Care | Greed | Money | Self | Stewardship

MOTIVATING STEWARDSHIP
One year the pastor took drastic action to get a more generous response from the congregation at stewardship time. He called in an electrician and wired the pews. Next day, when the collection time came, the pastor announced to the congregation that “Hereafter all pledges will be made publicly in the worship service.” Then he added, “All those who will pledge ten dollars per week, stand” At that moment the switch was thrown that sent the juice through the wires in the pews. The response was immediate — about one half of the congregation jumped to their feet. Then the pastor said “All those who will pledge twenty dollars please stand.” And the electrician raised the voltage and a second, stronger shock-wave caused more persons to rise. The whole process was repeated several more times. Each time the amount was raised and so was the voltage. The ushers had to work frantically to get all the names and pledges written down. Later,…