A Followup Letter to Church Leaders
Support is needed.
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Greetings Prosperous Souls,
This year, I had the privilege of traveling to Argentina for my first ever Prosperous Soul® conference. I made many friends and taught on the subject of Financial Healing.
I discovered that Argentines are hungry for revival. I also learned that their financial needs are severe.
We have our struggles in the U.S.A., but in Argentina, economic issues are real. Recently, the country ditched a corporate tax rate of 102%. It also escaped inflation of more than 11,000% over 10 years. That’s painful.
Such figures are the result of a government that lacks godly principles. Thankfully, Argentines have chosen to correct their issues.
Regardless of these positive trends, Argentines still need miracles. God’s protection is required to shield recovering homes and businesses. It’s a daily cry.
I write this letter with Argentina in mind because the country’s pastors and leaders are taking Financial Health seriously.
They’re leaning into biblical stewardship, utilizing educational materials like Prosperous Soul®, and teaching their communities to master finances.
It’s wonderful to see positive change infiltrate these communities.
The Church’s Role
In this season, I believe it’s the church’s role to practice generosity. It’s easy to let programs, events, and campaigns take the front row. But now, giving must take the forefront.
In my first open letter to church leaders, I wrote the following:
Proverbs 19:17 reminds us, “One who is gracious to a poor man lends to the Lord, and He will repay him for his good deed.” We are called to support and uplift our family in Christ.
I’m asking churches and charities for a 4x increase in their benevolence budgets. I am asking for a revival in church involvement for welfare, development, and stability programs for community members. Let’s step alongside the important government agencies and do our part in the Gospel story. This commitment will help grow our communities and provide much-needed support. As Galatians 6:2 states, “Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.”
As a former CFO, I understand the need to maintain budgets. Nevertheless, I recommend that pastors multiply their benevolence funds.
This request will stretch churches, but not destroy them. I know this because I experienced God’s miraculous provision during my early years at Bethel Church. He is faithful. Paul writes:
Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness; you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God. — 2 Corinthians 9:10-12 (NASB)
I love reading about the generosity of the early church. Can you imagine how much of their budgets were geared toward benevolence? I’m sure it was around 80 or 90%.
Plans for Church Leaders
In this season, I’m not only asking church leaders to increase their giving funds. I’m requesting that they become financially healthy models for their community. As they master money, wisdom will pour out on their congregations and bring generational impact.
Thank you for reading this follow-up letter. Together, let’s see Jesus gain His full reward.
Hop on to our live coaching session
We’re meeting this afternoon at 3:30 PM (CA time). Bring in any questions. Download my free handout here. I’ll see you soon!
God bless your Prosperous Soul,
Stephen K. De Silva
About: Stephen K. De Silva is an author, speaker, and financial coach. From 1995 until 2017, he served as the CFO of Bethel Church, and a member of the senior leadership team. Stephen’s blend of experience, training, and gifting make him a pioneer in the subject of money. You can reach Stephen at hello@prosperoussoul.com