Every church wants to be used by God, we want to be part of his work on earth, we want to be His hand extended. We want our churches to grow and experience revival among our cities. Yet we want it on our terms. We want God to bless us in familiar ways that are comfortable, in our comfort and gifting zone, no risk, so we can feel in complete control. We certainly don't want God to come in a way we don't understand or anyway that may embarrasses us. We also want maximum reward for the minimum effort. We want earth shaking revival but we are only willing to pray when its convenient and certainly don't ask us to fast ( isn't that only for spiritual fanatics). We only want to stay in service for no more than 75 minutes and Sunday nights and anything on a weeknight is out of the question( you know we have a social life to maintain and kids to turn into local sports heroes). We don't mind working for a few years but we want to continue to reap the benefits up to 30 years after our last serving the community outreach. We also want to be the only church in our area that gets to be used by God. Once in contract no other ministries or church plants are allowed in "our territory". Certainly God would never use another denomination than ours because we have a long history on being in charge.
o.k. no one is really foolish enough to admit this in public or out loud but we just rehearse it over in our mind. Can we really wonder why so few churches have any power in the name of the Lord?
Monday, February 28, 2011
money and churches
We at Restoration church are extremely blessed even though we are only 3 years old. It may be due to me being a frugile leader but mostly due to the geneoristy and spiritual maturity of our people. We started with nothing, no money and have never had any outside support from any denomination or church. Actually we started out of Nicoles and I's savings account and bought supplies, sound and ( my dad paid the church first month rent). 3 years later, we have a building which we remodeled (nearly $50k paid in cash) and God has blessed us so much more than we could have ever expected. All this during a recession while most churches are struggling.
USA Today: For 1st time since recession churches report drop in giving.
If you read this morning's USA Today, you saw our research on the front page-- the recession has caught up with America's churches. We released a story here and you can find the full details here.
Although the National Bureau of Economic Research has determined that the recession is over, a new LifeWay Research study is showing that after a moderate impact for two years, the recession is now significantly impacting local churches with 79% reporting the economy is hurting their ministries.
Scott McConnell explained, "Because many members give in direct proportion to their income, Protestant churches may be more impacted by unemployment and Social Security than the stock market. Until unemployment turns around, Protestant churches may continue to struggle financially."
But the report also revealed encouraging developments as well. Forty-nine percent of the churches surveyed reported that volunteering in the community has increased in the past year in comparison to previous years, and 47 percent of churches are spending more money to help the needy.(lifeway research)
Some of the most asked questions that I hear from pastors are asked around the subjects of budgeting, margin, saving, and when and how to make large purchases. (buildings, staff, etc.) I have to say that while studying the Bible this morning I was convicted on some of the teachings that I read concerning margin, saving, borrowing, and yes even co-signing or being a guarantor for others. My tendency at times when I read convicting scriptures is to pass it off as just a different time or to think that those principles just don’t work in today’s culture. So I want to share what God’s word has to say about these things and pray that you will allow God to speak to you through them. And yes, these apply to CHURCHES and PERSONAL FINANCES.
1.) SAVINGS and MARGIN – Proverbs 21:20 says “Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man’s dwelling but a foolish man devours it.” likewise 1 Corinthians 16:2 says “On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.” These verses are as clear as you can get. God’s word tells us to set aside money for saving and to create margin in our budget! I am amazed at pastors that have a “spend it all” mentality and call it faith.
2. Plan Before you Spend - One of the biggest questions on the minds of church planting pastors is this. “When should we build or buy?” Can you believe that the answer to that question is found in scripture? Contrary to Hollywood, build it and they will come, is not a wise mentality. Debt can handcuff you and your church. I’ve seen it happen.
Proverbs 24:27 says “Prepare your work outside; get everything ready for yourself in the field, after that build your house.”
Luke 14:28-30 I must say that the overall context of this passage is about the “cost of discipleship” but the example that Jesus gave is insightful into Jesus’ perspective on spending. “For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, “this man began to build and was not able to finish” WOW! I have personally seen churches who have done this very thing, began and couldn’t finish!
3.) Debt – Proverbs 22:7 “The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.” Romans 13:8 “Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law” Don’t get mad at me, I’m just telling you what it says!
