Struggling church

[Brother Jerry]

I should not really say struggling church because that has a little different vision, but I just could not think of anything else at the time.  Let me explain the situation a little.

I currently attend a smaller church that also runs a pre-school.  The pre-school has been there for years, as a matter of fact my family is a pre-school family in that we started going to the church there because of the interaction with the pre-school.  And this pre-school has been a ministry of the church, and the leader we have there currently has a heart for the children and families in that pre-school.  She took a huge paycut to come be our director because God was leader her to it.  This was back this past Spring. 

In May we also brought on a worship leader.  And he is a wonderful man with a soul for God and abiding by His will.  Everyone loves him and the music changes.  We know he was a great addition to our staff. 

Now for years our pre-school funded the church.  It has taken almost 5 years to that to start turning around and right now the church can fund the pastor and more than likely our worship leader, but absolutely nothing else. 

In June our enrollment in the pre-school dipped way down.  Further than it ever had before.  Mostly due to the economy.  We have gotten to the point where we have cut back on utility usage, extra food stuff, our cleaning contract, etc.  But now at the last meeting the idea came up where our top 3 people, Pastor, Worship Leader, Pre-school director can all take a $100 per week paycut...That is $400 per month!

I personally do not feel that is the solution, and I am willing to go work part time somewhere to make extra money.  I think that is shifting the financial responsiblity from the church to the church leadership personally.  The church may be able to now pay the light bill, but the pastor cannot at his house.

God is preparing us for something.  Not sure what but He has been leading us and guiding us strongly the past year.  We have been on fire for Him and it has shown.  But just pray that we do not Satan get a foot hold here and that God will continue to guide us.

 

[Soldier4Christ]

I can fully understand the situation. I have been in churches where no one received any pay check from the church. Everyone there had to provide for themselves by having jobs outside of the church. It is difficult but if all are insistent on making things work then with God's help it does. Whatever is the outcome of this situation brother my prayers will be with you all.

[Shammu]

Brother, I also understand the situation. I have a weekly budget of 35.00 a week. Out of that comes my pay. I still earn social security disability. So I turn around, and use my pay for the welfare of the church. Though my asst. pastor is getting a bonus this week, I'll be paying for.......

There is nothing wrong with making money outside the church. My prayers though will be with you.