There are several issues that we are facing as a church family. Our very future in Harrisburg is at stake. We have less than a year remaining on our lease in the United Church Center and due to our inability to build capacity I haven't made any steps in searching for another facility. This is not a lack of faith. I served as my brother's administrator for 17 years. Along with a presiding team of elders, we had the spiritual, moral, and fiscal responsibility to operate according to basic principles of wisdom. That's what I believe I’m doing, even today as the senior leader of Urban Life Church. So we have a literal countdown set before us.
Churches across the country are making dramatic cuts in their staffs, services and programs. Similarly, we had to cut back the schedule after our sons moved away. Now we have to consider closing the ministry when the lease comes to an end.
This month, we had a tremendous boost in our income and we are extremely grateful. Even before I started my fast, God had already responded. It was wonderfully encouraging even though the deadline still looms ahead of us. We're not trying to guilt-trip anyone into giving or doing more. We're just keeping it real and making you aware of what's really happening behind the scenes. We're not complaining because many churches are going through far worse than us. Yet, something has got to change.
So, this is what I have set before the Lord during this season: "Lord, How can we continue if we can't build capacity in Harrisburg?"
More than ever, we need the wisdom of God. The only way we know how to handle the next few months is to go into that secret place with God. I'm not going to go online or stand at the podium and make a scene by fussing, screaming or begging, like many church leaders have done in the past. We're going to keep gathering on the FIRST and THIRD Sundays at the United Church Center and we're going to keep taking the matter to God, behind the scenes.
