Churches Lead the Way in Generosity

I love when the media catches the church doing something good.  Don't you?

This week ABC News, CNN, Fox News, USA Today, even the Huffington Post to name just a few ran a fantastic story about Cross Timbers Community Church, a multi-site church in north Texas.  Cross Timbers is a member of Leadership Network's Generous Churches Leadership Community and recently Pastor Toby Slough and Executive Pastor Jim Kuykendall decided to get very serious about generosity.  So serious that they have led their congregation to give away over $500,000 in just a couple of months.  It's been stunning. 

During a Fox and Friends interview this week Toby (pictured left) said that the reverse collection plate offering concept they have used is not a new idea.  "I have friends who are pastors around the country who have done that from time to time."  Of course, he's right.  Generosity to those in need from the church is as old as the church itself.  But, it still feels good to see it, right?

I saw some more generosity from believers and the church this week from another powerful media source, the Oprah show.  My wife, the fabulous Susan, likes to DVR Oprah.  Sometimes she wants me to listen to Dr. Oz talk about cholesterol.  Some of you husbands know what I mean. Anyway, on Wednesday, Oprah's show was about Heroes in Hard Times and many of the stories were about Christ followers doing the Lord's work.  Go God! Go church!  

What's your church doing to demonstrate generosity to those in need?  Even if the media never notices, and they probably won't, it's the right thing to do.  Go for it!

Posted by Christopher Willard, director of Leadership Network's Generous Churches Leadership Community.   

Comments

[John Lunt]

I was a member of Cross Timbers for five years. I'm more proud of them now than I have every been. Currently I am part of the leadership team for a network of simple churches and I was amazed at what our little group of small churches are doing.

http://www.coahconnection.org/

Outreach to the Homeless

We have a church that has started up among people with AIDS and HIV

We have outreaches currently ongoing to Cuban, and Bhutanese refugees

One of our churches has adopted a Jorai church (they are refugees - hill people from Vietnam) who are poor.

It doesn't take much, just a desire to make a difference, some faith and putting some feet to it.

[John Lunt]

Oh by the way, what the media didn't pick up on is that last Sunday, Cross Timbers baptised 294 people as well.