STAND FIRM: The Future of America and the American Church - So, if a Power Rises in the Middle East, the What?

      This series began to look at Scripture prophecies concerning America's future and Christianity in America. As stated, there’s no prophecy directly concerning the United States. Of course, the events of the end of the age are centered in Israel and focus on Israel’s neighbors. Ezekiel and Daniel both mention Western nations involved at the end of the age, so there’s room for the United States to be in the mix, but I believe prophecies point to a world power rising out of the Middle East. If that is the case, we would expect that would require the United States to at least diminish, and, at the minimum, that would impact our economy. If our pocketbooks were impacted, we can expect that to affect our churches.

      None of these prophetic possibilities are farfetched when we consider the current situation in our country and around the world. China is currently investing heavily in the Middle East. Whether that is going to be the case or not, it’s worth considering how we can prepare our churches and ourselves. This isn’t just a prophecy exercise. I believe the authority of Scripture demands that we not just read the words about what will happen in the future but also heed the warnings.

      So, if the United States diminishes and we face even more of a financial downfall, how will that impact our churches, and how can we prepare? Here are some thoughts I have, but please pause and consider the possibilities for you in your context:

         • Our Facilities (usually our biggest expense) —In an economic downturn, it will be challenging to continue paying for a facility, upkeep will become more difficult, and building facilities will become more challenging. Maybe now would be the time to focus on attacking the debt of our buildings. Maybe before adding new debt, we should attack what exists. If we have a facility that is too large, maybe it’s time to consider options. Maybe there are multiuse possibilities with our facilities. Maybe some maintenance could be done now while it can be done. Maybe there are changes in use that could make upkeep cheaper. Maybe there are ways to lower our utility costs. If there is a need for expansion, maybe other methods could be considered before building. Maybe multiple services or alternative gathering locations could be considered. In the case of new buildings, perhaps creative measures could be taken.

         • The Compensation of our Pastors and Staff (usually our second highest expense) — This is a hard one to raise because I have spent most of my ministry as a full-time staff member, but this will become a hurdle in an economic downturn. We pastors may have to begin to look at bi-vocational options, even leaning into training now. If so, churches and ministries must spread the workload, especially regarding pastoral care. We will need to bring leaders up through our churches and ministries. Personal mentorship and discipleship may increase due to the financial challenges of a seminary education.

         • Our Activities and Ministries — When money is tight, ministries will be impacted, and unfortunately, these things will be hit first. We will have to be careful in this area. We will need to carefully examine our ministries and activities and prioritize what we need to do. We may have to do ministry differently and adjust budgets. We may have to find cheaper ways of doing ministry. We must realize that saying “no” to some things is okay. We must also realize that there are things we must not stop doing.

      It is hard to have a conversation like this. I’m sure this won’t be a popular article, but hard conversations like this may be necessary if challenges like this occur. Unfortunately, they may happen without the end of the world, but we must have a balanced and loving conversation when these challenges come.

         — Jake is a state missionary and would love to share about the work in Northwest Arkansas and encourage your church to stand firm. (standfirmministries.com)