January 2010

12.21.2009

ne Parson’s Opinion


It is no secret that we are way below budget as we end the year. Even the “actuals” (which is what we are actually spending) are running in the negative. We have had to go into our savings and presently have a surplus of about $95,000.

If our present rate of income and expenses continues, this will take us late into next year before we are unable to meet expenses.

Now, before panic strikes you and you faint, let me remind you of a few facts.

1. God has not abdicated His throne and He is, therefore, up to something through the financial shortfall.
   
2. The economy is playing havoc with ARBC’s income as well as with all Southern Baptist Convention entities. The International Mission Board, the North American Mission Board and the Colorado Baptist General Convention are all having to make serious budget cuts.
   
3. When I became your pastor a little over six years ago, the income was very low. I struggled with the question of whether the Perkins could make it financially at ARBC.
   
4. God proved faithful once again to ARBC and to the Perkins family. We came, and the Lord took care of us through you. He has brought in a host of new people, many of whom are tithers.
   
5. God meets the needs of the Kingdom through His people.
   
6. ARBC has many wonderful, faithful tithers (Jesus knows you by name and told me to tell you He is proud of you).

So, pulling all of these facts together, what do I conclude?

My conclusion is that God is at work in the financial shortfall at ARBC. Now, I do not know exactly what He is doing. But He is doing something.

One possibility is that He is driving us back to Himself. You see, our tendency as individuals is to think we are self-sufficient. Churches can feel they are self-sufficient, too.

Individuals and churches must be dependent on God to be used by God. He will not share His glory with anyone or anything. So, a church which He uses must be brought to dependence upon Him.

Just a thought!

If you are a tither—thank you! If you are a giver who is moving toward tithing—thank you! If you are not giving, I encourage you to be obedient to God and get in on the work of the Kingdom. You will be blessed in more ways that you can know.

See you on the Lord’s Day!

Jim

Posted by arbc at 11:17 AM