The same analogy would apply to fat associations, fat state conventions and fat national conventions. One of our staff members in the meeting told a story about a group of billionaires who met to talk about the best ways to give their money to worthy causes. Church was never mentioned as an organization to be considered for their support. In fact, one participant in the billionaires' group stated that they would not give money to their church because the church would just spend it on themselves. Stewardship is an integrity issue.
Stewardship is about priorities.
It's not how much you collected last year but where and how did you spend the money you did collect. We take very seriously the money churches have entrusted with us to support missions and ministries. Our priorities of missions and evangelism will be reflected in these budgets.