Plant Generously

Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. 2 Corinthians 9:6

The CFO of a medium-size church had trouble with the proposed budget, which exceeded giving from the previous year. The staff saw potential for growth, but the CFO argued intensely for a budget reduction. He thought their plans were foolish.

During a heated discussion, the CFO demanded a guarantee that the new funding level would be achieved. The pastor’s response was brilliant: “I can’t guarantee we’ll meet this goal. But I guarantee we’ll never meet it if we don’t try. If we want a larger crop, we have to plant more seeds.”

The early church was growing, and Paul encouraged the believers to invest in the future.

Wanting to grow is good stewardship, and good stewardship requires investment—in people, facilities, marketing, strategic planning, and core competencies. A few organizations grow despite themselves, but these are the exceptions, not the rule.

You can’t harvest what you don’t plant.