Wow, I sent off a big packet for the Elders to review yesterday for our new budget starting August 1st. It's always an interesting process. I've been at this pretty much for 20 years with George and Abundant Life, and every year we ask God "what do you want to do through us this year?" We talk to staff and ministry leaders, look at giving trends so we don't get presumptuous, anticipate growth, and then step out in faith. And we always take our people's investment in Abundant Life seriously.
This year is a little different for me. With the economy where it is and giving down 10%, we are trying to figure out how far to tighten our belt without squeezing off the ministry that is desperately needed for our people to reach our community for Jesus and to come along side those who are hurting.
Budget questions that we can ask, but that are not ours to answer are: "Will those of us who call Abundant Life home experience God revealing new resources that we can release to the church? Will our church resources grow as new people start attending Abundant Life? Are there a few individuals out there who will be called to go above and beyond with a legacy gift?"
The more important questions we can each ask ourselves are: "How has God called us to impact our family, our neighbors, our community with His love?" and "How can we leverage our church to impact our world for Jesus?" That's what it's really all about. The budget is just some necessary mechanics behind the scenes.
Please join me in praying over the next few weeks, that God will reveal His greater plan for this next year at Abundant Life, and how we can best align with where He is going!
By the way, thank you to all those who put a little extra in the offering this last weekend. I've heard several cool stories of people accepting George's giving challenge and God providing the way!
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