Do More Ministry

We've all heard how the Bible talks about money more than heaven or hell and that the issue isn't personal poverty or wealth but stewardship. Our volunteer leaders and staff are working so hard to be the best stewards we can possibly be of all the resources freely given to Kingdom work at [this church]. So many people sacrifice so much to support the work of this church family and for that we who serve here are eternally grateful.

During this down turn, or crisis, or recession or depression or whatever the media is calling it this week, the staff and volunteer leaders on the stewardship and personnel committees have identified numerous ways to save in programming and personnel dollars. Savings in programming include decreases in Sunday School literature, childcare support, seminars, conferences, camps, volunteer leadership training and appreciation events. We've cut events such as mission trips in high school, staff training in preschool, and dozens of other needed programming investments in every ministry area between and beyond.

In personnel, we've worked with extra care to find ways to save money without deleting positions. That's been a challenge for us - as it has been for so many of you. In support of the effort our staff has forgone raises, a long standing Christmas gift, and contributions to retirement. We've instituted a hiring freeze and are dividing time between ministries to get the job done. Some people think we have too much staff. If [this church] were the little church they grew up in years ago they would be so right. But it takes a lot of hard working dedicated people to lead a small city like [this church] on a mission to change the world. We are blessed with an amazing group of selfless servant-leaders.

Through all the challenges we've faced over the past two years, we have continued to reach people for Christ, to see growth in Sunday School and in worship, and we haven't lost one staff member to another ministry (though I know our staff is heavily "courted" by other churches).

We are so close to turning the page and beginning a new chapter in the life of our wonderful family. To those who have been so giving and faithful and supportive through the years, thank you. That's not enough to say, but it's all there is to say. Thank you.

To those who attend regularly but have yet to take even the very first step toward God's call to biblical stewardship, I do understand. Really, I do. My mortgage guy suggested I sell an organ to decrease one of our many college loans. In spite of the challenges, I have never met anyone who regrets choosing biblical stewardship over some other plan for handling God's money.

Please continue to pray for your staff and volunteer leaders as we walk through these days of deeper faith. We need you prayers and your faithful support. God is so faithful. Thank you for your faithfulness to Him and His dear Church.