I’m a fan of Steven Curtis Chapman. Always have been. In the early years, it was just because he was edgy and contemporary, and his music invoked a raw sense of joy about loving Jesus.

These days, it’s still about all of that, but more. Fact is, by all contemporary artists standards, he’s an old guy. I mean it. He was one of the first. And now, while he may still attempt the rare stage jump at the end of his hit “Dive,” many of his concerts are performed sitting from a stool. And I dig it.

Recently, in a staff strategy session, I was reminded by one of our pastors of a SCC song that is particularly timely and relevant to our generous series. The chorus of the song goes like this:
You can run with the big dogs
You can fly with the eagles
You can jump through all the hoops
And climb the ladder to the top
But when it all comes down
You know it all comes down to the walk.

In fact, why not take a moment. Give yourself a gift, and listen to the song in its entirety.

He’s right, you know.
When it all comes down. It really does come down to the walk.

That is why this Sunday, during worship at JCBC, we are putting this truth into action. This Sunday, November 24th is “The Walk: Your Next Step in Generosity.”

As a culminating point in our worship celebration, our entire congregation will have the opportunity to submit commitment cards, in one deliberate demonstration of congregational solidarity and generosity.

By now, your family would have received a commitment card in the mail. One will also be provided to each worshipper on Sunday.

I am calling on all of our members this week to take a significant S.T.E.P. in preparing for The Walk.

Here’s how.

Start where you are.

Remember, Jesus always met people where they were, and loved them up from there. Let him do the same in the realm of your generosity. Take a moment this week to evaluate where you are, and what your current level of giving is.
Then…

Talk to God about it.

Pray about what your current level of generosity is. Are you anxious? Lay it before Christ. Is it time to step up your support? Ask Him. After clarifying what percentage of your income you are currently giving to God, ask for the courage to take a next step. Even if it is only a 1% or 2% increase in generosity. Make it a matter of prayer. Then…

Embrace First Fruits Generosity

Join in the courageous journey of our ancient sisters and brothers in the faith. Decide to give FIRST to God, before any other expenses. Even if what you give is modest. Make it a matter of first-fruits priority. Aim to give God what’s right, and not what’s left. Do what many of us do. Consider it a bill. That doesn’t sound very spiritual does it? But nothing could be more spiritual than making a deliberate decision every pay period, to give to God first.
Then…

Pledge.

After you do the math, write it down. Calculate what your annual support will be for 2014. Use the generosity commitment card to express what, by faith, you will strive to give in support of the ministries of JCBC. By writing it down and submitting it during The Walk on Sunday, you join with hundreds of others of us who are on the very same adventure of faith as you.

We all believe in the possibility of what God can do through us by faith. We all love this congregation and believe in the life-giving ministries that happen here on a daily basis. Now it is time to demonstrate how deeply we believe.

When it all comes down, you know it all comes down to The Walk.

Shaun King
Senior Pastor
Johns Creek Baptist Church