By Michael Smith

Jesus talked more about money than he did about love or grace. Jesus talked more about money than he did heaven. But when we think of Christ’s message to us, these are often the themes we tend to think of first. The kingdom of God was the only other topic that Jesus talked more about than money. For Jesus it was the kingdom of God, then money, in terms of what he wanted to convey in his teaching. Often we find Jesus talking about both of these subjects at the same time. This is because the two are closely linked.

Dave Ramsey, a New York Times best-selling author, is very helpful in lending a humorous definition and understanding of stewardship. He says that, ‘In church language, stewardship is code for building a building.” As funny as it may be, sadly it is also very true. The only time we really begin to get serious about financial matters in the church or other nonprofit organizations are when they need money. Unfortunately, these are all misuses of the word and overall concept of giving.

Steward or stewardship isn’t in my language today. I can’t remember ever using it as part of my daily conversations. When was the last time you mentioned stewardship? “Honey, make sure you put your money in your piggy bank so you use it later in your stewardship.” Stewardship needs to be redefined for us.
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By Michael Smith

“Direction, not intention, determines destination.”
-Andy Stanley, author and pastor of Northpoint Community Church

This is the principle of the path.

Do you remember Dorothy and her little dog, Toto? She wanted to get home, and there was this guy in Oz who was a Wizard – hence the name of the movie – who would help her get home. In order to get there she had to do something…. “Follow the Yellow Brick Road.” If she would follow this road it would lead her to Oz. In fact, if you or I wanted to get to Oz, then guess what… we have to follow the yellow brick road. The reason Dorothy got there is because she followed this road. The direction determines destination.

There was nothing special about Dorothy. She didn’t have to be brilliant – she was traveling with a guy with no brain. It had nothing to do with her character – one guy didn’t have a heart. She didn’t need to be particularly brave- in fact, one guy didn’t have any courage at all. She got to Oz because that is where the yellow brick road led. This is the principle of the path. She could have intended to get there or wished or dreamed with all of her heart, but unless she started out skipping down this road (as munchkins sing her out), she would never have gotten there.
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Jr. High 2 dean and camp director Michael Smith will be leading a team down to Catalyst One Day in Baltimore on Nov. 16. He wants some high school students plugged into Delanco Camp to come with him. 

He plans to leave early in the morning and return in the evening. Group rates and student rates are available. The one-day leadership conference highlights worship with Steve Fee along with special speakers – Andy Stanley and Craig Groeschel.

Please let Michael know of your interest by e-mailing him at michael.smith(at)stpetersumcoc.org.  The Early Bird special ends Oct. 22, but the earlier you tell him, the cheaper it will be. Super Early Bird registration ends Sept. 30. The average cost for the day will be around $100. Michael will take care of all of the registration, so please do not register on the site individually. This way he’ll be able to get a group rate.

For more information please go to www.catalystoneday.com
To check out an informational video go to www.catalystoneday.com/video