April 29th

Faithful in the Small

To my dear TFMC family,

At the MCEC Annual Church gathering this past weekend, I participated in a presentation regarding fundraising in the Church.  It was recognized that talking about money was a thorny subject.  One that preachers often avoid, and one that often makes folk listening squirm.  Even though Jesus talked more about money than any other subject on earth, we still find it tough to talk about.

Rather than trying to spiritualize money, and rather than trying to make this a presentation about how it’s our duty to talk about money in the church, the presenter did something else.  They connected our money back to our Anabaptist Mennonite heritage.  The early Anabaptists were trying to emulate the church that they found in Acts chapter 2.  One where resources were held in common and shared as was needed.

Drawing our attention to the Ausbund, our presenter highlighted a quote: 

“To be like Christ we love one another, through everything, here on this earth. We love one another, not just with words but in deeds. . . . If we have of this world's goods (no matter how much or how little) and see that our brother has a need, but do not share with him what we have freely received -- how can we say that we would be ready to give our lives for him if necessary?

The one who is not faithful in the smallest thing, and who still seeks his own good which his heart desires -- how can he be trusted with a charge over heavenly things? Let us keep our eyes on love!

-- Ausbund, 119:12-14

Or to put it more simply, if one is not willing to share with each other worldly goods (read not just money but also other resources, time, talents, etc.), how can they be expected to die for one another?  For the early Anabaptists, following the way of Jesus meant following it to the point of death; would they die for one another?

This is a profound understanding of giving.  It suggests that when we give on Sunday mornings, we do so not just to ‘keep the lights on’ or to pay salaries, but to, instead, practice a form of giving which could possibly mean giving of our whole selves for the sake of one another, the community and the Gospel.

This roots our approach to goods and money based on a sense of Mutual Aid.  We share our finances because we can do more together than as individuals.  We give in the spirit of reciprocity.  In times of abundance, we share because in times of need or want, we may need the help of the community.  And we give not just in finances but also in material aid.  Maybe it means sharing gifts of food, clothing or other resources.  Understanding that what I have can contribute to the well-being of the larger gathered faith community.

In this light, the church's offering becomes more than just funding; it is an act of solidarity. While we certainly use funds for practical needs like bills and maintenance, our primary goal is to support our shared humanity—locally and globally. We give not out of obligation, though that may be where it begins, but out of deep gratitude. We give because we recognize that everything we have is a gift from God, entrusted to us for the good of the whole community.

Yours,

Craig Janzen Neufeld, Pastor