Why The Debt and Why Now?

Western Hill continues to pray this month to see what God will bring in for the Harvest next month. But you may ask why would a church with a new pastor in the worst economy in decades tackle their debt at this point in time?

1. Churches that have debt can’t be as outward focused. They are leveraged because they owe a bank money. Therefore, their first ‘tithe’ or check they write is to the bank, not ministry. Some will argue that the debt represents ministry, that the building allows the church to do ministry. Reality is that most buildings were/are built for the benefit of the people who paid for them. Not so much for people who aren’t there yet. I’m glad that’s not the case at WH. Our actions prove that our buildings were built for others.

2. It’s hypocritical of the church to teach tithing, giving, and simplicity and be in debt.

3. If this current financial crisis has taught us anything it’s this – get out of debt and stay out of debt. The Church should be an example of this.

4. The less debt, the more free you are to give. That’s true personally and corporately.