At first glance, the name of our ministry may look more like a business endeavor than a ministry, and it is true that our job includes managing people and money. But as the New Testament makes clear, when applied to the Kingdom, these activities are a crucial part of God's will.
The Mission
Our purpose is to manage and use the financial and material resources of the College Church of Christ according to the principles of biblical stewardship, with the goals of strengthening our members, accomplishing the work set before us, and bringing the gospel to the whole world.
Our Scriptural Foundation
The Idea of Stewardship: a mindset that begins in the humility to acknowledge that all we have comes from God (Rev. 4:11), takes shape in seeing ourselves as caretakers of His gifts (I Peter 4:10), and ends with the hope that faithfulness as stewards will please our Master when he returns (Luke. 12:42).
Administration
The Church currently operates with a staff of full-time & part-time paid employees, including the preacher, other ministers, a facilities director, an accountant, an office manager, and other administrative support. The Church Administrator coordinates staff activities and serves as liaison between staff and members of the ministry. The administrative tasks of the ministry include managing the various financial and physical needs of the church, hiring personnel, monitoring performance reviews of existing staff, and assisting other ministries in their work.
Two Budgets
Operational Budget: With over 800 families, a large physical plant, and ambitious benevolent and mission programs, the College Church of Christ operates with a considerable budget, funded, of course, almost entirely by member contributions. The process begins in May with a notice to ministry leaders to review their previous budgets and project what they need for the coming year. To that end, the leaders work closely with a sub-committee of the ministry. After a period of dialogue and revision, the committee submits budgets for each ministry to the entire Administration and Finance Ministry, which, after an additional review, submits the complete budget to the elders for their approval. The elders present that budget to the congregation at the end of July. After any further adjustments are made, the operating budget is set for the new fiscal year that begins on September 1st.
Capital Budget: The main component of this budget consists of our building debt, but can include other long-term debt obligations. We want to manage this debt in such a way so it does not impact our operating budget. The Building Fund Campaigns are an important component of this ongoing effort. As long as we can self-finance the debt through pledges from our members, we don't have to borrow money from a bank. Otherwise, interest expenses on loans would have to be budgeted and paid from the annual operating budget, leaving less money for vital ministries.
Dealing with the Unforeseen: What do you do when a fire breaks out in the church? Or when an air conditioning unit must be replaced suddenly? Unplanned expenses present an annual challenge for the ministry, requiring prayerful, sometimes tough decisions about where to get the money.
The Transparency of Stewardship: The presentation of a budget or announcements of special contributions are important spiritual transactions between the leadership and the congregation. As members of the Administration and Finance Committee, we know that God is watching, but so are our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, who will be asked to give to the next year's work—and whose hopes and dreams for this church are invested along with their money. Thus any church member can see the printed budget at the time of presentation and at any other point upon request. Questions and suggestions are encouraged.
Capital Budget: The main component of this budget consists of our building debt, but can include other long-term debt obligations. We want to manage this debt in such a way so it does not impact our operating budget. The Building Fund Campaigns are an important component of this ongoing effort. As long as we can self-finance the debt through pledges from our members, we don't have to borrow money from a bank. Otherwise, interest expenses on loans would have to be budgeted and paid from the annual operating budget, leaving less money for vital ministries.
Dealing with the Unforeseen: What do you do when a fire breaks out in the church? Or when an air conditioning unit must be replaced suddenly? Unplanned expenses present an annual challenge for the ministry, requiring prayerful, sometimes tough decisions about where to get the money.
The Transparency of Stewardship: The presentation of a budget or announcements of special contributions are important spiritual transactions between the leadership and the congregation. As members of the Administration and Finance Committee, we know that God is watching, but so are our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, who will be asked to give to the next year's work—and whose hopes and dreams for this church are invested along with their money. Thus any church member can see the printed budget at the time of presentation and at any other point upon request. Questions and suggestions are encouraged.
How can you support this ministry?
What can you do to help this ministry? Forgive the cliché, but what we need most of all are your prayers for energy and wisdom as we monitor the many works of the congregation. Secondly, strive to be an active, concerned member of College Church who can ask good questions and make good suggestions about administrative or financial matters. As for volunteers, our need for regular hands-on help is not as great as some other ministries, but we would like to develop a list of volunteers to help our Facilities Director keep up with ongoing maintenance at the church building and other structures owned by the congregation. If you have the time and willingness, we can put you to work as need arises for painting, basic carpentry, cleaning, or repair. Contact us through the church office (501-268-7156).