I’ve been feeling somewhat weighed down the past week or so.
It was announced recently that my church is going to be making cuts in the next month. A large amount of cuts. Close to about 7% of our budget, after cutting 12% this past July.
I know this isn’t abnormal. Many churches are making cuts just as most businesses are as well. It is a reality of the economic climate we live in right now.
For whatever reason financial issues have always caused me the greatest amount of stress. When my shoulders are tight, I know I’m a little out of balance and my shoulders have been pretty tight lately.
Working at a church provides a different dynamic with the people you work with. It isn’t just a co-worker. The people I work with are fighting the war with me. They are not just co-workers, they are my friends, and they are brothers and sisters.
So maybe I lose my job…that changes my life in some drastic ways. I no longer can afford to go to school, and I have to grapple with understanding why God is doing something different with my life than I had thought he had called me to.
But maybe a co-worker loses their job. In many ways it isn’t any easier. I not only losing a partner fighting the great fight with me, but I also miss out on the relationships that have continued to grow with time.
Dan Kimball said that everything is mission because there is a heaven and hell. I travel on this mission with my co-workers and the shake up that will be happening soon will be difficult.
All this to say…my heart is heavy and I would appreciate your prayers for my church body.
