I believe the problem of churches in debt starts at the top.  This is either the Pastor/Bishop, board of elders or whatever ruling body controls the money and the project.  Many times the leaders in these positions are businessmen and women, bankers, doctors, lawyers and others who have succeeded in their chosen careers.  They are very intelligent and I have no issue with their success.   I believe the problems begin when they attempt to run the church exactly like a business.  Don’t misunderstand me,  there are a great many ideas in the business world that can and should be used to manage the various aspects of the church.

Here’s the issue.  Most of these leaders are used to running businesses with some level of debt.  If they are bankers then they will almost definitely have no issue borrowing money.  The problem is that the Bible challenges the world’s notion of using debt.  As I’ve stated before, it’s not a sin to borrow money, but the Bible has some very stern warnings about the use of debt.  Perhaps, my biggest concern is that borrowing is the first thought when a church needs to get something done like a building rather than the last thought as in… People have committed 5 million, let’s borrow the last million.  I’m not a huge fan of a church borrowing a dime because they will then need to take God’s money and pay interest with God’s money… to the money lenders…

Let’s also not forget what happens when a poor economy hits, or when half the church decides to leave?  Even a year or two ago, many people were flush with cash, life was good, the economy was better and giving was good.  Fast forward to today, many more people are experiencing financial difficulties which is directly impacting the bottom line at many churches.  And some are unable to make their mortgage payments.  We all make assumptions during the best of times.  We assume that the good times will roll forever, and often borrow for with those assumptions… Problem is… we all know what they say about assumptions…  The good times end and the giving drops… and the bank still wants to be paid.

My last issue with leadership is what appears to be inconsistent teaching at best and just plain hypocritical at it’s worst.  Why would I write that?  Well, how many messages, sermons, homilies have you heard about getting your finances in order, giving to the church and getting out of debt.  Hmmmm…. This all coming from the same leadership who won’t run the church the way they want you to run your life… Hmmm… That pisses me off.  Don’t freaking tell me to get out of debt and give more when the church itself isn’t living on a budget or getting out of debt.  Hypocrits.  Are you angry to hear me call you that?  Tough, I’m not an in your face kind of guy and I really don’t like confrontation.  I will speak the truth whether or not you like it.

So, what’s a church to do… First, practice the flip what you teach.  Don’t challenge your people to get on a budget, tithe and get out of debt if the church leadership isn’t running the church that way.  Second, challenge the leadership to think about debt differently… The way the Bible sees it.  I’ll be discussing what the Bible says in an upcoming post.  Until then, think about this… Does the building really need to be as big or as nice as you, the leadership team, want it to be?  Consider, what is the church’s real mission?  Ask, does God provide for His vision?

Remember, if your church didn’t have debt payments, how easy could they reach out to the hurting when times of need arise?  How many more people could be fed, have clean water and clothing to wear?  How many more people could be reached for Christ?