« Experts offer advice on what works when it comes to funding | Main | Should churches offer "premiums" to encourage online giving »
April 7, 2009
Ed Stetzer talks about money and ministry
LifeWay Research recently released the results of the impact our current economic state is having on churches. It's positive and consistent what we have previously discussed on the blog.
One might think that churches are barely staying alive, but the opposite is true. Stetzer's research shows that evangelical churches are doing surprisingly well in these tough times. Certainly, churches need to manage the organizations they lead wisely. But tough times force us to ask the hard questions that often lead to more strategic ministry practices.
I still fear that many church leaders are tempted to slip into "group think" and give up. The most important posture we can take to settle the uneasiness of the people who sit in our pews is to show what it means to "faith" our way through life.
Paul wrote, "Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen." (Heb 11:1, HCSB)
It's time to change the conversation from "What do we have to cut to survive?" to "What does God want us to do next?"
Do you agree with the research? Is it descriptive of your church?
Posted by bstroup at April 7, 2009 2:54 AM
Trackback Pings
TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://blogs.lifeway.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-tb.cgi/2087
Comments
I am in full agreement with the statements listed below in the research that Ed has done. I have noticed churches across the nations that fall into the two categories listed in the report. The situation is laid at the feet of leadership, trust, and fellowship.
Posted by: Randy Tompkins at April 1, 2009 9:28 AM