Penny-pinching Pete, the treasurer of the group, was notoriously tight with a dollar. One member complained that his frugality was even starting to affect her eyesight when Pete, in an effort to save paper, dramatically reduced the font size on printed matter.
The keynote speaker at an awards dinner found a humorous way to tease him when she announced to the crowd, “I hope everyone enjoyed this evening’s entrée. The Cornish game hens were full-grown chickens before Pete got to them.”
I wonder how many pastors of small churches have had to become penny pinchers due to the Corona virus lockdowns. It was reported, in an April 23rd article in NewsMax, “Sixty-five percent of U.S. churches have experienced a decline in donations since March because of the coronavirus, according to a just-completed survey by the National Association of Evangelicals.”
The author, John Gizzi, noted that there has been “a dramatic upswing in online viewers of Sunday services — twice as many viewers as before COVID-19 forced the closing of most American churches, and, in some cases, five times as many tuning in.” But the increase in online viewers has not been reflected in an increase in donations. “The State of the Plate survey of 2020 (conducted among over 1,000 churches throughout all fifty states and among various denominations showed giving up in only eight percent of churches, steady in 27 percent, and down in 65 percent.”
Lockdowns have had, what may be a long-term negative impact on traditional religion. While the fact there have been significant increases in the number of people viewing online seems like a good thing, the concern is that online viewing may permanently replace in-person worship for a large sector of the faith community. People will simply get out of the habit of attending church.
And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.
Hebrews 10:25 (NLT)
Another concern is that pastors might modify their messages, stray from biblical truth, to appeal to a wider segment of online viewers.
For the time is coming when they will no longer listen and respond to the healing words of truth because they will become selfish and proud. They will seek out teachers with soothing words that line up with their desires, saying just what they want to hear. 2 Timothy 4:3 (TPT)
A related concern is that false teachers will be able to use the versatility of the internet to craft increasingly deceptive messages.
Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. 1 Timothy 4:1 (NLT)
Churches, parishes, and synagogues are facing declining donations, while far-left and far-right hate groups are raking in billions of dollars. These groups are attracting increasing numbers of young people — young people who are drawn by the visions of utopians societies these fringe groups promise. The faith community needs to be able to offer our young people a vision that can be trusted, a vision founded on the promises of God.
Never underestimate the importance of face-to-face time with other believers. The lockdowns are an impediment the devil has put in our way to keep us from developing a stronger relationship with the Lord.
Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Philippians 2:1-2
The life of your local place of worship matters, and today it needs life support. If you can tithe — tithe.
Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test! Malachi 3:10
If you can support other members, especially young people, with emails, letters, or phone calls — communicate.
If you are willing to share this message — please share.
PRAY—Pray a prayer of thanksgiving for the amazing things God is still going to do in His church.
Always be happy. Never stop praying. Give thanks whatever happens. That is what God wants for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ICB)
Blessings,
Don & Bonnie Sennott
Authors of Your Heart is an Open book: Finding Answers in God’s Word
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