OUR FUTURE -- CONGREGATIONAL DISCUSSION

Summery of Meeting on June 3, 2012

Session, Deacons and Church Members

Following worship on June 3^rd we had a congregational conversation (over 30 officers and members) about our future.  We are a small-membership church of 90 members with a large building and significant financial challenges doing ministry as an inner-city church.  We are currently using investments (roughly $80,000) a year to support our church operations.  At the current rate we are spending these funds, we will not be able to sustain current operations within roughly five years.

From this discussion, there is no immediate desire among the majority of active members, to change the way we are doing things.  While some of the conversation related to questions about our budget, pledges and the building, the overall tone of this meeting was the “passion” we have for what we are doing, the close and personal relationships we cherish, and the faith that we affirm will sustain us transcending statistical reports.

We are a mature congregation that is passionate about what we are doing in worship, mission and ministry.  We recognize that membership will continue to drop.  We believe God will take care of us.  Faith will sustain us.  There is no desire to consider leaving our current location.  There was no discussion on the possibility of merging with another church.  We will continue to discern where God leads.

While the congregation talks passionately about our personal friendships as members of this church family, little was said about the church building.  It is God, not the building, that holds us together as a congregation.  

We need to do more to empower our young people to become the leaders of the future.  

The session needs to continue to look into options in cutting down overhead expenses in maintaining such a large building.     

As a congregation, we will remain diligent in honestly assessing where we are financially in sustaining the basic ministries and relationship we have come to enjoy.

At this time there are no recommendations for change.

Rev. Tom Cundiff

Session Moderator