For the past year and a half, Grace Chapel has been in a financial struggle as the economy has impacted our income dramatically. Our income has dropped by 34%, from an average monthly income of $110,000 to our present average income of $73,150. By making deep reductions in our operational expenses and laying off some of our staff, we have managed to trim our monthly operational expenses by over $35,000, leaving us a monthly gap of $7,500. That represents a 10% gap between what our present income is and what our operational expenses are.
As a congregation, we've been challenged by the Holy Spirit - through many voices and on several occasions - with a declaration that "The drought is over!" However, we seem to have remained in the grip of the financial downturn in giving. We do not see the evidence yet of the new "season of increase", but I believe God is giving us the opportunity to begin the summer rains! He is asking us to take a step of bold faith to break out of the drought and into a rainy season. That step of faith is sacrificial giving. If we will do just a bit more than we think we can, God will give us a great harvest. We can, in fact, be "drought busters!"
The church Council felt it was time to bring this faith challenge to you, the congregation, because we are, after all, a family. We believe that it is time for us to rise up as one in faith and close this financial gap! If each of us responds in faith we can become a powerful force together. I believe God is beginning to move, but we have to make a move of faith; we can "bust the drought!" We are the "small cloud" in the sky that Elijah saw when he was praying for the three-year drought to end. When he saw that small sign, he knew the rain was coming! May our act of faith become the signal that God's blessings are coming to Grace Chapel, too.
Here is the challenge: Let's be drought busters! Let's eliminate this $7,500 emergency gap, now. It is only a 10% difference, and God is much bigger than our economy!
Here are three things we can do now to bridge the gap and bust the drought.
1. Pray - Pray for a 10% increase in our income now Pray for God to bless us with greater financial breakthroughs as we move into 2009
2. Invite and bring people to church - make more disciples! - Start reaching out; start inviting everyone to come join what God is doing at Grace Chapel.
3. "Close-the-Gap" giving - The gap can easily be closed if 300 of us give only $6.25 more per week, or $25 more per month above our current giving. It's important to note that we shouldn't redirect our present giving to this project, as that will not help us. But, adding to what we are already giving, above and beyond our present tithes, will increase our operating income, enabling us to meet our present budget needs. I know that some can give more and some may give less, but I know that God will supply according to our faith.
There is a Project: Drought Busters commitment card in the office and at Guest Services in the lobby. We will also have them in the bulletins until the July 27 Sunday service. Will you prayerfully consider joining your brothers and sisters in this challenge? Let's become radical drought busters!
Pastor Richard
Hear Pastor Richard's explanation of Project: Drought Busters from the July 13 service.
Leave a comment