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The Financial Crisis:  A Good Thing?

Orginally published on Sunday, October 26, 2008 at 11:06 PM
by Todd Rhoades


Are you, like me, watching the financial markets and wondering what is next? Many in our churches are watching as their investment portfolios and 401k plans decrease dramatically in value.

My friend Pete Wilson, who pastors at Cross Point Church in Nashville, thinks that the economic downturn actually provides us a unique opportunity as Christ followers. In fact, Pete sees this situation as a chance for Christians to model and help those we influence.

1.  Modeling.  We, as Christians, need to model that there is really nothing to panic about.  (That, by the way, is in total antithesis to what you hear every day on the news).  Why can we not panic?  Pete points out Matthew 6:25-27:

25“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life]?

2.  Helping.  This financial crisis also offers the church various opportunities to step up, and as Pete puts it, “be the church”!  Pete says that the last two decades have been “dominated by materialism and the church has not escaped this.  The driving question has been ‘what can I get?’ I believe the question will start to change and it will be all about ‘what can I give’? 

What a way to be a light as the church.  What a way to give up to some people who are feeling little hope.

So… how do you look at the financial crisis?  And how can your ministry turn this economic downturn into a Kingdom opportunity?

Todd

PS – You can read all of Pete’s thoughts here at his blog called “Without Wax”: http://withoutwax.tv/2008/10/16/why-i-believe-a-financial-crisis-is-good/

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  There are 18 Comments:

  • Posted by

    I agree with Wilson’s suggestions about both modeling and helping.  I think that one other way we are going to be able to model is how to honorably respond to significant financial downturns in ministry.  Not panicking is important, but we still have to respond when we cannot meet payroll or suddenly don’t have the income for ministry as usual. 

    Our ministry is facing exactly this scenario.  As a para-church, we know that our donors are hearing the message of need from their church on Sunday, and people who are generous are having to be much more conservative with their charitable giving, pare down their giving.  We are making phone calls to people whose businesses are in the tank.  We’ve got some hard decisions to make – but indeed God is still in charge. 

    One thing that the terrible economy cannot take away from people is time.  We still have the same 24 hours every day.  Perhaps now is the time to encourage people to give more of this important kingdom resource.  Mabye we’ll begin to notice a groundswell of volunteerism.  Who knows but that God is planning to transform a multitude of lives through the investment of time and talent resources – both the life of the receiver and the giver.

    Wendi

  • Posted by Bryan

    This financial crisis reminds me of things I’ve read about the time leading up to the Layman’s Prayer Revival of 1857. Businessmen distraught by the financial chaos of the time began turning to God in prayer. You can read more about it at http://chi.gospelcom.net/GLIMPSEF/Glimpses/glmps041.shtml

    I’m praying that we’ll see a similar humility in the church and in our society.  I’m also teaching through the passages in the gospels where Jesus speaks about money.  This is a great time to help people think clearly about money.

  • Posted by Peter Hamm

    Perhaps it will also help us to look at our own “personal economies” and prioritize what is important better.

  • Posted by

    This economic downturn has a variety of implications on the church, both positive and negative:

    -Tithing and charitable giving going up or down.

    -The invalidation and toning down of modern prosperity messages that promise nothing but the best.

    -Seeing people worry, both inside and outside the church, in light of the commands of Scripture.

    -Holding up others who will lose their jobs.

    The big thing I see is a point of leverage in sharing the Gospel.  When 9/11 happened, there was a prime point in sharing the Gospel to people and seeing souls converted.  But, overall, it seems that churches in America woefully missed the opportunities present when they were filled to the roof the following weekend, because attendance dropped like a rock.  Perhaps this time, if pastors and lay people alike are ready, we can see souls saved by and for God.

    --
    CS

  • Posted by

    Even this morning I was praying for God to use such a time as this to shake people out of their lethargy and wake them up to spiritual things.  How many masters are we serving these days?  Our society encourages us to build lots of barns and store up riches for the future.  But that is not God’s design for us and so we must keep praying fervently that the Lord will refocus people. 

    There is the great blessing of giving to others; that truly blesses both the givers and receivers.  Often that has turned my own personal focus from anxiety to gratitude.  God just has a way of helping us gain peace just when we need it the most.

  • Posted by Tom Atema

    Leading your ministry in the downturn!

    It has not been this bad since the 1930’s, they say! Our nation has withstood some deep recessions, some huge drops in the stock market – but this some say is the worse downturn in history. Yet there is more ministry to be done than ever, windows of opportunity are opening at an unprecedented rate. So the tension we fell is real. How do we lead in such a time as this?

    Yes, it is a different and new day that requires prayer and a good honest look at the statement the Lord tells Haggai, “consider your ways” is necessary. It is no longer business as usual.

