Economist: NATIONS, like people, occasionally get the blues; and right now the United States, normally the world’s most self-confident place, is glum. Eight out of ten Americans think their country is heading in the wrong direction. Joe: As Pastors, what are you doing to address the needs of your members who are feeling the "pinch" of the economy right now? I attended a Mortgage Workshop at my church a few weeks ago, and there have been sermons about "Managing Your Finances God's Way" that talk about getting out of the cycle of debt. In addition, we have a Career Ministry that helps the unemployed look for jobs. What is your church practically doing during these "lean" years?
I've been at my current church 5 Sundays and I just did a sermon called "Desperate Finances" (part of a "Desperate Households" series). I'm planning a 3-week stewardship series in November.
Also, the church has taught a Dave Ramsey "Peace University" in the past, and now we're looking to do another one in the near future.
The community I live in has been pretty hard hit for many years now.
My Blog: williswired.com
The AP is now claiming, " The Government stimulus checks of up to $600 a person helped energize shoppers who had hunkered down amid the economy's problems."
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/E/ECONOMY?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2008-08-28-10-55-55
I have felt that this down turn in our economy is more psychological some may say spiritual?
There really is no reason for fuel prices so high, houseing was in need of a major correction.
At our church it seemed everyone was drumming the same tune, and only 2 of us leaders stood reminding our members that yes we must be wise but Philipians 4:8 seems to guide us to a more positive thought proccess...If you used sound financial principles as the houseing bust occurs you should be in position to gain... We had one family that stood up last sunday telling how they were able to buy a house at rock bottom prices and now for the first time thay are home owners! May have never happened with out this correction.
This is an opportunity for the church to offer guidance to the community in finances and hopefully grow!
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I live in one of the poorest cities in America where over 20% of the poeple survive on less then $12,000 per year.
We constantly remind ourselves, and our people, that our sufficiency is not in the economy but in our Savior. Now, more than ever, is a great time to remind ourselves of this truth and turn to our Provider who supplies all our needs.