Читать книгу Grateful and Generous Hearts - John H. Westerhoff III - Страница 3

The primary purpose of this short book is not to advocate a particular point of view or engage in a debate, although it will present a personal set of convictions and perhaps be controversial. Its primary purpose is to educate, that is, to offer a resource to stimulate reflection on what may be the church’s most important spiritual concern: stewardship. It is the culmination of a personal fifty years of struggle. My hope is that even those who find it unreasonable will take it seriously and not discard it without serious consideration.

Therefore, after you have read through this manuscript, I encourage you to go back and read it again and mark those places where you agree and disagree, those statements which left you with questions to consider, and those issues you would like to discuss.

Next, review your positive and negative reactions. What insights or learnings can you gain from them? Rather than arguing with my thoughts, what can you learn about your life as a believer in Jesus Christ and a member of his church, especially from those statements which made you uncomfortable or upset?

Having named your insights and learnings, what are their implications for your life and the life of your congregation?

Now join or form a group of persons who have also reflected on this manuscript and share your reactions, insights, and their implications. Also share and discuss the concerns and questions which surfaced during your reading of this tract on stewardship.

Perhaps there are statements you would like to share with others in some manner. Remember, my aim is to provide a resource for you to grow personally and to use in the development of a program of stewardship in your congregation.

And thank you now for giving this very personal polemic on stewardship as a spiritual issue a serious reading.