It's that time of the year again! First, a Stewardship Program to ensure that the books will balance in 2006. Then, Advent and Christmas.

Any fresh ideas? Yes!

First, stewardship. The issue is not raising funds for the year to come. It is about raising faith for every minute of every day of every week of every month of every year. It is to empower God's people to see that God owns all things, and that we own nothing. We cannot give--we can only manage. To anchor people back in the Old Testament thinking of Malachi 3:8-10 (and tithing) is to mislead them. In His parable of the Rich Fool (Luke 12:13-21), Jesus teaches that the land on which we walk belongs to God, that what it produces is God's provision, and that the life that keeps our heart beating is on loan from God (and He can demand the return of the loan at any second).

While we might give thought to how much the 10% we pledge might amount to, we should also give thought to the 90% we keep for ourselves. Do we really need that 90% to enjoy the "blessed" life? Note well--according to Jesus, being “blessed” has nothing to do with what we possess; it has only to do with Whom we reflect.

To explore Jesus' radical call to stewardship-of-life more fully, check out CI's In Heaven’s Name, Why On Earth. You'd be amazed at the letters and calls we get from pastors saying that when their people finally come to understand that we own nothing, and thus can give nothing, annual pledges and mission offerings actually increase.

For Advent and Christmas, consider CI's Christmas: The Real Story. Incorporating cultural, historical, and linguistic insights shared by Middle Eastern scholar, Dr. Kenneth Bailey, this short course sheds new light on the familiar Nativity story. For instance, what does it mean that the first ones to learn about the birth of Jesus were outcast shepherds who were forbidden entry into the Jerusalem Temple? What radical re-thinking might people be challenged to do if we re-translated the angel's message as, "Unto you is born this day, in the city of David, a Savior who is Messiah, the Lord"?

The above-mentioned offerings by Crossways International are but two of the topical short courses you might be able to use in the seasons ahead. These courses can inspire people to dig deeper into God's written Word, and more deeply into the mind, ministry, and message of Jesus the Messiah, God's Living Word. To understand and follow Jesus as the Messiah, it is essential to know the "big story" that precedes Him. We can help those in your congregation achieve that goal. How?

Let's say you have just landed in Rome, and are looking forward to wandering through its many streets, buildings, and historical sites. Perhaps you stop to listen to someone on a street corner, using words you do not always comprehend, holding up a street map in his hand--a copy of which he does not unfold and does not hand to you. Is this not just the kind of thing that happens in some places on some Sunday mornings?

The goal of all CI's materials is to place a biblical roadmap in people's hands, and to enable them to make meaningful journeys through the Bible's "Big Story" and its many themes, eventually equipping them to serve as tour guides themselves.

We welcome your questions. Why not give us a call at our toll-free number (1-800-257-7308). You'll always get the voice of an actual person during office hours.

Harry Wendt
President, Crossways International