Themes help focus the thoughts of church members on important Biblical mandates.  They have been used by God to help churches and our denomination go further than we would have gone without them.

Great themes in SBC history have included, “A Million More in ’54.” This was a goal of reaching a million people for Christ in 1954.  We did not reach that goal but there are people in heaven today because churches and church members took it seriously. Another theme that the SBC adopted was actually a campaign: the 75 Million Campaign was an attempt to raise 75 million dollars for SBC causes in the early 1920’s.  Our failure led us to the Cooperative Program.  Talk about dark clouds having silver linings…!

Forgive my presumption but I would like to suggest a theme for your church for 2010. (I prefer Y2K+10, but my wife says folks don’t get it):  Every Baptist a Tither. This theme was rolled out in the late 1940’s and was repeated through the years that the SBC baptized more people and gave more per capita to missions than any time since.  In fact, Deer Baptist Church, south of Jasper, Arkansas was the first church in the SBC to achieve the goal of having every member become a tither.

Every Baptist A Tither would be a great theme for your church this year.  Churches that have a high percentage of tithers give more to missions, pay their staff better, reach more lost people, and impact their communities more than churches whose members simply give.

Some might suggest that any theme used more than 60 years ago is outdated.  You may be right, so try this: No One Robbing God; or Biblical Stewardship for All; or how about 10% from 100%?

Your church members are facing an economic crisis that is serious.  Their ability to give is being hindered by our national circumstances.  I’d like to blame Congress for most of our struggles, but the truth is that many preachers have not stressed tithing as they should have.  Our ability to give is being hindered, but our willingness to give is hindered even more. Pastor, prepare your church members for economic uncertainty.  Teach them to tithe.

If every Baptist in your church was a tither the IMB could send more missionaries, the church could reach more lost people, it could be fully staffed, and ministries that change lives would be provided.  Personally, I am praying for Every Baptist A Tither.

This blog is posted every Friday.  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it