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

Can I Be Honest With You?

2009 February 23

by Tyler

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.

Filed under: the rest... Tags: Sunset

http://bryan-hills.blogspot.com/ bryan

I read your blog daily, some great thoughts, keep up the great work you do here.
I will keep you in my prayers.
As you stated “I have to grapple with understanding why God is doing something different with my life than I had thought he had called me to.” is a hard thing to do.
But keeping that exact point in site is what we have to do when hard times are among us.
His plan is sometimes hard to understand, isn’t it?
Prayers and Blessings!
http://ash-nits.blogspot.com ash

in my prayers bud. but no matter the outcome, i have faith that you’ll be alright…keep your head up…literally (wink)
http://www.aworshipfulheart.typepad.com janowen

Tyler, I’m sorry to hear this. Our budget hasn’t been cut, it’s just been frozen, which means we spend as little as humanly possible. I understand your pain. The issue of pay cuts (or even cutting jobs) is so hard to think about but is a reality in most churches. We’ve certainly discussed those possibilities and the resulting implications.

I will be praying for you and your church as you have so faithfully prayed for me and my church.

May God be with you as you “wrestle well” with these realities. Lean into God, Tyler…
http://shapingthespace.net David

Definitely praying Tyler.

Our church is actually seeing increase as the economy tightens (admittedly, Australia’s downturn is nowhere near as bad as the US/UK/Europe/prettymucheverywhere). I’m on the Board, and closely work on the finances (I’m an accountant in my other life) and it blows my mind to see what is happening…and I ask, why us and not so many others Lord?

So praying for your stress to be released, your local church to see increase, and the Church to use these uncertain times as the impetus to raise people up in love and be salt, light, hope in the world…none of which we can do effectively when we’re weighed down like we are. Not easy – God be your strength.
http://manofdepravity.com Tyler

Yes his plan is definitely difficult to understand. Partially I would say that is why life is worth living though.
http://www.thriven.org Jonathan Brink

Tyler, you said, “I have to grapple with understanding why God is doing something different with my life than I had thought he had called me to.”

Welcome to the kingdom.
rose

Just have to say- I love you! And it’s all gonna work out- whatever happens. Thanks for doing life with me babe.
Jill

Trying to think of something sarcastic and funny….got nothing.
http://www.sovannsblog.blogspot.com Sovann

Two weeks ago things were looking pretty grim for me at work – and I found out about it from someone outside of system (that reeeally sucked!). It was tremendously stressful even though I know God is faithful and has always been to us. I’ll definately pray for you and your church; it really is heavy to see and hear how so many friends are struggling these days.