Questions church capital campaign while others suffer

Dear Ed & Susan,

My church recently announced that they are planning a building expansion. I have been a devoted member of my church for many years and was distressed to hear the news.

It seems whenever I open my copy of the HUM News one church or another is planning an expansion. In these hard economic times, I can't understand why our churches would ask its members to donate to bricks and mortar while there are people suffering throughout the world. Shouldn't the few funds that we have at this time go to those who need it the most?

I find myself struggling with the notion of transferring my membership, which would mean leaving a place where I have invested my time and energy, not to mention the many friends I've made over the years. Am I the only one who has dealt with this before?

Sincerely,
Distressed

Dear Distressed,

I doubt you are the only person who has struggled over where to most efficiently and effectively direct resources. It's a huge problem.

You seem to have a problem with your church's growth. God gives each of us a "heart" for certain things. The United Methodist connection is only one example of this diversity. There are people who place primary emphasis on theology, others who feel the Spirit guiding them to bring more people in, which usually means more "brick and mortar" and still others who feel an overwhelming need to help people.

Our hearts can be moved in new directions. For example, someone facing a life-threatening illness may see a shift in their values, possibly placing an emphasis on that which they had given little attention to in the past, like personal relationships.

In the best of all worlds, we would have enough energy and resources to attend to all needs. We don't. So, certain people necessarily represent certain values.

It seems in your congregation there is a difference of opinion as to where to put important resources. I think God has given you this awareness, and perhaps you need to represent that to the congregation. In other words, talk about it.

In any group, often one person, or a few, is "chosen" to speak for the whole. What that means is, you are probably not alone in these feelings and thoughts, but you may be the only one acknowledging them. By talking about it, you force the entire congregation to grapple with what is important to them.

It's important that you voice your thoughts, values and feelings, while being respectful that others are also holding forth what is important to them. Don't just give up and go away. However, if the Spirit leads, perhaps you will have to say goodbye to a place that has been spiritually and emotionally valuable to you. If so, welcome the newness that awaits. Please talk to your pastor and other congregational leaders before you make a move. It is fair for them to hear your views.

Sincerely,
Ed & Susan

Letters may be sent to the Alleys at the Kairos Center for the Family, 4337 Kessler Blvd. N. Drive, Indianapolis, Ind. 46228 or e-mail: eskairos@aol.com

Last updated on January 14, 2004

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