I want to share a Minister's message written by John Park Winkler Sr., May 1986, when he was Interim Minister for Christian Church Macomb Illinois. Some messages are just timeless.
"Our church was making a special appeal for funds to meet the needs of World Missions. Each congregation was given a suggested goal and the congregation I was serving was making plans to secure pledges to underwrite our share.
"However, before the solicitation of pledges began one of the women in the congregation presented me with a check for $500 in support of the program. She commented, 'I didn't want to wait to be asked.'
"We have grown so accustomed to being promoted that we often assume if we're not asked we have no obligation to respond. The church is constantly promoting attendance, giving, membership, and all variety of programs, which are part of the church's ministry. Every retail establishment has special promotions. Automakers and dealers promote their cars. Sports, movies, and restaurants all thriwith a microphone oning. I suppose we need to continue this because promoting has become a part of our way of life.
"Yet I find it refreshing when some Christian says 'I didn't need to be asked.' 'I didn't need a minister or a evangelism committee to urge me to transfer my membership.' 'The song leader doesn't have to prompt me,--I sing because of the joy in my heart.' ' Giving of my money as a Christian privilege and not dependent upon the needs of the church budget.'
"Why should I have to be promoted to be what I am--a Christian?"
"Our church was making a special appeal for funds to meet the needs of World Missions. Each congregation was given a suggested goal and the congregation I was serving was making plans to secure pledges to underwrite our share.
"However, before the solicitation of pledges began one of the women in the congregation presented me with a check for $500 in support of the program. She commented, 'I didn't want to wait to be asked.'
"We have grown so accustomed to being promoted that we often assume if we're not asked we have no obligation to respond. The church is constantly promoting attendance, giving, membership, and all variety of programs, which are part of the church's ministry. Every retail establishment has special promotions. Automakers and dealers promote their cars. Sports, movies, and restaurants all thriwith a microphone oning. I suppose we need to continue this because promoting has become a part of our way of life.
"Yet I find it refreshing when some Christian says 'I didn't need to be asked.' 'I didn't need a minister or a evangelism committee to urge me to transfer my membership.' 'The song leader doesn't have to prompt me,--I sing because of the joy in my heart.' ' Giving of my money as a Christian privilege and not dependent upon the needs of the church budget.'
"Why should I have to be promoted to be what I am--a Christian?"
