Deacons

The ServiceLink office is doing some research on how local churches are engaged in ministry to those in their communities. Are members of churches involved with local food banks, homeless ministry programs, refugee involvement etc. Are churches encouraging members to participate in special ministry events? What does that look like?

Does paying taxes in our Christian society for entitlements example welfare,old age security,food stamps,unemployment benefits and so on , qualify as part of our tithing or does the church not consider this to be part of servicing gods people that need help?

It is mid-November, and your church is experiencing a significant shortfall to its budget. How can you make the urgency clear to the congregation, and also point out membership obligations?

The deacons at our church our looking into having our financial records audited. Is there anyone in west Michigan who has had recent experience with this. Are there any Denominational agencies that work specificaly with churches.

One of the things that has stumped me as a Deacon is trying to translate the broad descriptions of the office of Deacon into practical tasks that will support that vision. I realize that the "to do" list of a deacon will vary quite a bit depending on each churches culture, needs and community. I also realize that it would probably be impossible to put all of the work of a deacon on a checklist, but that's the kind of thing that helps me take action instead of just wondering what kind of action to take. If you are an active or retired deacon, what kinds of things do you do on a regular basis...

Our church receives a lot of requests for assistance. We regularly make food dishes and food and gas vouchers available. We make funds available to help pay bills. The requests for assistance come for our members, friends/neighbours of our members and from those outside our church. As deacons, we sometimes struggle with regard to how to distribute the funds collected in ways that maintain our accountability to the congregation. We currently have some 'understood' guidelines in terms of funds distribution but nothing in writing. There must be churches that have written guidelines - we would...

Our church is considering changing the fiscal year from a calander year to one that will coinside with other turnovers within the church, ie; election of officers, school year, ect. How has your church established it's fiscal year? What are the pros and cons? Why do you have it this way? We would appreciate any comments or information.

Like many small- to mid-sized churches, I'm guessing, our church has stuck with the traditional weekly collections, passing a plate and praying that we get enough for our weekly expenses. These days, though, so many of us do most of our banking either online or through an automated service like bill pay--I know that before I became a deacon and realized the heart-burn I was causing, I would frequently forget for weeks at a time to write out a check on Sunday morning, and then after a few months of this (and when the deacon appeals became difficult to ignore) I'd try to scramble to catch up...