Sunday, August 23, 2015

Urban Beginnings

When I first began in urban ministry, the Church was in perpetual crisis. Surveying the minutes, here are some of the critical steps we took, and some of the turning points. I started in April 1994. That same month, we introduced leadership portfolios. June 1994: Our bank balance stood at R2 000 (about $150). We introduced planned giving, and abolished "mix-it" finances. July 1994: We introduced Congregational participation on Sundays. August 1994: We took a mass inventory. September 1994: Our bank balance stood at R18 000 (about $1,400). We introduced deacons’ visitation. November 1994: Our planned giving exceeded target for the first time. We introduced a Church newsletter. June 1995: Our Church income was up 50%. We introduced audits, and appointed assistant leaders of all groups. July 1995: The minutes note an “improved atmosphere” in the Church. August 1995: We introduced elders. September 1995: The Church committed to missions. December 1995: The minutes noted a 40% increase in Church attendance, and an 18% increase in membership. Four new groups had been established. OBSERVATION: However, while things had been moving and were looking up, influential members were disaffected. It took two more years before we got past that.

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