Church Finances

[milepost13]

I've discussed this a bit in other threads...our church is in a unique situation where we actually have more guests than members/regular attenders throughout the year, and although a fairly large number of our members faithfully tithe, we tend to expend more to do ministry and outreach than most other churches simply because of the ratio. Add the fact that many of our new members are baby Christians who have not yet learned to trust God with their finances, and that many of our members and regular attenders have lost their jobs and simply have little to tithe with, it's easy to say that the economy is hitting us pretty hard right now.

We know for a fact that, if every member of our church were tithing (whether jobless or not), we'd be doing just fine. We've done about all we can up to this point to cut expenses, and if something doesn't change within the next few weeks, our staff will actually be forced to cut our hours, which means we'll be searching for part-time jobs.

I can deal with that...it's a small sacrifice, and I'll do whatever it takes to allow God to continue doing great things through in our community. What I can't tolerate too well is when our church (my friends and family) shows to the world that we are unable to obey God. I trust that He will provide for my family as we continue to trust Him, and that He will be glorified through this situation, but it's still frustrating and disappointing to know that many of my closest friends are unwilling to mature in this.

Next Sunday (May 17), during the last 15 minutes of our worship gatherings, we're going to dismiss our guests and our pastors are going to speak openly and honestly (again) to our members and regular attenders about our financial situation. I'd appreciate your praying with me as we invite everyone to go all or nothing.

Thanks.

Nate

[Smitty]

wow...I had a very similar talk with our senior pastor this past sunday.

I'll be praying, my friend.

[fmckinnon]

Tough ... people just have to realize they are robbing themselves if they don't obey God! Easier said than done ... I can't even imagine not tithing ... and God continues to take such good care of us.

Maybe you should get a few people up there to give testimonies - of how they made the switch, and how God has provided? Hearing the testimonies always inspires people, and goes across much easier than the pastor pleading for people to tithe, IMHO.

[milepost13]

Maybe you should get a few people up there to give testimonies - of how they made the switch, and how God has provided? Hearing the testimonies always inspires people, and goes across much easier than the pastor pleading for people to tithe, IMHO.

Done that...a couple of times. We've done just about everything but kick people out of the church.

Nate

[mikeymo1741]

Next Sunday (May 17), during the last 15 minutes of our worship gatherings, we're going to dismiss our guests and our pastors are going to speak openly and honestly (again) to our members and regular attenders about our financial situation. I'd appreciate your praying with me as we invite everyone to go all or nothing.

Ah, the Sermon on the Amount. Been there, done that. Thing is, this is a very tough issue to deal with. What makes it worse, is that there are a lot of Christians out there who do not believe that tithing is a scriptural mandate for the New Testament church. (I suppose they might be right; the NT church brough everything, not just a tenth.

In the end, you can't really force people into it. This is an area that God has to bring them to. As effective as testimonies is a simple discussion about the state of personal finances. Ask them "Where are your finances? Is there a struggle there? Why do you think that is?"

I beleive that it is also important that the church itself faithfully tithe. Our church, for example, tithes to our mission fund, and all of that money goes to ministries outside of our congregation.

Right here is (http://www.archive.org/download/WilliamTrujilloTheGraceofGiving/GraceofGiving.mp3)a link to a message given by a former member who is now part of a small church leadership team. He was invited to speak at the beginning of the year at our church. His life is a great example of stewardship. When he first came to the Lord, he used to literally tithe foodstamps, because that was all he had. Now he owns a very successful business. The message is a tad long, but it is very profound. (And pretty funny, too)

[milepost13]

Our church is very faithful to discuss finances in the good and bad times...it is a very sensitive topic, but one that we do not shy away from. And, considering every member of our church covenants to tithe faithfully when they join the church, it is something that we feel completely comfortable talking about.

Nate

[milepost13]

just a quick update to let you know that everything went well on Sunday. Our pastors explained that, unless something changes, our staff will be cutting hours to part-time. Hopefully, those who can give but haven't been doing so got the message loud and clear that we are in serious trouble.

Thanks for your continued prayer...I'll update in a few weeks to let you know if things are turning around or not.

Nate

[fmckinnon]

here's hoping for a big offering on Sunday!

[milepost13]

Another quick update...May was the first month this year that we've been above our budget in giving, so for now, we're good to go. With the influx of guests during the summer, and the addition of several new members over the past few months, we're hoping to see a permanent upswing.

Nate

[russhutto]

Awesome!

Here's what we do to increase awareness and to challenge people to start giving who aren't already.

We call it First and Ten. (first Sunday of the month, first 10% of that week's paycheck)

The first Sunday of a decided month we challenge people to give 10% of that paycheck. Sure we would love for people to be tithing regularly but they don't. This is just an opportunity for people to kind of take the plunge. We make a big deal out of it the for a month before asking people to get ready to give the first 10% of the last paycheck of that month.

It's been pretty nice. I think people see it as a special event, but at the same time it gears them towards giving.

I can relate to where you are because we see a TON of young/new Believers in our gatherings as well.

[milepost13]

Awesome!

Here's what we do to increase awareness and to challenge people to start giving who aren't already.

We call it First and Ten. (first Sunday of the month, first 10% of that week's paycheck)

The first Sunday of a decided month we challenge people to give 10% of that paycheck. Sure we would love for people to be tithing regularly but they don't. This is just an opportunity for people to kind of take the plunge. We make a big deal out of it the for a month before asking people to get ready to give the first 10% of the last paycheck of that month.

It's been pretty nice. I think people see it as a special event, but at the same time it gears them towards giving.

I can relate to where you are because we see a TON of young/new Believers in our gatherings as well.

Russ...we've stolen your idea...you wouldn't happen to have a graphic for this that we could also steal?

Nate

[russhutto]

Nah, I don't think we ever actually used a specific graphic. Just used an abstract background and put simple text on top of it. It's what we do with generic announcements like this.