Pastor's Blog

Close The Gap

11/10/2008

I’m broke. There you go. It’s true and I might as well come clean and admit it. I’m so broke I can’t pay attention. Now I know what you’re thinking. You’re thinking that I’m a victim of the current economic crisis that we Americans find ourselves in right now. Not so.

At least it’s not completely true. My 401K – actually a 403b (I work for a non-profit) – has taken a real hit from the recent nose-dive in the stock market. But really, Judy and I were broke before this latest credit crash. That’s largely because I’m married to a fashionable woman, and raising a fashionable teenager and pre-teen. The last time we had a family portrait taken together, the photographer told the kids to pose with their hands in my pockets so the picture would look “natural.”

I’m telling you…conceiving a child is gloriously cost-free, but once you have them, the meter starts to run and never stops. My family tells me that we don’t have a problem with over-spending, but that I have a problem with under-depositing.

Seriously, though, let me give you a few pointers for successfully navigating through this rough and tumble economic climate. First, don’t be afraid. In this age of 24 hour cable news, if you leave the TV on all the time and expose yourself to the constant babbling of the network anchors, you’re either going to need a tranquilizer, counseling, or both. Things are not really good right now, but markets go through natural cycles of correction, and this too shall pass! So stay the course, don’t panic, and, above all, don’t fear.

Second, stay faithful, particularly when it comes to giving. In times like these, it’s inevitable that some of us will cut back in at least one area of discretionary spending. But let me strongly encourage you to stay faithful in honoring God with your finances. Remember, the measure of God’s blessing in your life is directly proportional to the measure of your blessing to others. “Give, and it will be given to you…You reap what you sow.” So stay obedient and be a cheerful giver through thick and thin.

With that objective in mind, I want to remind you of our upcoming Close the Gap Sunday scheduled for November 16. Most of you know that in these days of record giving at Hillcrest, we are operating under a bit of ministry budget shortfall…about 6%, or roughly $200,000. On November 16, I’m praying for us to reach a one day budget offering goal of $275,000, which is that week’s budget needs plus the amount of the shortfall. With that in mind, let me point out a few important details which you need to know:

• For those who may be a bit behind in their budget giving, this is a perfect opportunity to catch up. For others, it simply serves as an opportunity to step up and sacrificially give for the benefit of our church family.


• This offering has nothing to do with the Generations Building or Building for Life. It relates strictly to our Ministry Budget which is supported by your regular tithes and offerings.


• The budget shortfall does not mean that we’re operating in a condition of deficit spending. As of this date, even though our revenues aren’t quite meeting our budget needs, neither are we spending our full budget. Hillcrest continues to operate “in the black.”


• What we’re not asking….is for you to calculate your giving through the rest of the year and give it all on November 16! That’s not feasible for most and will prove unproductive for our church in the long run. What we are asking….is that each of you prayerfully seek the Lord about a one time “over-and-above” offering which you can give in addition to your regular weekly giving toward the elimination of our current budget shortfall.

I know that $275,000 sounds like a lot of money…and it is! But frankly, it’s what we need to help ensure that we end our year – and start the next – on solid financial footing. Some can give a little extra, while others can give a lot. Whatever the case, I simply encourage you to pray and give as God prospers you in these important days.

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Archived Entries

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• 8/20/2008 - A View from the Front
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• 7/24/2008 - Reflections on El Salvador
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• 7/14/2008 - SBC Indianapolis Wrap Up
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• 6/12/2007 - Southern Baptist Convention - Day One
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• 6/10/2007 - San Antonio Deja vu
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• 6/7/2007 - The Truth is in Us
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• 5/29/2007 - Confessions of a Baptist Eavesdropper
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• 5/25/2007 - A Farewell to Falwell
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