    Leadership has to be willing to:
    1) Face the Facts:  Things have changed and you must consider changing to meet the challenge. You and I can no longer do what we have always done and expect to get the response we have always had. Today it is not enough to present truth. We must present truth in a way that captures people’s attention, their heart and their head. Presentation is what grabs and keeps an audience’s attention so they can connect and join something that will add value to them.

    2) Get your assignment straight, be passionate and get it out. What is your one purpose? What has God, not your board or the listeners, given as a vision for your ministry?  What is the one thing you see God doing through your ministry? Find it –unify around it. You may have to make some changes to fit the purpose. The truth is many have veered off the path and are doing a lot of great things, but not the ONE thing God has called them to do. So what are the changes you have to make during this time? Remember, leaders deal in reality so there will be some implications for your ministry during this time in its history.  Then give this assignment 110% of your ability, be passionate about it. No one want to follow a person who is average, average does not cut it, people who are average in passion have less then average followers. You may even have to lay off staff and cut your budget. These are not easy things to do but face the facts, these are difficult times and you must lead for the good of the ministry.

    3) Re-set Expectations: Your first priority is to work on your inward strength to reset your personal expectations. Be sure you have family time and think time, keeping life in balance - working on your daily agenda doing only what is most important - not the most urgent thing. Your first responsibility is you! The next responsibility is to bring your staff into unity with the purpose, which might mean some have to leave – do them a favor and let them go. Do not procrastinate.  Finally, work on your remaining team and be sure to reset expectations for them. Be sure the expectations fit the purpose and the times in which we are living. Then add tons of value to them. Reassure them because they are more uncertain then you are, deal with them as a team – you better have one team during this time in our history! Most forget in tough times that the value you add to your team is vital because of the incredible investment of energy it takes for them to function in times like this. If you pay attention to their concerns they will appreciate your effort and then they will work harder however, it will not feel like work to them.

    4) Maximize the Moment: Over communicate to maximize the moment!  This is a key ingredient. Do it with your team members, your audience and your investors. If you do not know what will happen next – say that. Do not over promise, but be honest and forthright. In these times you can never over communicate and with email and texting the cost is the time you put into writing the message.  I believe this is an unprecedented time for ministry! Maximize the moment by practicing and showing gratitude.  Be very thankful you are in ministry today.  The opportunities are like no other time in history. Be thankful for the value you can add to others, you do have value to add! We must be careful not to play the game with gratitude.  When we practice gratitude (which should be the hallmark of the Christian ministry in any time) it enhances our ability to motivate and inspire others to go the extra mile.  Remind your audience no matter how bad it gets, we live far better than 2.5 billion people on this planet who live on less than $2.00 a day. We are still very rich. Gratitude keeps this in perspective.

    Last but not lest leaders use times like this to purify the purpose, clarify the mission, think different, expand the ministry, and give an opportunity for others to rejoice.

    So lead! These are the best of times to be in ministry!

    Tom Atema – Vice President of International Ministries and Strategic Partnerships for EQUIP International Ministries.  http://www.iequip.org and President of VHG

  • Posted by Dick Towner

    I have sent the following “Note of Assurance” to many of our ministry leaders and to our own staff Perhaps others will find it helpful as well .

    A NOTE OF ASSURANCE IN DIFFICULT TIMES

    Needless to say we as a country and, indeed a world, are in a unique time of financial upheaval - times which can bring with them deep concern and fear.

    While not wanting to minimize the personal pain and sacrifice that many will suffer as a result of the meltdown, I do wish to sound a note of encouragement in the midst of it all. We know that God is aware of and present in all circumstances so let’s look at some potentially bright sides of an otherwise very dark situation.

    • We are being reminded of reality. The warning signs and predictions that things could not continue as they were have been around for some time. In the times ahead, some basic principles around living within our means, avoiding consumer debt and saving for the unexpected will undoubtedly be adhered to by greater numbers of people. 
    • The opportunities for the church, for your stewardship ministry, to provide help and sound biblical teaching on personal money management to a much more receptive audience within and outside the church are greatly increased.
    • Those who have lived with financial margin in their lives will serve as examples of the benefits of having done so and will be in the best position to be of help to others.
    • On a macro level, increased regulation of certain sectors of our financial markets, about which some have warned of excesses for some time, will become reality and will hopefully prevent repeats of the abuses that have led to the situation we are in now. Capitalism must have moral restraints and while those can’t be legislated, regulations can at least make it harder to do wrong and easier to punish those who do.
    • Most significantly, we are reminded that earthly treasures can succumb to rust, moths, thieves and to economic upheavals and that it’s our treasures in heaven that are safe for eternity.

