Spending money in the Church

One of the role of the deacon in the BPC is to attend the Elders & Deacons Court. At this meeting, members discuss over many issues concerning the church affairs and in particular how money is being used. If you look at the statment of income and expenditure for year ending 2007, it would be shocking to find that the Chinese/Hokkien Service had a deficit of $11,539.83. This is about 2-3% of their collection. To some, this may not be a big amount. But for a church that is dependent on worshippers' contribution, this is down right poor mismanagement of the good-will offering that people give to the church. Yet for this year 2008, we hear of renovation, buying of new electronics gadgets, and many things to make the church more conducive for worshippers. With this thoughtless spending, it will be another year of deficit.

There are at least 3 ordain ministers & preacher in this Elders & Deacons Court. I wonder whether they are mindful of how money given to the church is to be used? Most likely, they feel that money used for beautifying the church is well spent. Granted, but why do it till the account ends in deficit, going into the red?

Quite scary, isn't it? I wouldn't want to join them in this Elders and Deacons court and be held accountable for it one day, on earth or in heaven. We have just completed the study of 1 Timothy. I wonder how many is heeding the warning:
"... and do not participate in the sins of others; keep yourself pure." (1Tim 5:22)

When money is concern, every members want a say...

Mark Lim