Last night our Church Council spent more than an hour discussing budget priorities for 2011. Some of us advocated for ministries we like the best. Some of us asked to spend more in areas that have been historically neglected. Some want to invest in personnel; some want to invest in programs; some want to invest in mission, some want to invest in the building. The hard part is that all church-related expenses are for good purposes, so you can't really say that any of them are unimportant. But which ones are most important right now?
I asked the question: Where will our investment of resources produce the most results for God's kingdom on earth?
It's an interesting question.
What are the results of a worship service?
What are the results of supporting the food pantry?
What are the results of a Church School class?
What are the results of a great choir cantata?
What are the results of having a labyrinth on our church lawn?
What are the results of a calling a pastor?
What are the results of welcoming newcomers to worship?
What are the results of being active in our denominations?
What are the results of supporting our missioners in Colombia, South America?
What are the results of keeping our building and grounds in great condition?
Here are the results we are seeking:
1. More action, less words.
2. More intimate fellowship, less individualism.
3. More justice, less satisfaction with simply providing charity.
With God's help, we will discern the best investment for our abundant resources. The key is asking the right questions. What results does God want from us? What return will we make? It's a good problem to have.
How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you? (I Thessalonians 3:9)
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