I never got around to posting a real wrap-up for Wednesday night. But I did dump a few of my thoughts earlier this week.  This morning at Jubilee, my father-in-law spent a lot of time on what we call “Family Talk.”  He spent a lot of time talking about stewardship and about some decisions the leadership has made about our future.  I want to expand on his thoughts here.

The leadership of Jubilee Family Church has adopted a strategic mission to be more effective with what is sown into the ministry.  God has led this initiative as we are committed to doing ministry that keeps Christ at the center and people at the heart.  Although we are at a time of financial need, the purpose for this shift is affected by various factors.  It’s about more than just money, it is about stewardship of all resources.  This mission is three-fold: Reduce, Rethink, and Revitalize.

1. Reduce our budget.
   For the last two years, we have benefited greatly from rental income received from Independence Academy Charter School.  The relationship has been love-hate.  While it’s nice financially to receive the monthly check, we feel that it is improper to be unequally yoked with a non-Christian entity.  With the lease ending July 31, we have had to reevaluate our budget.  Additionally, in the first several months of Pastor Crowley’s ministry as Senior Pastor, our giving increased tremendously.  We have now leveled off, but our expenses continue to be at the increased level.

   We are taking several steps to reduce our budget:

   • Refinancing the church mortgage.  We had a rate jump that pushed our payment up $900 per month.  We have negotiated for a lower rate that brought our payment back down, but we are still pursuing a total refinance to save over $1,500 per month.
   • Staff transition.  Currently our parsonage is occupied by our custodians.  They will be retiring at the end of June, freeing up the home for pastoral staff.  Once we do some reflooring and painting, Alana and I will be moving in there.  Also, Alana’s folks (our pastor) will be selling their home and moving in with us!  With the savings in custodial salary and housing allowances, this will reduce the budget around $4,700 per month.
   • Tentmaking.  The apostle Paul talked about financially supporting church leaders in 1 Corinthians 9:1-18.  But there were times when even he had to go back to his trade – tentmaking – when the Church could not support him.  At this point, the church will be better off not having the strain of paying two full time pastoral staff members.  I have decided to go back to my trade – banking – for the greater health of the church.  I start tomorrow as a personal banker at US Bank.  I believe this will help me rethink and reshape how ministry is done.  I will be part-time with the church and full-time at the bank.  This will save $2,000 a month.
   • Streamline.  We are working hard to evaluate all of our various ministries and the expenses they have.  Nothing is safe from our evaluation.  We are dropping unneccesary subscriptions, sending fewer mailings, developing our own curriculum, and being more prudent with temperature control.  All of this is so we can be better stewards of all we have been entrusted with.  This will save hundreds per month.
2. Rethink stewardship education and inspiration.
   We will soon start a church-wide emphasis on stewardship.  We will begin teaching Financial Peace University by Dave Ramsey to our body.  This program will help us focus on keeping God at the center of our finances.  We will facilitate diverse opportunities for teaching and study in the areas of stewardship such as life groups, and bible study classes.

3. Revitalize our congregation with strategic efforts to increase attendance and support.
   We are seeking God’s help for ways to be more effective in reaching our community.  We are looking for ways to reach people through relational and servant evangelism, to connect real people to a real God.  Our body will need to shift from the “love church” mentality to a “love Jesus” mentality as we bring in new families.  We are focused on reaching the square mile to the east of our campus (30 & E Roads to 31 & D Roads).  It is vitally important that we seek God’s face for revival and develop creative outreach vehicles.
   

This strategic mission requires a balanced approach that includes wise and frugal use of resources, teaches by example, and mobilizes action in reaching people for the kingdom of God.  I am excited about what the future holds for Jubilee Family Church and pray that God will honor these steps.

Another bit of exciting news that was announced today… a little bit more light hearted news… Alana and I are having another baby!  Kid #2 is due on February 13, 2009 – exactly two years after Jayden’s due date.  And Donny broke the news before anyone else.

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This entry was posted on Sunday, June 22nd, 2008 at 5:55 pm and is filed under Grand Junction, Ministry. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.