Current Financial Crisis and the Church
The current financial crisis caused me to write a letter last week to all our church members (Download letter here). The General Conference issued a statement stating that Market declines won’t affect the Adventist Church’s investment strategy, but the economy could affect tithe. In response to the current global financial crisis, The Church of England have offered two things: 1) spiritual counsel (a financial prayer, etc.), and 2) practical counsel (investment, budgeting, etc.). So here’s my question: Should the Seventh-day Adventist Church give any advice during this time of financial crisis?
I am immpressed with our brothers and sisters of the Church of England.
In the same vein, a local community survey in Germany showed people were most concerned with the issue of financial debts. (The health emphasis that the local church had originally planned was nowhere on the community radar…)
Bermuda may be another world, but if we see that finance becomes a relevant topic here, we should follow the CoE’s example and offer some practical guidance.
Even if we just copy their prayers:
Lord God, we live in disturbing days:
across the world,
prices rise,
debts increase,
banks collapse,
jobs are taken away,
and fragile security is under threat.
Loving God, meet us in our fear and hear our prayer:
be a tower of strength amidst the shifting sands,
and a light in the darkness;
help us receive your gift of peace,
and fix our hearts where true joys are to be found,
in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Lord God, your will is to bring hope and a future to all your people.
Trusting in your steadfast love,
we ask your guidance as we work out a household budget.
Help us to learn to let no debt remain outstanding,
except the debt to love one another,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Comment by Stefan Burton-Schnüll — October 6, 2008 @ 8:04 am
Hi All - I strongly agree with Stefan in offering practical guidance. I believe we should find ways of equipping individuals with the tools and guidelines to better manage their own finances. This can be facilitated through workshops and seminars. The Midland Heights Adventist church recently conducted a personal financial management seminar which was deemed appropriate by members and visitors. I suggest other churches adopt similar initiatives and maybe go as far as to appoint someone as financial advisor (based on knowledge and experience - I suppose Stewardship Leaders could serve this purpose) offering counseling to the communities (and members).
Comment by Pete Saunders — October 6, 2008 @ 9:45 am
I believe as a church we should offer advice on financial management not just for our members but for Bermuda as a whole. We have an entire book on Stewardship that can be utilized. We have several of our members who hold high positions in banking and financial management. As a church we should garner their expertise ,and not just offer an Adventist position and prayers but we should teach people how to be better financial stewards of God’s treasure, especially in these turbulent times.
Comment by Sheila Holder — October 10, 2008 @ 11:44 pm