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Hoosier United Methodist News Archives
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March 2007 |
Joy of the Win - investing in ministry
By Jean M. Brindel
In a recent news story, it was reported that the stock market went down around 400 points. People all over the world were clutching their wallets and checking out their investments. Many were calling their brokers and checking their on-line accounts to see how their investments were doing.
Winning in the money game is big business. I guess that Jesus was right, "where you treasure is there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:21).
Back in the days when many were willing to be passive about their accounts and money, the point was the dividend. Today, we have a hands-on approach; we are personally invested. We go for the winning stocks - the winning company - the winning moment. The dividend has become somewhat secondary to the win.
There also was a time back in the days when folks in the church were willing to passively give a donation and watch for the dividends to emerge. Not anymore. Today, we invest in ministry. We want to be a part of the process and excitement to share in the joy of the win.
Applying this to the North Indiana Conference capital campaign for Outdoor Ministry, the last major capital investment made at Epworth Forest was in the mid-1960s. My sister, Beth, was one of the first high school youth to stay in Whitfield cottage. I'd tell you her age, but you know how sisters are. Let me simply say she graduated from high school in 1964. The investment made in the late '50s and early '60s has paid great dividends in the lives of many people. In fact many of us reading this were benefactors of those dividends.
Today, we as investors in the North Indiana Conference Outdoor Ministries have a dynamic part to play in the future of ministry. We are investing in the joy of the win as the facilities and programs of Outdoor Ministries are transforming. We are investing in ministry to join in winning people to a life in faith, winning people into service and winning people to Christ. We are investing in the Joy of the Win.
Jean Brindel serves as senior pastor of Saint Matthew United Methodist Church in Frankfort, Ind., and is chair of the North Indiana Conference Camp Design Leadership team.
Last updated on 25 Apr 2008