Stupid idea?

[memoriesbymichelle]

Our church is going thru this phase where they want to complete the chruch building we have making it better because our church is growing tremendously and they are also planning on being in multiple locations and wanting to become debt free. And while I support my church in this endeavor I have my own struggles as do many people in this bleak economy. I have in the past read about when Solomon was building the temple and everyone brought so many offerings they had to tell them to stop and no one had need of anything. So here is my idea.

I wish we had a ministry at our church whose goal was to get all our members out of debt. People would invest whatever amount they wanted to the "fund" and we would pay off people's debts. If we did that, we would have more money to give to the church for the furthering of the gospel, right? I mean there would have to be a way of determining what order people would be getting help and there would have to be accountability. I am in massive debt myself but I know that even if I wasn't I would help because I know what it's like and it's great for the "church" to want to be debt free and we all contribute to that, but no one helps us out. I mean we have a food and clothing ministry and stuff like that, but IDK. I remember back in the day my mom got involved in the pyramid schemes, but she DID get 11,000. Someone she knew gave her the 1,000 to "invest" and they split the 11,000. Those are outlawed now, but what do you think? Am I crazy? (don't answer that ). We have the Financial Peace University course taught at our church, but seriously that wouldn't help me where I am ATM and it costs to take the class. Wouldn't that be an awesome statement for the glory of God to have all our members debt free?

 

[HeKnowsMyName]

It's a good idea, but what if those members just go back out and get into debt again? It would be a cycle.

 

[dayhiker]

Interesting vision Michelle .. I have no idea how one would impliment it tho.

I think one of the reasons the NT church had money to help people was they didn't have big building programs.

 

[memoriesbymichelle]

It's a good idea, but what if those members just go back out and get into debt again? It would be a cycle.

Well there would have to be accountability, so maybe a mentor to make sure they use their finances wisely. I guess out of the 37 views of this thread and only 2 brave souls actually responded it's not an idea people would willingly get behind. I would. If I won some big money I would start it myself and I would continue to contribute and help people even after I got out of debt. I know first hand what debt does to us and I know where my heart wants to be.

I also agree with dayhiker about not having big building funds and using the money to help people instead of just supporting the church and that's why alot of people have a problem going to church and especially when they ask for money.
Here's something that burns me up. Supposedly we have about 4,000 people that attend our church weekly. They were hoping for 1001 families to support this campaign. They have 570. We did have 572 so I guess 2 families dropped out? IDK no explanation was given. But somehow the math doesn't add up. I know it's been a fact that 20% of the people support 80% of the church or something like that, but here I am a single widow trying to do my part and it makes me wonder WHY couldn't we get the whole 1001 families, and WHY aren't more people doing more? Maybe they are in the same boat as I am. Anyway, in general I don't think the modern churches today do enough to help actual people in need. Yeah we give them groceries here and there but we could do so much more. I know it was MY fault that I got into debt like I did. I can't even explain how it happened. I don't have alot of new things and quite frankly alot of things around the house need to be repaired or replaced but I can't afford it because of my cc debt but even so, I need help. And I know there are other people in my shoes. So even though I didn't get very many responses, I still think it's a good idea but it might not ever get further than just being an idea.

 

[HeKnowsMyName]

Talk to your pastor about this idea. Can't hurt.