Man of Depravity - Tyler Braun's posts on Church Ministry, Worship, Seminary, and Theology.

Canceling Church

2008 December 21

by Tyler

Today (Dec 21st) we had a to cancel church. We’ve had up to a foot of snow in some spots and at least 6 inches everywhere. On top of that is a nice layer of frozen rain. It is a driving nightmare. There really wasn’t any other option, sadly.

It is a funny thing, the phrase: “canceling church”. All that is closed is a building. Church will still happen on the sledding hills, in cars, in homes, and even on the internet. Closing a building doesn’t really mean canceling church.

This couldn’t come at a worse time. Almost every church in America and in Oregon is behind on their budgets. The past 2 weekends Oregon churches have either been canceled or had very minimal numbers and in turn, minimal giving. It is a sad thing that most people do not give when they do not come.

Pastors will lose their jobs, and many ministries will lose money.

That is the harsh reality of “canceling church”.

Filed under: the rest... Tags: church

dorothy (vicar of vibe)

We are in the middle of an ice storm, just got the word we are going to have worship. It is such a tough call.
Alan Wilkerson

It is tough for every congregation that has to take these days off. Kenton probably won’t be able to do our Christmas Cantata till Epiphany Sunday now since I don’t think Christmas Eve is the best time for a choir rehearsal. It’s one of those very hard calls pastors, sessions and others have to make. Personally I’m bummed because my youngest was suppose to arrive home from college last night and was diverted to San Jose. I’m praying he makes it in today sometime.

Peace,
Relax in our Lord. He’s in charge

Alan
Jill

Honestly, when i read your post I thought… i can’t believe that it hasn’t been a week since we cancelled. This was the longest day.. i’m talking Alaskan long day… of my life. I would have sworn it was already Wednesday. It feels like months since i’ve walked in those doors. Are we still getting paid?
http://www.lifeway-online.org Janelle

http://www.FreeConferencePro.com will set up a free bridge line. Everyone calls into ‘Church’ on their landlines (as long as they still have power). During the call, people can be redirected to the Church’s website for ‘online offering’ time. You can even record the call if you are putting up the sermons on your website. There is a will and God always provides the way.
http://www.visualtrademark.com CJ Mills

I wish I had something cooler to say “I really like this post” but I don’t – I’m that tired. I’ve thought about the whole canceling church thing before, thought not from an economic standpoint. Great thoughts.