February was a tough month for Church Requel financially. Last evening was our monthly church board business meeting, so you can imagine that we had to make some choices that we would have preferred not to make. The question I'd like to address in today's blog message is this: how should a leader in the church respond to difficult financial situations? Should he be open and transparent or closed and opaque? Especially if one is leading a new, young church designed to attract people not already going to church, shouldn't we just be quiet about any money shortfalls? Isn't talk about money a big turnoff?
I'm opting for transparency and here's why. We are living in tough, financial times right now, especially in North Central Ohio. The rest of the country may be on the come back trail economically, but Mansfield is just in hiking mode - as in leaving town for better jobs. Several of our church families (not to mention some of my best friends), who worked for GM before it closed down, have left for Kansas City and Lansing and other places where the job prospects are better. Those who have continued to live here are well aware of the not-yet-ended, local recession. Everyone here is struggling right now, so why not the local church?
I'm a firm believer in living out our faith before a watching world. The very definition of faith implies doubt and difficulty. We don't express faith when the times are good, but when they are bad. We rob ourselves of this opportunity if we deny that we are even having any problems. But if we admit - "Hey, I'm right there with you. I get it. Times are tough. I'm so glad I can rely upon God our heavenly Father right now," we might find people more likely to tune in.
Besides, God really doesn't promise financial security here on Earth. Right? Isn't God's Word filled with godly folks, who also struggled with a lack of money? Job lost everything except his life. The poor widow gave her last two coins. The church in Jerusalem needed financial help. If we claim to NOT preach a health and wealth gospel, but then never admit our own weaknesses for fear of losing credibility, aren't we then the most in-credible?
Motivation is another big factor. Why do we share our financial situation? Do we silently hope that someone will come along and bail us out? Do we talk about money in the hopes of puffing up the offering for the week? This is no small matter and the heart above all things can be surprisingly corrupt. Certainly we take a risk when we talk about money. But to avoid the conversation because a risk is involved is foolish. A church planter has already taken so much risk in getting things started, what's one more? Personally, I think the best way of handling the "talk about money = increasing the offering" risk is to admit the possibility up front, then explain what we hope is the right motivation (transparency), and then the details of the situation.
Finally, how we handle our financial decisions is as important as the decisions themselves. Do we live in constant fear? Is there a heaviness that pervades everything? I know some ministries immediately jump on the threat of job losses and staff cuts at the first mention of tough times. This is where true leadership comes into play. As hard as it is to do - impossible really without God - this is when the leader has the opportunity to demonstrate love, humility, and character.
I've long ago surrendered my financial pride. Church Requel and I are wholly God's and God's alone. Sure, February was a tough month. We'll have to make a few changes. But we are still so fortunate. We left last night's leadership meeting more encouraged than ever. We are excited about the great things God will give us to accomplish for Him. We have the distinct privilege of starting something brand new, something special, something unique. And that is so much more compelling to me than either a full or an empty purse.