    How then shall we live? Some brief answers:
    • Live not in fear but in confidence in a sovereign God.
    • Don’t panic. Continue to do those things that you know to be right, wise and consistent with biblical financial principles. Stop doing those things that are not.
    • Use this opportunity to take a hard look at where you can be a better steward – a more prudent spender, wise saver, cautious debtor and yes, even a more generous giver. In the good times we all get a little lax. Crisis forces us to be more creative.
    • Talk with family and/or close friends. Encourage one another, share insights, reaffirm truths, thank God together for His promises. 
    • Be reminded that this too shall pass. We’ve been here before.
    • And if you are still in a position to save some, it might be a great time to dollar-cost average your investments.

    One more thing, if you’re a stewardship leader – lead! This is a golden opportunity to reach folks who may not have been receptive in the past. Check out the new Freed-UP Financial Living resource. I don’t think it’s an accident that it has come out at this very time.

    Dick Towner
    Executive Director
    Good $ense Stewardship Movement

  • Posted by David S

    Man I just used that very ‘don’t worry’ teaching (only I referenced Luke’s version of it) in an article about the upcoming election! I hadn’t even read this yet! It is cool when God lines those things up! I write a weekly article for our local newspaper and felt it important to address the election because it seems that society wants to tell us that morality is a non-issue in elections and that physical prosperity is the issue. I believe that Jesus is telling us that physical needs are a non-issue because they are not really in the hands of the leaders rather they are in God’s hands. At least the ones that we truly need to survive, not necessarily the luxuries that we have come to depend on in the human race.
    Thanks for posting that encouragement about the crisis. Don’t worry, just vote the Bible.

  • Posted by

    As I have listened to various news shows as they talk about “Are you feeling stressed/worried/panicked about the economy?”, I’ve thought to myself, “something must be wrong with me” because I’m not panicked.  Granted, it is a very serious situation that we find ourselves in economically, but I don’t consider that I have a choice other than to trust Jesus.  HE and HE ALONE is my sufficiency in good times and bad times.  Things at my job are looking a little shaky right now and I found myself the other night praying and thanking God for all that he has provided for me. 
    In the Church, I think we need to model trust and hope for people.  Preach messages on it, make sure leaders are talking positively in their groups, classes and ministries, provide helpful resources (and not glib advice) for people who are seriously affected.  Ramp up things like food and clothing banks.  Times like these are when the Church can shine.

  • Posted by Pete Wilson

    I’ve been further encouraged by reading everyone’s thoughts! Great stuff.

  • I hope that people will see what the church sees. It is not always about the clothes and the branded accessories. It is not about the expensive food. It is all about giving and believing in God.

  • Posted by

    Its sad that things are looked at with so much fear.  First of all history will tell us that during down turns people turn to the church and giving actually increases.  The biggest problem with the church right now is fear.
    Faith is weakest !!  We get scared before.  We give up before we should.  We cut back when we should increase. We turn inward and kill ourselves with lack of faith.
    So learn this and never forget it.

    Faith is a fact, not a fantasy.
    Faith is a force, not a value.
    Faith is a decision, not a debate.
    Faith is a commitment, not an argument.
    And without faith life is not possible. 

    Instead of laying off people get to work and believe.  Do not be whimps as so many of you try to be.  God will provide if you have the guts to have faith and go to work.

    God has a plan and He will provide.  Show your strength by being positive so others will follow.  The churches that are failing have not the courage to move forward and to make thing happend.  the reason??  Simple NO FAITH.
    Remember the Mustard seed.

    Pieter Visser

  • Posted by

    More than just modelling a life without worry or fear we should be ‘agents of fear reduction.’

    If we are called to love others, and perfect love casts out fear, then our love (however imperfect) should at the very least reduce fear.  In our lives, in our conversation, in our on-line lives, we should actively spread hope and ‘cast out’ fear.  Whether it’s fear of the economy, fear of the election result, fear of immigration, fear of moral decay, fear for our children; we Christians should be known for our hope. 

    In 1 Peter 3 we hear,
    “Do not fear what they fear, and do not be intimidated, but in your hearts always sanctify Christ as Lord.  Always be ready to make your defence to anyone who demands from you an accounting of the hope that is in you.”

    Be blessed,

  • Good stuff..This is the first time I’ve seen someone take a positive approach to this.

  • Posted by play keno

    At the time of financial crises we need to come together united and try to solve the problems which are responsible for such a hazard. We need to overcome it. It is meant to bring calm to the population and markets and display government strength and stability.

  • Posted by

    Everybody should go through with this condition.its a huge problem of worldwide.I also suffer with this financial crysis.
    wholesale apparel

  • Financial crisis is not a good thing. It makes most of the people deprived. The developing countries suffer more at the time of financial crisis. I can’t understand why Siladitya is saying it good.

  • It would be better if you publish some ideas to overcome this blunder. Financial crisis made many developing countries beggar. There is no job, no vacancies for freshers.

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