Confessions of a Poor Money Manager

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Flat Footed, Stammering And Desperate – Pastors Are Caught!

Pastors are often tripped up by headlines and news of the day. Flat footed, stammering, grasping and even desperate at times, they are caught when it comes to breaking news, developing stories and general awareness of what’s happening in the world around them.

Fortunately most of us pastors and church leaders possess a gift, I am sure it is a God given gift, for “faking it” and some of us have perfected the gift so when asked about current events and breaking news, and all eyes suddenly turn to us, we say things like…

”That’s amazing!” or “Unbelievable!” or my all time favorite, “How ‘bout that!”

I’m not sure if it is systemic, a learned behavior, taught by well meaning professors saying,“…stay in the Word, don’t mix in the world around you,” or if it’s that we just don’t take time to familiarize ourselves with the issues of the day. I think it is a matter of priority.

Most of us need a reliable news outlet at our disposal, one that is easily accessible, and make a habit of checking in daily!

Staying in the Word is good advice! If you are going to be an expert in any subject, know what the scriptures are saying and be prepared to report out! But can I say, staying in the Word does not preclude knowing what is going on in the world around us. Jesus knew, understood and addressed the issues of the day with the truth of God’s Word.

TRY THIS TODAY!

I access the internet each day using Google Reader. I’ve subscribed to the RSS feeds of a number of blogs and websites. Google Reader centralizes all of my online reading into one location and keeps up with all of the latest news, information and fresh content. Instructions on how to set up your own are easy to follow.

Listed below are a few of the the websites that I’m subscribed to. You can create your own list that will in turn greatly help you manage your online time.

• EdStetzer.com
• FocusOnTheFamily.com
• NYTimes.com
• Kiplinger.com
• CrownFinancialMinistries.org
• DoMoreMinistry.com
• Willow Creek Association
• CNNMoney.com

Believe me, I am easily tripped up and you can assume when you hear me say, “How ‘bout that,!” it’s because I don’t have any earthly idea what’s going on! But I’m trying and I’m learning. Let’s be relevant, stay in the game and out on the edge as best we can.

Let’s keep in touch!

Ashley Clayton, money management expert, providing support and guidance to pastor’s financial management ministry to their congregations.