Churches challenged by tough economy

[Amelia]

Churches challenged by tough economy

How to persuade budget-pinched members to open their wallets to charity?

Jan. 17, 2009

associated press

Standing before his flock at Grace Point Church in North Las Vegas, Nev., Devin Hudson was understandably worried about the congregation's year-end "vision offering."

The casino and construction industries were hurting. Foreclosures were rampant. The church's week-to-week giving was down 20 percent. But Hudson, a 37-year-old T-shirt and jeans kind of evangelical preacher, announced he was setting a higher goal than the previous year and would write a larger personal check then he ever had.

The 800-member church exceeded its goal of $35,000 by $5,000 — an impressive feat in a recession. But that doesn't tell the whole story: Nearly all of it is dedicated to feeding needy families in the area and other causes outside the church's walls.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28708303/

[Lineman]

Steping out in faith is what God wants of us.

Kind of been thinking about the "store up food" thought that has been around for some time and am beginning to realize that if we have faith in our God like we say we do maybe we should be putting the money we would spend on food into His work instead.

He has promised to take care of us, why not believe Him?

[Guest truthseeker007]

The US has money enough, though it is not distributed fairly. The richest 20 percent posses 90 percent of the total economy. Anyway, the problem in the West is not about money, somehow the media always suggest that every problem can be solved with money. Jesus had his mouth and his soul and was spiritually supplied by the holy spirit, i believe God is able to keep us alive, even when there is nothing to eat.

What do you think of organising some kind of rally to ask God to stop playing hide-and-seek and step forward? I know this world has been given unto the devil for some time and that the government of God is not of this life. I wish i could live with God forever

[fccool]

Drgrimm,

If you jump in front of the moving vehicle, will God supply your kneed of safety? I don't think testing God is a wise thing to do. Preparation is consistent with faith, in fact, if you have faith... you should prepare... both physically and spiritually. God does not feed starving children in Africa, Christian or non-Christian alike. He gives us wisdom and responsibility to take care of those in need. You can't take care of others, if you can't provide food for yourself.