Financial Issues of Replanting Churches

In May of this year we voted to replant our church and start over. In some ways we have become a new church (new name, new governing documents, new service times, etc.), but we still have some carry over from who we were, such as our church budget and expenses. Thankfully we do not have any debt as a church, but we do have operating expenses. We have experienced some initial decline in our attendance, and in our giving. This isn't unusual for a church going through a replant. Struggling finances are typically and issue for any church, but are magnified for churches going through change.

Recently Thom Rainer, president of Lifeway Christian Resources and Mark Clifton, Director of the Replant Division of the North American Mission Board began to offer a podcast called "Revitalize and Replant." Through these podcasts they discuss issues facing churches that are in the process of revitalizing or replanting. One of the podcasts this week dealt with the issues of finances in a replanting church. You can listen to the podcast here. After listening, feel free to leave questions or comments in the comment section below.

STORMS AND OPPORTUNITY

     Tornadoes rolled through the South last night causing significant destruction and death. Over 240 confirmed deaths so far, including several in Tennessee. With the storms comes a great opportunity for the people of God to respond in the love of Christ. 
      We've been emphasizing giving at Magna View this year. I've shared with our church that I'm praying we become a church that gives more than we keep. I want to share with you a couple of opportunities to give in response to the needs left by the storms: 
        A friend and co-worker of Anjanette Large at Walters State, Susie Harrison and her family were victims of a tornado in Greeneville last night and lost everything. The modular home in which they lived was destroyed.  Susie's daughter and family lived with them.  The family is in need of clothing and personal items.  

Women's clothing needed:  size X-large (16-18), size 9 shoes

Men's clothing needed: size Large

Toddler boys clothing needed:  Size 3T

Baby girl clothes needed:  Size 6-9 month

We'll be collecting these items this Sunday morning, May 1. 

      Also, the Tennessee Baptist Convention has set up a fund for those affected by the tornadoes. Money given will go to help with disaster relief and rebuild of homes. We'll receive a special offering this coming Sunday to help. You can make your check out to Magna View Baptist Church and put "Spring 2011 Tornadoes and Storms Fund". 

      Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.    Luke 6:38 (NKJV)