There are multiple roles for the church.The major role is that of Leadership.We will come back to that topic (leadership) later...it should be obvious.
First let's get some definitions and/or assumptions out of the way.Just because the government,industry and the media refused to use or was afraid to use the "R" word,
does not mean it does not exist.We all know the "Ostrich"
story.My experience has been when American has a cold,
the Black Community has pneumonia.We have been suffering and if it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck
....Well..
We will need aggressive spirit based leadership, because it will take "super natural" power to take back what satan has stolen.With foreclosures rising for years,unemployment rate going thru the roof and b,we need an ecomiudgets being cut to the bone,we need an economic revival.
These "unsolved opportunities" (problems) will be solve with smaller church budgets.Tithes and Offerings will be reduced,substantially.We truly will need to be good
stewards of our financial blessings.Here are some suggestions,not in any special order.
1.Churches must combine efforts and resources to synergistically
attack "unsolved opportunities.
2.Support The church membership's businesses and service organizations.
3.When construction is warranted,look first to the membership's
sub contructors and for skilled,semi skilled and unskilled labor.Keep as much in house as possible...be good stewards.Use suggestion #1.
If church A needs a Plumber (don't have one) call church B.If planning a trip,why not use a member's agency or the church signs up as an agency to save the members money ..the saved,the more to be use elsewhere.
4.Create a Data base or directory of skills and providers of goods & services.It drives me crazy when a member says:Gee,Deacon Copeland,I did not know you were a broker.The could gotten a sales credit from me.
5.Form Co ops amoung the lower income families to buy in bulk and
achieve discounts.Sometimes it's not only what you earn,but what you save.
6.Teach this generation about the principles of wealth and money...with the emphasis on savings.Teach them early about the 8th wonder of the world..."compound interest".Show them what a savings plan at 18 can yield be age 30.
7.Teach them the importance of good credit and how to repair credit.There are experienced lenders who would be happy to teach these classes.Some are probably in your congregation or are known by members.
8.Hold job and home business fairs at the church,inviting successful
businesses and entreprenuers.Include governmental contacts and information.
9.Home buying seminars are a must.Show advantages of home ownership.Local "reputable" real estate people will stand in line to offer their talents.Place the emphasis on equity rich houses such as government owned,bank owned and short sales.
10.Demand your piece of the pie.Strongly solicit business and goverment for programs,grants,information and opportunities for economic benefits.We receive not because we ask (demand) not.
11.Create an economic committee (or other name) to take advantage of the "pending" climate in Washington and the country in general.
12. There is going to be a spirit of cooperation and volumteerism which the churh,not only needs to participate,but lead the charge.
13 And so on and So forth.Add your own ides and suggestions.
In conclusion,I don't have all the answers and I solicit your ideas,suggestions and even criticsm.We as prayer partners will lead the charge,however ,there is "MANNA" ready to be harvested.
I am first a Child Of God,a Deacon,a residential
Real Estate Expert, personal coach,a mentor,and professional fundraiser helping individuals,churches and other groups.(Free of charge)
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