Video from John : Stewarding our ministries : Finances & Multiple Streams of Income

“Financially, we can’t take a wait and see approach and hope that things just fall into place.”—John Burton

Check out a short video greeting from me that’s sure to encourage you! (If you can’t see the video, the direct link is: http://www.tokbox.com/vm/uonphy9jrsll)

There is often a feeling that people have: if we are obedient to the Lord by stepping into ministry then the finances will automatically follow. Many tend to believe that the arrival of financial provision is an indicator of God’s approval of our direction. That’s a dangerous position to have as it leaves us wavering and doubting when that ‘confirmation’ doesn’t arrive.

When we directed Intro to IHOP in KC we taught on this during the financial and fundraising track.

This concept has kept many people in ministry frustrated and discouraged. The reality is this- God has given us a mandate, a responsibility to ensure our missions are fulfilled, which means that we must also ensure the funds are there. It’s up to us, via biblical wisdom and the enabling of God, to develop a strong financial portfolio.

I’ve also said it this way: We have a responsibility to be blessed. We must ensure we have the blessing of God so we can fulfill the call to be a blessing! We are blessed to be a blessing!

Throughout the New Testament in particular we see the importance of taking up the responsibility to cause things to happen. We boldly speak, and souls are won. We “Go” into all the world and make disciples. Nowhere in the NT do we see anybody praying to God to heal somebody. They declare healing themselves! They initiate it via the finished work on the cross. Of course, the power to do any of this comes from God… that goes without saying. But, we can’t take a wait and see approach and hope that things just fall into place.

In the internship we taught on the importance of personally developing multiple streams of income so our ministries aren’t put at risk. These are streams that we initiate, develop and see through to success. For example, for Amy and me to be able to fulfill the order from God to plant a church, to travel and speak, to pray night and day, to write books, etc. it means that we have to discover methods to earn sufficient income to ensure the mission isn’t in jeopardy.

So, I really want to encourage you to work hard, to enjoy moving toward all of your fulfilled missions in life and to experience great blessing so others can be greatly blessed!