“Give to the Max” has arrived! It began November 1 and it will end on November 17. Many years ago, Central Baptist Theological Seminary began to participate in “Give to the Max Day” every November. The event is sponsored by GiveMN, a coordinating organization for charitable institutions. It is intended to encourage giving to Minnesota-based charities, including Central Seminary.
The event is no longer just a day. “Give to the Max” now takes nearly three weeks. From now until November 17 every gift will be doubled until we reach a total of $100,000. More on that in a moment. First, here’s why you should consider donating to Central Seminary during the Give to the Max event.
Think for a moment about the church at Philippi. When the apostle Paul wrote to the Philippians, that church was experiencing the double affliction of persecution and poverty. The members heard that Paul was in prison, and they wanted to help him. They gathered as much money as they could, and they sent one of their fellow members to carry it as a gift to Paul. Though the gift came from their poverty, it touched Paul deeply. They had given him their money, and they had taken his need upon themselves. He praised them and reassured them that God would supply the need that they now experienced. Just as importantly, he promised that their gift would result in fruit that would be credited lavishly to their account (Phil 4:18–19).
The principle that Paul articulated remains both true and important. When we give financial help to others who are doing God’s work, God reckons their work as our work. What they accomplish is credited to us. God rewards us for the work that He does through those whom we support.
This principle still applies today. I may never be able to go to Madagascar or Sri Lanka. Nevertheless, if I support those who do the Lord’s work in those places, then I have a real stake in God’s work there. As souls are reached and discipled, and as churches are planted and grow to maturity, then God credits me with a part of that work. I become a full partner in God’s work wherever I give it my support.
This principle is relevant to our situation. Central Baptist Theological Seminary is training students all over the world. We have students in Kenya, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We have students in Brazil and Bolivia. We have students in India and Russia. Of course, we also have students in the United States and Canada. Central Seminary is training many Christian leaders around the world through its global outreach. Our student population continues to increase around the globe.
We are investing in the education of these students because they are, or promise to be, key leaders of churches, colleges, seminaries, mission agencies, and other ministries in the countries where they live. Through our Zoom technology we can bring advanced levels of biblical and theological training to serious students, whether they live across the street or across the ocean. We are doing the Lord’s work in places that we’ll probably never go.
By giving to Central Seminary you gain a stake in this great work. You too can minister in Africa, Europe, Asia, and South America. In the same way that the Philippians helped Paul through their gifts, you can help to train Christian leaders in many places through your gifts. Just as the Philippians gained a share in the rewards of Paul’s work, you can gain a share in the work that Central Seminary does.
We promise you that Central Seminary will spend every dollar of your gift carefully. We aren’t lining anybody’s pockets. We’re doing ministry, just as we have been for sixty-five years. Our founder and first president, R. V. Clearwaters, often said that a call to minister is also a call to prepare. He established Central Baptist Theological Seminary to prepare Christian leaders. We still hold that vision, only now it spans the globe. Central Baptist Theological Seminary exists to assist local churches in equipping spiritual leaders for Christ-exalting biblical ministry.
Do you want a piece of that action? Then we invite you to give! Generous donors think that what we do is important enough that they have agreed to match every gift up to $50,000. Whatever you give before November 17 will double in value, until we reach a total of $100,000. Since WCTS is a subsidiary of Central Seminary, gifts to AM 1030 will count toward this total.
You can give on our website at www.centralseminary.edu/give or www.wctsradio.com/donate. Or you can phone us from 8:00 AM through 3:00 PM Monday through Friday at 763.417.8250. We’ll be happy to assist you. If you wish, you can mail your gift to Central Baptist Theological Seminary at 900 Forestview Ln. N., Plymouth, MN 55441.
Your support allows us to equip pastors and missionaries in the United States. It enables us to train pastors and teachers around the world. It empowers us to broadcast the gospel twenty-four hours a day. Thank you for your help in furthering the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Lord, It Belongs Not to My Care
Richard Baxter (1615–1691)
Lord, it belongs not to my care
Whether I die or live;
To love and serve thee is my share,
And this thy grace must give.
If life be long, I will be glad
That I may long obey;
If short, yet why should I be sad
To soar to endless day?
Christ leads me through no darker rooms
Than he went through before;
No one into his kingdom comes,
But through his opened door.
Come, Lord, when grace has made me meet
Thy blessed face to see;
For if thy work on earth be sweet,
What will thy glory be?
Then shall I end my sad complaints,
And weary, sinful days,
And join with all triumphant saints
Who sing Jehovah’s praise.
My knowledge of that life is small;
The eye of faith is dim;
But ‘tis enough that Christ knows all,
And I shall be with him.
