We’ve seen God do some incredible things in the last three years. Literally hundreds of people have been saved and baptized and God has given us the opportunity to serve so many people. In addition to that, we’ve been able to encourage, challenge and teach a bunch of other young churches and leaders.

But we’re in a pivotal time financially, so I wanted to openly and honestly address a few things for those of you that call Oak Leaf Church home.

Obviously, the economy has affected a lot of people. I know many in our church have lost their jobs or taken pay cuts.  In the last few months, it has really affected our church.  So much so that it’s caused us to make a few changes. Our budget needs basically call for $16,500 a week. About 80% of that would be considered fixed costs…things like the payment for the house of rock, insurance, utilities, kids curriculum. For the last 4 months or so, giving has averaged more like $14,000 a week. That’s about a $10,000 a month shortfall.  There are some weeks that giving is 50% below where it needs to be.

I wanted to tell you what we’ve done, what we’re going to do, and what we’re praying for.

What We’ve Done: We’ve reorganized our budget based on $14,500 a week. It’s just not good business not to plan well. We’ve cut everything that we can cut. It was a painful decision, but we had to eliminate a couple of positions on our staff.  This was a very tough call.  I also made the decision to give myself a pay cut.  (I cannot make the decision to raise my salary by the way, but I figure it’s within my authority to decrease it.)  We just can’t pay for things or for staff with money that doesn’t exist.

What We Are Doing: I feel very strongly that we should not cut anything from church planting support or community service, so we are not messing with those budget categories. We’re going to continue to ask God’s people to give. Times of uncertainly should cause us to trust and rely on God even more. Personally, I’m looking for ways that our family can give more, not less. If you’re connected to Oak Leaf Church, quite honestly, we need you to give.  I need everyone to contribute, not a few select people to foot every bill.  There are 1,000 people that attend our church on a regular basis.  We should all be able to meet these needs.  If you’re not involved in giving, will you step up?

What We’re Going to Do: We are going to keep serving, teaching God’s Word and doing what He has called us to do. We are not going to shrink back when times get tough. We are more committed than ever to leading people from where they are to where God wants them to be.  I’m not going to teach giving and tithing sermons every week, but I want you to understand where we are.  I want us to keep our eyes on Jesus and the mission that He has given us.  Our best days are ahead.

I am not complaining or whining. We trust that God is going to provide.  But I want to be an honest leader and let you know where we are.  If you’ve got any questions, let me know.