Simple Church Finances: Looking at the Killeen Model

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Permalink Reply by Eric Partanen on May 4, 2011 at 8:15am

Michael S. Steele said:

Hey Mindy

First off, we don't have formal membership. People join our groups more like family. We don't have a house repair committee or anything like that. A person in one of our meetings may have a neighbor who needs his roof fixed and hears the Lord speak to his heart to help. He would simply contribute the amount needed for materials, ask for a little help in labor and fix the roof. If there was a project that needed to be done and we didn't have the skills, we might then hier it out. A person with plumbing problems wouldn't be ignored. We can only do what we have means to share. Our assumption is that they would fix their own plumbing if they had the ability. If not, we would do our best to help. Our focus is on family and we happily sacrifice for family. To date, we have had only thankfulness and no disgruntlements. While our widows and elderly need more extended care, we help those capable to find employment so that they can help themselves. To date, we have not had any roofing or plumbing projects. We have provided food and clothing, paid utility bills, mowed lawns, painted a house, found employment, purchased a used car for a single mom so she could get a job, provided free child care, and a host of other items for truly needy families. So far, most of the major giving has come from four different families, all of whom have greatly simplified their lifestyles so they could help other get on their feet. I cannot speak for the other three families, but I can tell you that my wife and I gave 5/8 of our total income to family needs last year. We have not suffered one bit for doing this. We live in a small two bedroom cottage and drive a Corolla. Our needs were met and we have the joy of watching family grow and people coming to Jesus. Our expressions of love have been contagious in those whom we bless as they too are able to share what God gives them. As far as horror story headlines, I doubt you'll see any. Those sorts of stories usually come from welfare programs and entitlement mentalities. We have neither. Our needy families are all getting better, God is blessing them so they can bless others and we are not producing welfare dependents. Our meetings are joyful, worshipful, and we pray for and care for all family and extended family needs as God gives us the ability. In short, we have found joy in sharing life where we once collected status and comfort. This is not our home and so we are banking all our treasures for eternity and taking as many family as we can with us.

Hope this answers some of your questions. If you're ever in our area, please join us for a family meal. Father's rich blessings to you.

Mike

 

 

Howdy brother Mike,

 

Enjoyed your sharing about letting LOVE flow and then reach out to those that are immediately around you that need help.

I've seen this spontaneous love giving, and when its over, you can't honestly say who has been blessed more.  Because both the giver (s) and the receipient are both super blessed.

As Shakespeare said "It is twice blessed".

No obligation, No stress - only love flowing!

-eric

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Permalink Reply by Tony Dale on May 14, 2011 at 5:04pm

Hi Frank, did you ever get back to that call to start a network of house churches.  We will be glad to help in any way that we can if that is still what the Lord is putting on your heart.  You can contact me through this website or via my company at www.thekarisgroup.com.  Every blessing, Tony Dale

Frank J. McAvinchey said:

I love that church, and I'm sure that Jesus does as well. I am praying regarding restarting our mostly closed down house church, La Roca. A few years ago, my wife and I had left an institutional-ish church of some 12,000 members having been hugely put off by their "Sex and the City" sermon topic, which included one of the pastors cross-dressing, and acting like Dr. Ruth. There was a mass exodus from that congregation, like 40% of the long-time members. So we felt we needed to hit the road, and go home. We quickly had around 30 folks, half American, half Hispanic immigrants. That went on for around a year, and then I was asked by a friend to come and help him with a budding Hispanic congregation at that same old church. For several reasons I eventually agreed, mostly because he is a much more "successful" guy than I, and so I doubted my calling, and yes I did feel called, to start house churches.

So here we are, about three years later. I'm on staff, volunteer, at the Cincinnati House of Prayer, and I'm still feeling the urge to start a network of house churches. My wife is not so sure. I have somewhat continued ministering to Hispanics, though somewhat less at the moment, but like I said, I'm feeling the urge to dive back in.

My point is, please pray for God's sovereign hand to guide us and provide for us as we make our decision to move forward or no. I believe my urge is from God. I also believe that it was the enemy who lured me out of that place I was in before. The friend turned out to be a control freak. He was trying to shove the G12 concept down the throats of all the Hispanics in Cincinnati. He has since had the rug pulled out from under him by God. It was all an amazing occurrence, but sad as well.

I thank you for your prayers and covet your input.

In Christ,

Frank McAvinchey

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