When I first began in urban ministry, the Church was in perpetual crisis. This is a more detailed account of early recovery. Surveying the minutes, these are some of the critical steps we took, and some of the significant turning points.
• April 1994. I started this month. The same month, we introduced leadership portfolios.
• June 1994: Our bank balance stood at R2 000 (about $140). We introduced planned giving, and abolished “mix-it” finances.
• July 1994: We introduced Congregational participation on Sundays.• August 1994: We took a major inventory.
• September 1994: Our bank balance stood at R18 000 (about $1,250). We introduced deacons’ visitation.
• November 1994: Our planned giving exceeded target for the first time. We introduced a Church newsletter.
• June 1995: Our Church income was up 50%. We introduced audits, and appointed assistant leaders of all groups.
• July 1995: The minutes note an “improved atmosphere” in the Church.
• August 1995: We introduced elders.
• September 1995: The Church committed to missions.
• December 1995: The minutes noted a 40% increase in Church attendance, and an 18% increase in membership. Four new groups had been established.
OBSERVATION: Yet while things had been moving, and were very much looking up, influential members were disaffected. It took two more years before we got past that.
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