Behind the Scenes: Budget Mtg.

With three days left to 2006, we had our meeting to plan for next year's budget. (In a small country church, we don't usually do things sooner than we need to.) Four of us were supposed to be present, but one was a no-show (I think his house is underwater from all the rain we've been having).

Budget meetings are frustrating for me. I believe that we need to do ministry & outreach, even if it kills us. I mean that literally. But when your church has been around since the 19th century, self-preservation is what's on most people's minds. "We can't take care of others if we don't take care of ourself."

It's about then that I usually quote Jesus: "Those who seek to save their life will lose it, but those who lose their life for my sake and for the sake of the gospel will save it." Doesn't this apply to churches?

The eyes glaze over for a moment. The meeting continues. And I'm reminded just how little I know, about budgets and other things.