Also read Proverbs 22:26-27 and Proverbs 6:1-5 concerning putting up personal property as security for debt (If you are a pastor considering this, PLEASE READ THIS FIRST) and being a guarantor or co-signer.
(thechangegroup)
.
USA Today: For 1st time since recession churches report drop in giving.
If you read this morning's USA Today, you saw our research on the front page-- the recession has caught up with America's churches. We released a story here and you can find the full details here.
Although the National Bureau of Economic Research has determined that the recession is over, a new LifeWay Research study is showing that after a moderate impact for two years, the recession is now significantly impacting local churches with 79% reporting the economy is hurting their ministries.
Scott McConnell explained, "Because many members give in direct proportion to their income, Protestant churches may be more impacted by unemployment and Social Security than the stock market. Until unemployment turns around, Protestant churches may continue to struggle financially."
But the report also revealed encouraging developments as well. Forty-nine percent of the churches surveyed reported that volunteering in the community has increased in the past year in comparison to previous years, and 47 percent of churches are spending more money to help the needy.(lifeway research)
Some of the most asked questions that I hear from pastors are asked around the subjects of budgeting, margin, saving, and when and how to make large purchases. (buildings, staff, etc.) I have to say that while studying the Bible this morning I was convicted on some of the teachings that I read concerning margin, saving, borrowing, and yes even co-signing or being a guarantor for others. My tendency at times when I read convicting scriptures is to pass it off as just a different time or to think that those principles just don’t work in today’s culture. So I want to share what God’s word has to say about these things and pray that you will allow God to speak to you through them. And yes, these apply to CHURCHES and PERSONAL FINANCES.
1.) SAVINGS and MARGIN – Proverbs 21:20 says “Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man’s dwelling but a foolish man devours it.” likewise 1 Corinthians 16:2 says “On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.” These verses are as clear as you can get. God’s word tells us to set aside money for saving and to create margin in our budget! I am amazed at pastors that have a “spend it all” mentality and call it faith.
2. Plan Before you Spend - One of the biggest questions on the minds of church planting pastors is this. “When should we build or buy?” Can you believe that the answer to that question is found in scripture? Contrary to Hollywood, build it and they will come, is not a wise mentality. Debt can handcuff you and your church. I’ve seen it happen.
Proverbs 24:27 says “Prepare your work outside; get everything ready for yourself in the field, after that build your house.”
Luke 14:28-30 I must say that the overall context of this passage is about the “cost of discipleship” but the example that Jesus gave is insightful into Jesus’ perspective on spending. “For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, “this man began to build and was not able to finish” WOW! I have personally seen churches who have done this very thing, began and couldn’t finish!
3.) Debt – Proverbs 22:7 “The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.” Romans 13:8 “Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law” Don’t get mad at me, I’m just telling you what it says!
Also read Proverbs 22:26-27 and Proverbs 6:1-5 concerning putting up personal property as security for debt (If you are a pastor considering this, PLEASE READ THIS FIRST) and being a guarantor or co-signer.
(thechangegroup)
.
Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.what is faith? simply believing what God has said in his word. we have problems believing for big things. because we have little faith. how do increase your faith? faith is like an ability, which grows through experience, practice, commitment and sacrifice. like building muscles. it grows when we survive victories and defeats. its not like the flu, but i do think being around faith filled people it will give you hope.
when you need faith to trust God for big things, fasting is a great way to develop it.
when you fast and pray , you should expect miracles to follow.
9 practical results for people who fast
Isaiah 58:6-8 (New King James Version)
6 “ Is this not the fast that I have chosen:
To loose the bonds of wickedness,
To undo the heavy burdens,
To let the oppressed go free,
And that you break every yoke?
7 Is it not to share your bread with the hungry,
And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out;
When you see the naked, that you cover him,
And not hide yourself from your own flesh?
8 Then your light shall break forth like the morning,
Your healing shall spring forth speedily,
And your righteousness shall go before you;
The glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.
Here are 9 different fast by 9 different people for 9 different reasons that produced 9 different results
1.to loose the bonds of wickedness- was the disciples fast to break addiction and sins.
