Why Our Church Supports Israel: Pastor Steve Schwartzkopf
By Guest Writer Pastor Steve Schwartzkopf
In early December, ICEJ USA Outreach Director Dr. Tyson Lambertson spoke at Life Unlimited Church. Pastor Steve Schwartzkopf shared how his congregation’s financial health has been directly tied to their commitment to supporting the Jewish people. Here is his story.
My name is Steve Schwartzkopf. My wife and I have pastored Life Unlimited Church in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, for 30 years. I truly love my church—we are a family of people who are becoming kingdom-builders—steady, sincere believers who love Jesus Christ and deeply desire to honor Him.
We are not a perfect church. We are a church family, which means we make mistakes in judgment and leadership at times. But through a couple of near failures at Life Unlimited, the Lord taught us a lesson that has marked us to this day.
A Word of Instruction
Our church has never been numerically large. At our highest, we averaged around 60 people, which can put financial pressure on the church. In our early years, we were in one of those seasons, struggling to pay bills. During one particularly difficult season—when keeping the lights on felt like a miracle—I received a clear word from the Lord during prayer. It was simple, but it shook me: “I came for the Jew first. You need to put the Jewish people first in your church finances.”
Research led me to a reputable ministry that was sharing Jesus in Israel. I brought the matter to our church leadership, and the conversation was intense. These were good people who loved me and feared I wouldn’t be paid. I assured them that if God were leading us, He would also provide. We stepped out in faith with a monthly gift of $50 a month.
Within three months, our finances turned around. We were meeting every commitment, paying every bill, and operating in the black. Our great God honors those who honor the Jewish people.
A Lesson Forgotten
After a time of growth, a few faithful givers moved away, and others transitioned to different churches—and we felt the financial squeeze once again. Our leadership team had since changed and decided to suspend all missions giving—starting with the Jewish ministry. The shift was rapid. Within months, we were in serious financial trouble and barely surviving.
After a couple of years wrestling through this, God spoke to me again during prayer:
“Steve, didn’t I tell you to support the Jewish people? Haven’t we already walked through this test? Didn’t you see My blessing when you obeyed?”
The Blessing of Obedience
After bringing the background story to the new team, without hesitation, they decided to restart our $50 monthly support. Within three months, our finances not only stabilized, but we had more than enough. One couple who had moved away even began sending their tithes back to us! God was moving in Life Unlimited.
We are still a small church, but we are a devoted body that understands giving, obedience, and God’s heart. Recently, when my friend, Dr. Tyson Lambertson, began serving as the ICEJ USA Outreach Director, we transitioned our support to there, and even increased it.
A Final Thought
We live in a day when the world is increasingly hostile toward the Jewish people. Truthfully, it always has been. But as followers of a Jewish Messiah, we cannot join the world in its hostility. We must follow Jesus, who put the Jewish people first. But our motivation must not be financial blessing. It must be putting the Jewish people first, and our desire to be like Jesus. As Romans 1:16 (NLT) says: “For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile.”
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