Recently, I wrote a letter about my journey in the field of financial development and why the work of raising money for the best seminary in the world is a legitimate, gospel-centered work. Indeed it is an act of worship and discipleship. We cannot claim to be heirs of grace if we are unconcerned about growing in the grace of giving. The letter begins with the next paragraph.
Ten years ago, I began work as a fundraiser for a major research university. The cultural, entertainment, and professional opportunities available were fantastic, but a terrible thought haunted me day-by-day.
The funds I secured supported a school that often ignored the “universal” aspect of her mission. The truth that one God made everything and that we should pursue an understanding of His glory and absolute authority over all things was routinely dismissed as “small-minded.” As I simmered in the cauldron of a foolish and fickle culture enamored with worldly wisdom, the Lord reminded me that He is wisdom — period. If God could be foolish, His foolishness would surpass even the most ingenious worldly thought.
Over time, I arrived at a moral crisis of the first order. I regularly met Christians who invested more in growing a college athletics program or academic department than in fueling the advance of the gospel. The Lord showed me that seeking first His Kingdom meant no longer raising money for initiatives that did not advance, and sometimes undermined, the progress of the gospel. On the day I raised the largest gift in my career, a gift from a Southern Baptist, I was privately devastated. . . what a missed opportunity.
Ten years later, I have the tremendous privilege of raising support for the greatest seminary on the planet. And yet, not every Christian immediately sees it this way. I am frequently asked, “How do you do your job?” or, more directly, “How can you ask someone else for money?” I did everything possible to avoid these probing questions while raising money for a secular university. Today, I eagerly embrace them.
It is often said, “The most difficult topic to discuss in church is giving.” But, why should teaching about the grace of giving be entered upon tentatively when the essence of the gospel is that God gave His Son?
In 1 Corinthians 4:1–2, Paul urges the church, “Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.” What a challenging admonition! We are responsible for our stewardship of the gospel.
Scripture reveals that our willingness and eagerness to give is not so much about giving as it is about the spiritual health of our hearts. Avoiding the issue of giving leaves us vulnerable to a major case of spiritual heart disease. The pastor’s God-given responsibility is to charge the flock of God to examine their hearts and be ready to give (1 Tim. 6:17–19). Pastor, challenge the flock! Christian, urge your pastor to exhort you to excel in the grace of investing for the global advance of the gospel.
Faithful stewardship of the gospel demands that we invest wisely – consistent with the priorities of Christ’s Kingdom and not those of this world. When people consider the gospel and its impact on giving, they will want to know where they can invest and exercise faithful stewardship of the resources God has entrusted to their care.
There are few places like Southeastern, a church-initiated ministry in which believers can invest and impact a variety of gospel-centered initiatives. Where else can a Christian give and realize an immediate return that multiplies into eternity through Christ-exalting alumni serving in so many meaningful ministries? Today, our alumni serve in churches, military and work-place chaplaincy, church plants, Christian education, counseling, reaching unreached people groups, Bible translation, campus ministry, pregnancy support services, and much more.
Over the next 15–20 years, despite the current status of our economy, we will witness the largest generational transfer of wealth in our nation’s history. As baby boomers consider the end-of-life implications for their assets, the tax and financial implications will be huge. Now is the time to be asking big, gospel-centered questions and dreaming big, gospel-centered dreams!
The question every Christian must consider is this: “How can I exercise faithful stewardship of the gospel?” As you ask this question, and as you consider others in your sphere of influence who should ask this question, please keep Southeastern in mind.
If you would like to read the rest of the letter, please visit http://www.sebts.edu/alumni/giving/default.aspx.
