship!  God created everything, God redeemed everything, God is busy in everything even now!  That’s good news for everyone.

I am so excited about this series ... the chance to grow ... to teach ... to equip ... how to “Listen + Share + Tell!”