He talked about his observations from visits to Reformed churches throughout the world, particularly in the global south. He said that the churches that are the most vital are the ones who emphasize mission outside of their walls.
The thing that sparked the initial conversations that led to my sabbatical this year was finances at Central Pres. We still struggle, and, in the long run, finances are the reason that we must do something different. That's the reason that most of our congregations must do something different.
However, I'd like to propose a switch in emphasis.... or at least a switch in how to look at the implications of doing something different in our churches. If - no, when - we find ways to do things differently in our churches, by cooperating in terms of buildings and staff and programs and the like, that will free up financial resources so that it will be possible for us to reach out more beyond our own walls, our own needs, our own facilities, to meet the needs of others in our communities, our nation, and our world.
When I first came to Central Pres. in 1999 to serve as the Pastor, we were giving something like 8.5% or 9% of our budget to mission. That would have amounted to something like $15,000 or $16,000 each year to mission beyond our doors. In 2000, we made a goal that, within 5 years, we would be giving 12.5% of our budget to mission. Last year, in 2009, we gave $0. Unfortunately, I didn't make a typo there. Zero dollars. I'm embarrassed by that. I'm angry about that. I don't think we had a choice at the time, but I don't like that one bit. I am convinced that we have to figure out a way to do things differently at Central, not just because it's irresponsible to continue to pay $35,000-40,000 per year for utilities alone, but because we must return again to an active, financially faithful support of mission causes outside of our own church.
And the challenge for the broader Church? Central Pres. is not alone in this condition.
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