Comments on: Resources for Building Bridges between “Green Eyeshades” and “Rose-Colored Glasses”

By: Bruce O. Barthel

Bruce O. Barthel — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 01:48:11 +0000

It seems strange that so much effort is placed on trying to get people to give proportionately but few come up with a number from this to set a budget. Neither the Greens nor Eyeshades see that it should be the congregation’s responsibility and pleasure to determine the budget. If the number is too low the Pastor(s) can see where their efforts should be directed the next year. The big push now seems to be to forget where the people’s hearts are but find ways to begin arm twisting. If you get enough special projects going you can touch everyone and get more money. God doesn’t need our money, He wants our hearts.

By: John Briggs

John Briggs — Thu, 28 May 2009 14:49:07 +0000

I agree with Michael Nelson (May 25th, 2009)that visioning and developing a strategic plan is significantly more invovled than a few council members making suggestions for a shortterm goal. I plan to sue the article with my leadership, but in place of visioning I will substitute “ministry programming”. This seems more appropriate to the task.

By: Thomas Collins

Thomas Collins — Wed, 27 May 2009 19:44:22 +0000

As a church council member, and in charge of our stewardship committe I found the approach to be a reasonable way to deal with not only the money issue, but actually putting mission first over finances. That in itself would be a huge accomplishment.

By: Cheryl Mack

Cheryl Mack — Wed, 27 May 2009 12:19:53 +0000

Thanks for the interesting article. As senior warden of our local vestry I am actively engaged in the work of the church. You suggest a better way of doing our annual “appeal” (which we call the every member canvass) and I will suggest this to the finance committee.(Greens!) Framing the budget and giving in terms of mission and ministry also applies to parish development of buildings and grounds; we are trying to envision ministry first and let development flow from that. It is making for a slower process than people think they want, but I believe it will be best in the long run. When you develop from any other basis you run the risk of creating something that looks good on paper, and maybe answers congregational needs, but ultimately ends up distracting from ministry. That’s what I’ve learned thus far.
Cheryl

By: The Rev. Kenneth L. Chumbley

The Rev. Kenneth L. Chumbley — Tue, 26 May 2009 20:42:01 +0000

At last, a writer has put into words what I’ve experienced for years now: that battle between the reds and the greens, and best of all, this same writers offers an excellent proposal for winning the battle and relieving the anxiety by vestries and boards setting priorities, articulating values, and developing budgets that fully fund God’s call to individual congregations. Thanks for the ideas, which I’m going to pass along to my vestry members and budget committee. God willing, this will be the year that the budget reflects that wonderful Godly hue of reds and greens, combined.
In Christ,
The Rev. Kenneth L. Chumbley
Rector, Christ Episcopal Church
Springfield, Mo.

By: Andrew Gustafson

Andrew Gustafson — Tue, 26 May 2009 19:44:45 +0000

Excellent article. However, for most congregations, being small, the minimum costs for a building and clergy leave but very little room for other budget priorities. The vision of ministry for them becomes not how to spend money, already committed, but rather how to use the building and direct the clergy to live out the vision.

By: Gail R. Wolling

Gail R. Wolling — Tue, 26 May 2009 15:54:18 +0000

First, I am printing this blog entry to share with my board and finance committee. All those who consider themselves leaders here at LM are working towards a vision that reflects, captures and shapes our identity and our life together as a community of faith. Although I believe it will take us a few years to be able to budget in a visionary manner, I also believe that the time to begin this process is now.
Second, there will be those who don’t get it. What else is new? We celebrate the gifts they bring to ministry and help them invest in a vision for ministry where they can contribute.
Thanks for the post.

By: terry rothermich

terry rothermich — Tue, 26 May 2009 15:40:48 +0000

thank you for the “Eyeshades & Glasses” article. One question, if I may. What are examples of the “Budget Policies” mentioned. I have never served a church where there were “Budget Guidelines” or “Budget Policies” in place. Suggestions or samples would be helpful, at least to me. THANKS. Best wishes.

By: Sandi Freeze

Sandi Freeze — Tue, 26 May 2009 14:23:10 +0000

Wonder if the author, Dan Hotchkiss, has ever heard of a thing called…recession???

By: Jim Lynch

Jim Lynch — Tue, 26 May 2009 08:57:01 +0000

I started to read it, then lost interest. TOO LONG. “Now, brevity is the key to effective communication.” This includes analogies, parables, etc.