"You Add, God Multiplies" is more than a catchy phrase, it's the reality of what happens when, as churches, we pool our resources to accomplish more ministry than we could do each on our own. In the CRC denomination this is done through our contributions to Ministry Shares. Unfortunately there is a lot of confusion about what Ministry Shares are and what they do. Then there are often questions asked about whether or not we (as congregations) should give toward them, particularly as the budgets get tight.
Thankfully this information is easily accessible on the CRCNA website.
Ministry Shares: Together Doing More is the title of the webpage loaded with information and resources for congregations. It talks about what Ministry Shares are, who they benefit, who contributes and how the money is used. It's a great source for deacons, as we may find ourselves heading into budget time needing to explain what these are, and why they are important.
And they are important. Absolutely.
Ministry Shares is an amazing program that we have the privilege of being involved in. Sometimes when you're looking at the raw numbers on a spreadsheet, you might think "whoa! that's a lot!" And it may seem that way. But as Sheri Laninga pointed out earlier this year, it really only amounts to
$26.40 per member, per month and look at all that comes from our donations to Ministry Shares! We're part of a denomination that is working to make a difference in the world, and it's happening!
This week our council members each received a thin square box, within it there was a collection of round pieces of paper, each one highlighting a different Ministry Share recipient and talking about how God Multiplies the contributions we make to this program. These resources are available through the
denominational office, if you haven't received it yet. It is a helpful tool which clearly outlined each ministry and what was happening in that ministry. It's pretty cool stuff, so take a peak at the website, and find out what's going on with ministry shares.
We really can do more together!
(I dug up this old ministry shares explanation video, because... well, because I like it, and thought you might too!
What's That? Ministry Shares)
What a timely post! As our deacons are in the throws of creating next year's offering schedule, many were surprised to notice that the majority of the CRC recommended agencies are ones already receiving funding through Ministry Shares... not leaving many services left to dedicate to other ministries both within and without our denomination. We love the idea of pooling our resources together to create a global presence for the Church and for God's kingdom but wondered if that is being done at the sake of actually being the hands and feet of Christ where we worship, work, and live-- ground level. We know that many congregations are struggling with this as well.
Last week our Council members received those boxes with circles that you mentioned... and were pretty confused! Most saying things like, "What is this?, What do I do with it? Oh no, now I can't get it back together!" :) I'm not sure how effective a promotional tool that was...