Money Spender

A few years ago, a pastor's wife told me that their kids wear donated clothes most of the time. It's not that they can't afford new stuff. They can. The pastor gets paid very well. The reason they do this is because they don't want the congregation to think that they are materialistic. A few years before this, I overheard a group of people talking about a pastor who had a very nice car. They were talking about him in a condescending manner. "How does a pastor justify buying such an expensive car?" It is as if, pastors are required to live a "lesser luxurious" life than the congregation. Interesting.

For a long time, I was impartial to this matter, until someone made a similar comment to me the other day.

As most of you know, I raise my own support. I asked people to support me in my lifestyle, which includes school, rent, gas, etc... but also a little spending money. What most don't know is that the monetary support I receive is barely enough to get me through the month. I don't even have enough money to put any money into my savings. In most months, I end up tapping into my savings because of unforeseen expenses. I don't live a luxurious life, and I don't waste money on things I don't need. I am also a faithful tither, and I even support missionaries (I'm not saying this to boast. I'm just building a case).

I mentioned to my friend that I was considering using my tax refund to buy a new computer or a camera. Here's a little background that: My MacBook Pro is nearing its 4th birthday, and its literally falling apart. I use my laptop for ministry and school. I need a pro because I make countless videos, do presentations for worship services and retreat events, and research sermons and school work. I need a new camera because my previous camera is 15 years old (which was donated to me). I use my camera for ministry reasons too. I only use it for ministry, and it is falling apart because of my ministry. I have asked many churches (and our conference) to purchase their own, but at the end of the day, it doesn't seem to be a priority to them. I've done this for so long, that I feel that most people rely on me to have these equipments.

When I said that I need a new laptop and camera, this person made a quick comment, "Don't say you're poor, because you're buying expensive things."

That struck a nerve with me.

I'm sure it was a quick comment that wasn't meant to offend. But I felt the sense of guilt. Am I not allowed to buy expensive things? If I'm in ministry, am I expected to use my beat up computer? Should I feel bad for having "nice stuff"?

But then, another set of questions began to arise: What does this person know about how I spend money? How can this person assume I'm not being a good steward of my money? Do I really need to justify my expenses with the people who support me? Are there unhealthy expectations for ministers that need to be changed?

I talked about this with Val, and she said I should go and buy what I need. She told me that I can't let other people's opinions dictate what I buy, especially when it is necessary for my ministry.

Three years ago, I bought a projector (with my tax refund, of course). Every retreat I went to, we had a hard time finding a church that will lend us their projector. So I got one. A lot of people complained that I wasn't spending my money responsibly. But I didn't buy it for me. I bought it for us, the body of Christ. I have never used that projector for personal use. Today, that projector is falling apart... but I'm glad it was able to assist in making many retreats, conferences, weddings, and funerals a success.

It's weird how some people judge me on the expensive gadgets I have, but when I'm using it for their ministry, they stop complaining. Ugh.

Shalom

Jesus has been dead for 3 days. But his body is missing. There are rumors brewing in Jerusalem that Jesus has resurrected. Some time later, Jesus shows up in a room filled with his disciples and says one phrase that summed up what just happened. "Peace be with you." According to Luke, these are the first words of Jesus to his disciples. Of the variety of things He could have said, why did He say, "Peace"?

Throughout the Bible, the word "peace" is used in the place of the Hebrew word, "Shalom." I believe this is one of the most underrated biblical words. To be honest, when I read the above story, I didn't dwell on "Peace be with you" because I thought it was some sort of greeting. However, I have come to realize that this one word can change the entire PURPOSE of a Christian.

Shalom means peace. We typically understand peace as "no chaos." But the authors of the Bible understood peace as "harmony" or "perfect relationship." So, to have peace with God means, "to be in perfect relationship with God." But, that's not the full extent of Shalom. The Bible demands we restore our Shalom with everything else. This means, we are called to restore our relationship with others, ourselves, etc. If there is cancer in our bodies, that means Shalom in our bodies was disrupted. If there's a fight with a friend, that means Shalom in our friendship was disrupted. If someone is treated as a slave, Shalom was disrupted in society. If there is no rain and people are suffering, shalom with nature was disrupted.

God intended the world to work a certain way. Anything that does not look that way is disrupted Shalom. We call this sin. Some would even say the opposite of sin is shalom.

This "shalom" is the reason our journeys do not end at salvation. From the day we are saved to the day we die, we are called to do whatever we can to restore the shalom in the world. Some are called to restore the shalom of people with God - we call this evangelism. Some are called to restore the shalom of relationships - we call this forgiveness. Some are called to restore the shalom of societal systems - we call this justice. Some are called to restore the shalom of nature - the Eden project is a good example of this.

We do this all this as an overflow of Christ's love. Because if we do all this, and have not love, then they are just clanging of cymbals. Jesus' death on the cross was to defeat sin - the sin that brought destruction to shalom on so many levels...

After His resurrection, Jesus eagerly announces to His disciples, "SHALOM to you." This one statement is packed with God's longing of wanting to restore all things back to the way they are supposed to be. Jesus is staring at 11 disciples, who are the first of many people to go and bring Shalom into the world.

Things Pastors Should Never Say

I recently came across a hilarious book called, "Stuff Christians Like." I don't own a copy of this book, but got a chance to skim through it. It is going to be released for sale this month, and my friend had an early copy through some promotion. One of the chapters caught my attention, since it's something I was passionate about.

Things Pastors Should Never Say

Before I give you the list, let me just say that I haven't given much thought as to whether I agree with these points. In the book, each of the following points had some quick reasons as to why pastors should not say the following things. I don't remember exactly what it said, so I'm going to write what I remember.

1. "Good to see you this Christmas. See you next Easter!"

Shame is perhaps one of the worst motivators ever. Don't ever say this, even if it is true. Sure, there might be some people that are coming for Christmas and won't be back until the next religious holiday but I promise, making fun of them isn't going to get them to come back .

2. "We never talk about money, but today..."

This line is usually used by pastors for visitors or people who haven't been at church long enough to know that the pastor rarely talks about money. I understand that it is important for the pastor to let them know that they're not in it for the money. But when you start a sermon this way, it feels like you're apologizing for doing something bad. And you're not. Of the top three topics Jesus taught, money was definitely one of them (and the other two are prophecies and kingdom principles). It's okay to ask for people to honor their commitment to tithing.

3. "I want to talk a little today about why I own a diamond encrusted Rolls Royce."

My hope is that all pastors will never have to do the "justification sermon," regardless of the topic (money, sleeping around, drugs, etc.). Pastors, avoid this by having a support network in your life taht will kick your butt long before you get here. Please.

4. Any form of rap.

Pastors should never, ever, ever, never, ever, ever, really never rap. Unless you're MC Hammer (did you know he's a pastor now?).

So, here are four things I was able to retain in my small brain regarding things I hope I never have to hear a pastor say. There's more, but I can't remember them. Do you agree or disagree with them? Have you ever heard anything you wished your pastor didn't say?