This is more a plea than a question. I ask all who serve as pastor of a congregation to be faithful stewards of the resources that God has placed into your hands.

I am pastoring my third church. They are a wonderful people whom I love dearly. But I have been discovering over the last year that my predecessor has bled the church dry. The church had no mortgage, ten units of apartments, but was in debt to the amount of $80,000 altogether. Utilities were unpaid, there was not property insurance, property taxes were unpaid for five years, an unpaid balance was left on stain glass windows, and many of the congregation had left.

The body decreased from 160 persons to 40 over a period of about seven years.

I cry over the hurt placed upon my people, and the burden they are left with. Instead of building a ministry we find ourselves putting out fires.

Please, consider your people, the people of God. Care for your flock. God will care for us, we should care for His flock.

Pray for us....we have much to face.

-- Anonymous, December 01, 2000

Answers

My dear brother, I would suspect that everyone one on this board that have been in the church for more than twenty years can relate to what you are going through. It is unfortunate but it does happen. I'm not a pastor but have worked close enough to pastors to know what you are facing. Remember that the forty people left are there because God wants them there. You are their shepherd. Everything that God's church needs is right there in your church. The $80,000 and more. It may look bad but in the mist of confusion peace is in the middle waiting to appear. Draw strength from studying Nehemiah, The Crying Prophet. Just as he re-built the walls so shall you re-build your church. The fires you are putting out are tools of the enemy. As they say "been there, done that". Just keep true to your calling and go back and start building your ministry

-- Anonymous, December 01, 2000

My apology for giving Jeremiah's handle to Nehemiah.

-- Anonymous, December 01, 2000

My clergy brother, I am so proud of you for standing still so God can direct you as you lead this church. I know God will make a way, he always does, and it may mean refinancing property, working with a financial management team. I am just starting my church. And my book keeper and I have already planned our weekly meetings. You did not cause these massive problems, and you can only do what you can do. The fact that you are a new pastor to this church can work to your favor. For creditors may be more willing to help, since they maybe able to work things out. Also contact your senator's office, to see if there is emergency hud money or government money for the apartments, Hold tight help is on the way!

-- Anonymous, December 02, 2000

I share all your sentiments and words of encouragement. The problem that I have however, year after year we encounter the same things on even on the highest level of our church. Why is it that things like this just disappears into oblivion and the Lord will bless you and be with you in all your future endeavours. When will we make an attempt not only to get to the root of the problem, but make a sincere effort to rid our people of it. We have suffred far too much, especially the poor, very poor overseas districts!!!!!!!

-- Anonymous, December 03, 2000

How does the general AME church deal with a mis-management situation?

Also, my brother. Divine Spirit must sometimes "purge" itself of impurities. Sounds like this happened in this worship community. Be strong, Mother/Father has a wonderful gift in store for the remaining members.

In Love and Light, Brenda

-- Anonymous, December 04, 2000