>>>The Church in Financial Crisis<<<

[pelathais]

Originally Posted by RandyWayne

All those who proclaim that the world is ending and the economy is moments from total collapse, will eventually be right.

If I were to publish my vision that a giant asteroid will fall from the sky and devastate the planet this year -and proceed to make the same prediction every single year, I will (statistically) get it right on at some point.

There are good times and bad times. Some people use the good times to save up for the bad. Some people use the bad times just so they can say, "I told you so..."

Still, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night; it'll all keep going until the end.

[scotty]

Originally Posted by pelathais

None? That's remarkable.

I have been thinking the same, don't know whether to rejoice or take it as the "calm before the storm".

So far the state of Arkansas has not taken as many hits as the other states. Few of our businesses are laying off or cutting back. Most are complaining about the stock market and thus their portfolio, but over all I'm not seeing alot of stress on peoples faces. Especially in the church. I have three different members approach me concerning me building them websites. One of those just bought a new building and is expanding. His is a milliion plus a year business. We even have a small engine and lawnmower service owner, he wanted a website back about a month or two ago to pick up business, I never got around to doing it for him, approached him about it last week and he said don't worry about it, he has more business than he can handle..

I just dont know what to think really ! I have to believe that what I'm describing here is not just happening in my town. yeah there is alot of bad news out there, but there are a lot of places that are not being effected that bad. Of course those items are not gonna be reported on.

[EA]

Originally Posted by Edward Anglin

I got a letter from a brother pleading for money today.

He used the word "crisis" to define the situation his organization is in.

He stated that giving has declined substantially, recently.

Understand, the problem is not mismanagement, it is a decrease in giving.

How widespread is this? How is the economic depression we are in impacting the local church, and the organizations we are a part of?

Has your church cut back on giving to other organizational programs and fundraising drives?

Do you think local churches will sever ties with national organizations for financial reasons?

Do you believe this will give rise to the house church movement?

Originally Posted by Edward Anglin

I believe the economic depression could lead local churches to react in the following ways:

• Less giving to missions.
• Less giving to national programs.
• Fewer, if any, guest evangelists.
• More pastors becoming bi-vocational.

I also believe some churches may merge with others, or even close.

Originally Posted by Edward Anglin

Ministers will be required to make some tough decisions.

• Those considering church planting may be less willing to jump in, due to financial hardship, including the inability to garner donations for a start up.
  
• Full time evangelists may become a thing of the past, as that is an area financially strapped churches will cut first.
  
• Some ministers may sever ties with the WPF, ALJC or UPCI simply because they cannot justify the money they spend on dues each month, quarter and year.

Originally Posted by Mr. Steinway

You bring up some interesting consequences from the ailing economy. I believe 2009 will be the worst year since the depression. The market was down by almost 9% in the month of January. Usually, January sets the tone for the rest of the year.

Folks, it's going to be a rough ride for the next couple of years. You better start to cut expenses NOW!

Organizations that are already in bad shape financially, may not survive this crisis!

Bumpety-bump-bump.

[mizpeh]

Ed, are you considering cutting ties with your church organization d/t the financial climate or do you know of those who are? Would they remain in the org if they could afford it? If you are, maybe you should let them know what you are experiencing and perhaps they will think of inventive ways to help those who are in crisis right now....like not requiring dues of those who can prove hardship for a year or something like that.

[EA]

Originally Posted by Edward Anglin

I got a letter from a brother pleading for money today.

He used the word "crisis" to define the situation his organization is in.

He stated that giving has declined substantially, recently.

Understand, the problem is not mismanagement, it is a decrease in giving.

How widespread is this? How is the economic depression we are in impacting the local church, and the organizations we are a part of?

Has your church cut back on giving to other organizational programs and fundraising drives?

Do you think local churches will sever ties with national organizations for financial reasons?

Do you believe this will give rise to the house church movement?

Originally Posted by Edward Anglin

I believe the economic depression could lead local churches to react in the following ways:

• Less giving to missions.
• Less giving to national programs.
• Fewer, if any, guest evangelists.
• More pastors becoming bi-vocational.

I also believe some churches may merge with others, or even close.

Originally Posted by Edward Anglin

Ministers will be required to make some tough decisions.

• Those considering church planting may be less willing to jump in, due to financial hardship, including the inability to garner donations for a start up.
  
• Full time evangelists may become a thing of the past, as that is an area financially strapped churches will cut first.
  
• Some ministers may sever ties with the WPF, ALJC or UPCI simply because they cannot justify the money they spend on dues each month, quarter and year.

Originally Posted by mizpeh

Ed, are you considering cutting ties with your church organization d/t the financial climate or do you know of those who are? Would they remain in the org if they could afford it? If you are, maybe you should let them know what you are experiencing and perhaps they will think of inventive ways to help those who are in crisis right now....like not requiring dues of those who can prove hardship for a year or something like that.

No, I am not cutting ties as of yet. However, the dues add up to almost $1ooo a year. That's a lot of dough.

[mizpeh]

You're not even until you can show video of a monkey dancing!!!!!

[scotty]

Originally Posted by Edward Anglin

No, I am not cutting ties as of yet. However, the dues add up to almost $1ooo a year. That's a lot of dough.

Has anyone discussed this with the higher ups ?

Are the higher ups saying "we dont care, no money, no membership"?