Throughout my more than 40 years of ministry in the church I have always dreaded the “stewardship drive.” At least once a year it was expected that the pastor would preach a rousing sermon (or three) on the importance of “giving to the Lord.” Those golden words from the pulpit were expected to fill the coffers of the church for the next year. And as a pastor/teacher who believes in preaching the full counsel of God’s Word, how could I argue with that demand? Certainly, good stewardship and generosity are scriptural hallmarks of God’s people.
And yet, I was always aware of the popular perception of pastors: three-piece suits, slicked back hair (never had to worry too much about that), and constantly talking about money. As my grandfather would have said, “They’re all shysters.” I always felt like I was competing with that image even as I made sure my sermons came from Scripture.