2018 Resolutions: Earn, Save & Give

John Wesley, the founder of our Methodist movement, would often lead a "Covenant Renewal Service” on New Year’s Eve (and people actually showed up!). The service included a famous prayer with the line, “I freely and heartily yield all things to thy pleasure and disposal.”

In other words, “I’m yours, God. Do whatever you want to with me.” One of the ways we can “freely and heartily yield all things“ to our Lord is with our money.

As Christians, we believe that money is a tool God entrusts to us to join in his work in the world. John Wesley gave a famous sermon about godly stewardship called “The Use of Money." The three maxims of his sermon were: Earn all you can, and save all you can, so that you can give all you can. This is more easily said than done. Sadly, many of us often fail to live as good stewards of God’s resources.

This first month of 2018, our church will begin helping people become better stewards of money with a practical training course called “Financial Peace University” by Dave Ramsey Over nine weeks, classes will meet on Sunday afternoons to watch engaging teaching videos and participate in conversations facilitated by our church leaders.

Please join us in prayer, asking God to use this course to help individuals and families to become more faithful stewards of money. If you’re interested in participating, contact us for more information or to register!

I’m thankful for the opportunity to begin a new year as your pastor. May we all resolve to be faithful stewards of the resources he entrusts to us in 2018.

Your servant in Christ, Matt Headley

This article was originally published in 2017, and has been updated to provide guidance as we begin a year with a church-wide focus on generosity and mission.