Paying for Christian Conferences
- Thread starter hurricane
- Start date
From the 'outside' it may appear that way, but it's not. Each year 'our' Church has a Summer Campmeeting. Eight power packed days and nights of all day Miinistering of the Word of God and classes and workshops pertaining to Marriage, Family, Child Care, Dealing with Family issues (in-laws/out-laws); Finances, Health and Healing and whatever else pertains to Christian Life and Ministry.
AND it is expensive, far beyond the Church's normal budget, even when it's being held in one's own Church facility or grounds. Accommodations for guest speakers must be taken care of; if it's held offsite in a convention center, trust me, the convention center is neither free nor cheap.
There are hotel expenses for the guest speakers which must be paid and before any asks, "Why can't they stay in the home(s) of one or some of the members of the Church or the Pastor's home, it doesn't work that way, quite so easily. Often times, the thing to do is NOT have them stay in your home or that of a member. And while these guests speakers may well be able to pay for their own accommodations, it's not considered polite to invite someone as a guest and not pay for their expenses. It's just not polite.
When held in our own Facility, it takes a lot of money just to prepare to accommodate the influx of attendees from other Churches and cities. Extra chairs, parking, even meals for those who travel great distances to attend the services.
Just compare it to a huge 'Family Re-union'. Even family members who attend are asked to pay a specific amount to help defray the costs of putting together the event, let alone carrying it out. Food, "The Hurricane Family" T-Shirts and Hats to match (sorry
). Having any kind of an event does not come free. It's very expensive and it literally blows the budgets of many, many Churches because of expenses which were and often are not anticipated. It happens all the time, no matter how well organized, well planned, well financed the coordinators of the event may be.
honeyflaava
Well-Known Member
From the 'outside' it may appear that way, but it's not. Each year 'our' Church has a Summer Campmeeting. Eight power packed days and nights of all day Miinistering of the Word of God and classes and workshops pertaining to Marriage, Family, Child Care, Dealing with Family issues (in-laws/out-laws); Finances, Health and Healing and whatever else pertains to Christian Life and Ministry.
AND it is expensive, far beyond the Church's normal budget, even when it's being held in one's own Church facility or grounds. Accommodations for guest speakers must be taken care of; if it's held offsite in a convention center, trust me, the convention center is neither free nor cheap.
There are hotel expenses for the guest speakers which must be paid and before any asks, "Why can't they stay in the home(s) of one or some of the members of the Church or the Pastor's home, it doesn't work that way, quite so easily. Often times, the thing to do is NOT have them stay in your home or that of a member. And while these guests speakers may well be able to pay for their own accommodations, it's not considered polite to invite someone as a guest and not pay for their expenses. It's just not polite.
When held in our own Facility, it takes a lot of money just to prepare to accommodate the influx of attendees from other Churches and cities. Extra chairs, parking, even meals for those who travel great distances to attend the services.
Just compare it to a huge 'Family Re-union'. Even family members who attend are asked to pay a specific amount to help defray the costs of putting together the event, let alone carrying it out. Food, "The Hurricane Family" T-Shirts and Hats to match (sorry
Having any kind of an event does not come free. It's very expensive and it literally blows the budgets of many, many Churches because of expenses which were and often are not anticipated. It happens all the time, no matter how well organized, well planned, well financed the coordinators of the event may be.
Great, thorough explanation Shimmie. I am often asked this question by people regarding my church and our conferences and my explanation is very similar to yours.
It's not easy maintaining a Ministry. The expenses are enormous. I always think of it this way. How come PBS (The Public Broadcasting Stations) can have telethons and campaigns and such, and they now won't even air Ministry programs anymore, and yet the Church is expected to float on air or whatever lousy hand-outs or bread crumbs as leftovers. The world has their props and they fully enjoy them. The Church should have it just as good if not better to give their people quality.
Hurricane, I used to 'wonder' myself, until I worked in the Ministry front line. I never wondered again. All I could do was 'wonder' how on earth could my Pastors give so much and receive so little in return. It was good that you posted this thread, for it allows others who have the same question to see this as well. Good Post, for you were following the Lord's heart with this. It needed to be addressed.
honeyflaava
Well-Known Member
It's not easy maintaining a Ministry. The expenses are enormous. I always think of it this way. How come PBS (The Public Broadcasting Stations) can have telethons and campaigns and such, and they now won't even air Ministry programs anymore, and yet the Church is expected to float on air or whatever lousy hand-outs or bread crumbs as leftovers. The world has their props and they fully enjoy them. The Church should have it just as good if not better to give their people quality.
.
Exactly! We serve a God of Excellence and everything that the Church does, should be done in excellence as well as decently and in order, so that we rightly reflect the character and nature of our Heavenly Father.
Similar threads
