This past Sunday I had the pleasure of spending the morning with the good people of Bethlehem United Methodist Church in Franklin, TN. I was graciously invited to preach during their season of emphasis on stewardship. It’s that time of the year!

It was a joy to be a part of their two morning worship services, which were both well attended. The order of worship included uplifting music, thoughtful prayers and liturgy, and centering words from both Senior Pastor, Rev. Dr. Craig Goff and Associate Pastor, Rev. Terry Carty. Each reminded those gathered in person and online that personal politics are checked at the door and the focus of the hour was on celebrating God’s goodness and creating a welcoming environment for everyone.

During the hour between services, I met with members of their finance committee along with others who held positions in lay leadership. We all reflected on events from the recent past as well as the current state of things in this transitional season of life in our Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference. As the conversation moved to matters more specific to the mission and ministry of Bethlehem UMC, those who had been involved in managing the financial life of the church expressed gratitude for the mutually beneficial relationship they have with both our Foundation and Development Fund.

One of the leaders told me about various ministries and community organizations that Bethlehem UMC has supported over the years, including through financial gifts. Then he asked me a unique question. He wanted to know the names of other missional entities and ministries that are supported by churches and individuals who have their funds invested in the TWKC Foundation and Development Fund. At first, I wasn’t completely sure of the context of his question, and I asked him to tell me a little more so I could hopefully provide a more complete answer.

He stated that it is a practice for them to set aside a good portion of the interest earnings from their investments and seek out a community ministry or resource that could use some extra support. They make the effort to learn more about what types of services are offered and what specific community needs they are trying to address. Then Bethlehem will share some of their bounty with them. In conclusion, he said that as their funds grow, so does their desire to reach out and bless as many community partners as possible. Many churches and individuals who have their funds deposited or invested with our Foundation and Development Fund target specific charitable and missional programs, and he wanted Bethlehem UMC to see if there were any such efforts taking place that they were not aware of, and thus might be able to offer a blessing.

The nature of this question, and the matter-of-fact-manner in which it was presented, contained no arrogance or pride. It was just Bethlehem’s leadership wanting to be as thorough as possible in gleaning how many ways could they possibly help others. The platform for the question was the intentionality that as their internal growth increased, they wanted their external growth in outreach to also increase. Maybe it shouldn’t have impressed me so much, but I found it incredibly refreshing to be asked to provide such information.

As I returned to the sanctuary for the second service, I noticed two banners on either side of the rear exit doors. One said, “Growing as Christians…” and the other said, “Reaching out to others”. If you visit their website bethlehemumc.org those words are the most prominent on their homepage.

Since then, I have been trying to calculate if the times I am aware that my personal, spiritual or financial growth has increased, have my outreach efforts in time, service, relationships, and yes – money proportionally increased? I must confess the results are not something I’m proud of. But the idea is not about feeling ashamed or guilty for falling short, but of being inspired by a group of brothers and sisters in Christ who are sharing God’s love as part of a church community, but also knowing that it must be equally extended beyond its walls.

I share one final observation, and it is about church windows. Now for the record, I love stained glass windows, but I even took note that the windows in Bethlehem’s beautiful sanctuary were all clear glass. They could see outside as they sat in worship and pondered what God might be calling them to do next. We often come to church to escape the trials and tribulations of the outside world. But we can never shut out of our worship the reality that the feelings of inspiration we feel as we honor God should also fuel our efforts when we depart to love and serve our neighbor. And that is perhaps the true fruit of our worship.

May grace abound!

Rev. Dr. David O. Weatherly