2 to undo the heavy burdens- was the Ezra fast to solve problems.
3. to let the oppressed go free- was the Samuel fast for evangelism and revival.
4. to break every yoke- was the Elijah fast to break discouragement and burnout.
5. to share your bread with the hungry- was the Widow's fast to supply physical treatment and financial health for the poor.
6. your light shall break forth- was the Paul fast for insight and decision making.
7. your healing shall spring forth speedily- was the Daniel fast for health and healing.
8. your righteousness shall go before you- was the John the Baptist fast for influence and testimony.
9. the glory of the lord shall be your rear guard- was the Ester fast for spiritual warfare and protection.
when you need faith to trust God for big things, fasting is a great way to develop it.
when you fast and pray , you should expect miracles to follow.
9 practical results for people who fast
Isaiah 58:6-8 (New King James Version)
6 “ Is this not the fast that I have chosen:
To loose the bonds of wickedness,
To undo the heavy burdens,
To let the oppressed go free,
And that you break every yoke?
7 Is it not to share your bread with the hungry,
And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out;
When you see the naked, that you cover him,
And not hide yourself from your own flesh?
8 Then your light shall break forth like the morning,
Your healing shall spring forth speedily,
And your righteousness shall go before you;
The glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.
Here are 9 different fast by 9 different people for 9 different reasons that produced 9 different results
1.to loose the bonds of wickedness- was the disciples fast to break addiction and sins.
2 to undo the heavy burdens- was the Ezra fast to solve problems.
3. to let the oppressed go free- was the Samuel fast for evangelism and revival.
4. to break every yoke- was the Elijah fast to break discouragement and burnout.
5. to share your bread with the hungry- was the Widow's fast to supply physical treatment and financial health for the poor.
6. your light shall break forth- was the Paul fast for insight and decision making.
7. your healing shall spring forth speedily- was the Daniel fast for health and healing.
8. your righteousness shall go before you- was the John the Baptist fast for influence and testimony.
9. the glory of the lord shall be your rear guard- was the Ester fast for spiritual warfare and protection.
is the gym full of hypocrites?
I have gone to the same gym for 3 years with much the same people/ I've noticed 80% have stayed the same, 10% have gotten better in shape, 10% have gotten oddly more out of shape ( even though they have still been trying and faithful to show up). I've ever seen some of these fitness nuts out at a local rest. stuffing their face.Yet i have never heard anyone say that the local gym is full of hypocrites. They desire and pursue one thing and at other times openly struggle making decisions that support the wishes and work they put in.
Isn't the same with church? most faithful attenders stay the same, a few change for the better, and oddly some can even grow further away from God and make worst decisions. (even though they show up) funny thing is we never accuse a gym of being full of hypocrites because we saw some of them buffeting at cicis. We know and realize that at the gym people get out of it what they put in to it. Same at church. When we come to a point in which when realize we need to have a healthy spiritual change. We give our best effort , try to make some lifestyle changes and realize that the 2 hours a week we spend at church can not void out the other 24times 7 hours we may spend pleasing our flesh. It is easier to cut out 500 calories from your daily diet than trying to exercise 500 calories off every day. I mean who of us really goes to the gym on Saturday or Sunday. Most of us are only Monday at 5:30 type of gym goers anyway.Yet We never avoid a certain gym because we know 1 hypocrite that goes there. Yet the devil will us that to keep us from church for long periods of time.
My heart is for anyone that has been hurt or disappointed by church is that instead of distancing from the church my prayer is that they one day will give church another chance. My prayer is that restoration could one day be used as the last church people try before they give up on god and his church.
Isn't the same with church? most faithful attenders stay the same, a few change for the better, and oddly some can even grow further away from God and make worst decisions. (even though they show up) funny thing is we never accuse a gym of being full of hypocrites because we saw some of them buffeting at cicis. We know and realize that at the gym people get out of it what they put in to it. Same at church. When we come to a point in which when realize we need to have a healthy spiritual change. We give our best effort , try to make some lifestyle changes and realize that the 2 hours a week we spend at church can not void out the other 24times 7 hours we may spend pleasing our flesh. It is easier to cut out 500 calories from your daily diet than trying to exercise 500 calories off every day. I mean who of us really goes to the gym on Saturday or Sunday. Most of us are only Monday at 5:30 type of gym goers anyway.Yet We never avoid a certain gym because we know 1 hypocrite that goes there. Yet the devil will us that to keep us from church for long periods of time.
