In our contemporary time of Mega Church influence with the "rhetoric of power" assigned to the churches that claim larger memberships and substantial budgets how are the small independent churches fairing? In our Zion many of our older congregations have under 30 people in attendance on Sunday. Pastor's, what are your greatest struggles in these congregations? Are you commuting? How many miles? Is housing provided? Are you working? How do you meet your financial obligations? In what way is your ministry and vision affirmed or encouraged in your Annual conference? How are do you empower your congregation and implement God's vision for your church in the shadow of the Mega Church influence?

-- Anonymous, December 11, 2003

Answers

My congregation is approximately 75 saints. I commute 150 miles round trip at least 2 and sometimes 3 , and occassionaly 4 times each week. Housing is not provided. I'm a businessman and my wife supports the family (smile). The church meets all its obligations by its tihes and offerings. At the annual conference, the bishop says, "Give them a big hand!" IGod empowers us through the teaching and preaching of the pure word of God; without denominational or secular influences. We believe that we are not able to identify the wheat and the tares so we just meet our obligations and worship God in spirit and truth while trying to make a difference in the lives of our members and the members of our community. That's all folks.

-- Anonymous, December 11, 2003

My husband pastored a church with approximately 10 active members. The greatest struggle with that particular congregation was that the church was started by a minister who, shortly thereafter, fleeced the flock and then left the church altogether. As a result, a $2,000 mortgage was left on a church that only bought in approximately $1,500 per month in tithes and offerrings. The 10 folks that remained were extremely apathetic and did not seem to want the church to go. So, there was very little witnessing occurring among the members. My husband remained enthusiastic and carried on as if the church had 200 members, so it was a blessing. There was a very short commute, only about 5-10 miles. No housing was provided, nor compensation. My husband pastored this church while working a full- time job, and it was extremely touch. He really wanted to quit his full-time job; however, the church was unable to financially support him or our family. How did the church meet the financial obligations? In a word, my husband and I paid the assessments out of our pockets when it was necessary. Many people felt we were foolish to do it; however, we did it. I will leave it at that. I will let him post later and answer the last two questions because I do not want to appear to be too negative (SMILE). God bless.

-- Anonymous, December 11, 2003