Dr. 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.”

In 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 addressed diverse groups in Anderson and Charleston with attendees ranging in age, gender and ethnicity.

“Most people have no depth of comprehension of money managing and what the Bible says about budgeting,” said Hemphill.

According to research, only twenty-five percent of evangelicals tithe and tithe on average only 2.5% 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. 

Hemphill 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 attendees who work on church staffs.

Hemphill also stressed that the work of the Kingdom is resourced by God’s people giving resources God has entrusted to 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 over-spending as an epidemic in America.

“[Over-spending] 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 tour 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 SC 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 ext.1600.