My heart is for anyone that has been hurt or disappointed by church is that instead of distancing from the church my prayer is that they one day will give church another chance. My prayer is that restoration could one day be used as the last church people try before they give up on god and his church.
when churches hurt
Thinking about so many in our community who have been hurt by churches… Though we’re all imperfect & mistakes are made, I’ve heard a whole lot of people make the statement, “I used to go to that church, but they hurt me so I left.”
Without getting into semantics, I think it’s huge to realize when someone says, I was hurt by that church, what they are actually saying is one of a few things:
That didn’t go exactly the way I thought it should; I’m hurt.
My expectations/needs were definitely not met there; I’m hurt.
This person was not appreciative of my work; I’m hurt.
I am overworked and feel burnt out; I’m hurt.
These things usually end up resulting in someone leaving their church.
I think that’s sad.
Here’s why:
It means we aren’t healthy and secure enough to have continual open dialogue about expectations and feelings.
And when we are, and the dialogue doesn’t go the way we thought it should, we still leave, and that may be healthy or it may not.
It’s healthy if, we placed our personal agenda aside and could seek after what is best for the entire church.
It is NOT healthy, if we leave upset because our personal goals or desires aren’t met.
Either way, if we leave, headed out on our own thinking that we can do it better all alone; we’ve missed the boat.
The key is understanding that churches don’t hurt people,
People hurt people.
Funny thing is that we never say the gym hurt me. The bar, restaurant, the movie theatre, the skate center( well maybe i have heard that one). While people can have a misunderstand at their job,school and anywhere they do life, it is nowhere else that the Devil has concentrated his power of offense. If the Devil can get you offended at church by the pastor,staff or even another attender He knows he has baited you into His trap.If we could only see it as what it is, a trap. It takes a higher level of maturity to be aware of this and be on the look out. We must come to a conclusion to make a commitment to not be offended, but look to be a blessing to others.
O.K. i do support the idea that if Bob has a same problem with 20 people that have a similar experience with bob. The problem could most definitely be BOB. And yes there are a few BOB churches in every circle. Mark Jenkins Adapted from original article from my friend chrislockhart.net
Without getting into semantics, I think it’s huge to realize when someone says, I was hurt by that church, what they are actually saying is one of a few things:
That didn’t go exactly the way I thought it should; I’m hurt.
My expectations/needs were definitely not met there; I’m hurt.
This person was not appreciative of my work; I’m hurt.
I am overworked and feel burnt out; I’m hurt.
These things usually end up resulting in someone leaving their church.
I think that’s sad.
Here’s why:
It means we aren’t healthy and secure enough to have continual open dialogue about expectations and feelings.
And when we are, and the dialogue doesn’t go the way we thought it should, we still leave, and that may be healthy or it may not.
It’s healthy if, we placed our personal agenda aside and could seek after what is best for the entire church.
It is NOT healthy, if we leave upset because our personal goals or desires aren’t met.
Either way, if we leave, headed out on our own thinking that we can do it better all alone; we’ve missed the boat.
The key is understanding that churches don’t hurt people,
People hurt people.
Funny thing is that we never say the gym hurt me. The bar, restaurant, the movie theatre, the skate center( well maybe i have heard that one). While people can have a misunderstand at their job,school and anywhere they do life, it is nowhere else that the Devil has concentrated his power of offense. If the Devil can get you offended at church by the pastor,staff or even another attender He knows he has baited you into His trap.If we could only see it as what it is, a trap. It takes a higher level of maturity to be aware of this and be on the look out. We must come to a conclusion to make a commitment to not be offended, but look to be a blessing to others.
O.K. i do support the idea that if Bob has a same problem with 20 people that have a similar experience with bob. The problem could most definitely be BOB. And yes there are a few BOB churches in every circle. Mark Jenkins Adapted from original article from my friend chrislockhart.net
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