I wonder if anyone else finds it strange when we take up a large portion of "service time" to discuss a churches finances. Isn't that more of a leadership "private meeting" sort of thing? I realize that people like to be filled in on how the church is spending the money that comes in and I respect that. In fact, I believe the church should be EXTREMELY trasparent about where and how the funds are being distributed. There just seems to be an awkward feeling floating around the room during these times, and maybe it's just me, but I'm thinking there has got to be a better way. What are the guests and those who invited the guests feeling? What about the person who just decided to check this place out randomly? Do we stop to take into consideration who our audience is each week or do we get so used to what we do that we just assume we're addressing a room full of christians? And not just christians but the "same ol'" christians to whom the financial/facility issues are important. Is placing a sheet in the bulletins not enough? Maybe an in depth spot on the website for those who are interested?
It seems to me that people are coming to or being invited to a church gathering because they have a need or a desire to be there, whatever that may be. But I don't think that desire or need is to hear about the state of one particular churches financial situation in great length. And doesn't it seem to come across as a guilt trip? Kind of a "Tithe more or else" vibe? You may ask, "Is that even biblical?" Well, it depends on what you mean by "biblical." Is it in the bible? Yes. So technically it's "biblical" in that sense. Is it a command for the NT church? No. Should we give? Yes. Generously? YES! By all means! But not because of an obligation or old law but simply because we are commanded by God to be generous WHEREVER and to WHOMEVER He tells us to. Not legalistically to one church building.
So back to the finacial dilemma. Questions we must ask ourselves: Did the church get itself into a risky situation? Was it following a business model more than a biblical model? Is it the fault of the congregation or the leadership or both? Does it matter? I try thinking about the group that meets in our home. We've had some new people join us recently and I feel as though those few hours I have with them are too important to waste on matters like fundage. I don't know.....just thinking out loud.....and then typing it lol.....but hey thats what blogs are for right? To just BLAAAH all over a page :) G'Day
It seems to me that people are coming to or being invited to a church gathering because they have a need or a desire to be there, whatever that may be. But I don't think that desire or need is to hear about the state of one particular churches financial situation in great length. And doesn't it seem to come across as a guilt trip? Kind of a "Tithe more or else" vibe? You may ask, "Is that even biblical?" Well, it depends on what you mean by "biblical." Is it in the bible? Yes. So technically it's "biblical" in that sense. Is it a command for the NT church? No. Should we give? Yes. Generously? YES! By all means! But not because of an obligation or old law but simply because we are commanded by God to be generous WHEREVER and to WHOMEVER He tells us to. Not legalistically to one church building.
So back to the finacial dilemma. Questions we must ask ourselves: Did the church get itself into a risky situation? Was it following a business model more than a biblical model? Is it the fault of the congregation or the leadership or both? Does it matter? I try thinking about the group that meets in our home. We've had some new people join us recently and I feel as though those few hours I have with them are too important to waste on matters like fundage. I don't know.....just thinking out loud.....and then typing it lol.....but hey thats what blogs are for right? To just BLAAAH all over a page :) G'Day
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