Challenges from within and beyond...

It was a cold, snowy day in Pittsfield - and our numbers in worship showed it! Some smaller places out in the hills and valleys cancelled rather than risk driving in 7 more inches of snow. After worship, we held an informational meeting to share insights about new by-laws, mission/vision statement and the 2009 operating budget.

Now ordinarily I think by-law work is deadly boring and who gives a rip anyway - but reworking ours this time was really a lot of fun and very informative, too - because the people are so bright, loving and committed. What our small team created is a streamlined document geared for mission and ministry in the 21st century. It is highly democratic and strives for effectiveness. It is a big step forward...

...but the challenge that has me most troubled has to do with money. When we left Tucson for the Berkshires everyone understood that we had 7 years of resources left before we found ourselves in over our head: seven years for building up the membership, doing the work of renewal and mission and turning the finances around. Seven years is a good biblical number and gives everyone time to get it right.

Well, the global economic collapse has now rendered that old timeline obsolete - cut it in half - which means we can only maintain the status quo for 3 more years before our reserves dry up.

I am by nature a very optimistic man. By faith I understand Christ was raised from the dead by God's grace. I have seen and experienced healing within and beyond the limits of linear thinking. I choose to live by faith and still it is not clear to me - despite membership growth and some important changes in financial giving - that we have enough time to turn this around. It would seem that we were held up without a gun...(cut to Springsteen circa 1984!)

What is called for is bold creativity: is there a way to liberate ourselves from the massive costs of maintaining this beautiful, historic and demanding building? I think part of the work in 2009 will be exploring ALL the creative options. First Church has a mission and ministry in this town - Pittsfield needs a church that is progressive, focused on grace and engaged in acts of justice and fun - but maybe not in this huge old building. Or maybe not in the same old way - could we do a clergy co-op with other congregations so that one person took on 3 charges? This is going to be the hardest challenge I have faced both within and beyond.

Way back in the day, Clarence Jordan retranslated Hebrews 11 as "now faith is the turning of dreams into deeds" and I think he is right. But God do I feel schizo - one day I am certain we're on the right path and the next the finances kick me in the ass - up and down, back and forth, dark and light. I know ministry is an emotional roler coaster but Jesus... this is getting exhausting! So what goes through my head but this prayer...

Come on up for the rising...!