Ken Hemphill, national Empowering Kingdom Growth strategist, has turned his attention and the attention of Southern Baptists to an issue he says is the “one specific issue of repentance that God demands of the people who would experience revival.”
Ken HemphillIn one of his newest books, “Making Change,” Hemphill addresses the issue of biblical stewardship and its diminishing presence in church life. In the Making Change Tour sponsored by the South Carolina Baptist Convention, Hemphill is outlining important stewardship concepts in his book.
Recently, Hemphill spoke to audiences in Anderson and Charleston.
“Most people have no depth of comprehension of money managing and what the Bible says about budgeting,” he said.
According to research, only 25 percent of evangelicals tithe, and tithe on average only 2.5 percent of their income.
“What we have to do is change the heart of the church – we are not going to make any inroads until we put money on the table,” said Hemphill.
He says one of the greatest truths on stewardship is that God owns everything.
“One of the most freeing things you can do for your people is to get out of ownership and into stewardship,” Hemphill said, specifically addressing church staff members who attended the conference.
Hemphill also emphasized that the work of the kingdom is supported by God’s people giving resources which God has entrusted to them as stewards.
“Your giving is not related to church budgets. It is directly related to the work of the kingdom of God.”
Hemphill acknowledged that the issue of stewardship is often not discussed in churches and is frequently tied to church budget time. He also addressed the issue of overspending as an epidemic in America.
“Overspending is a sinking hole, and we are afraid to talk about it,” he said.
“Making Change” is also offered as a study set for small groups, Sunday school or other group study. Hemphill encouraged attendees to participate in the study as an entire church.
“The issue of tithing is bigger than the simple funding of ministry – it is a requirement with both a challenge and a promise.”
The Making Change Tour has two scheduled dates in April – Rock Hill First Baptist, April 28, and the South Carolina Baptist Convention, Columbia, April 29. The cost is $10 per person. To register or for more information on the “Making Change” book and other resources related to biblical stewardship, log on to www.scbaptist.org or call (800) 723-7242.