The leadership team at Second Baptist Church in Lancaster, SC is not ignoring the failing investment strategies you hear about on the news today--quite the opposite. They are focusing on a timeless “Investing” theme this year. During tough economic times some churches are wrestling with what they must reduce or cut.  Second Baptist seems to be focusing on insuring the most important things remain the most important things. Dr. Nic Natale serves as the Pastor of Spiritual Growth and Leadership there. 

The South Carolina Baptist Convention invited Nic to share some of the highlights of how they will remain focused during this tough economy:

We are striving to invest in individuals and families during these hard times.  We sense the need to speak hope into the lives of the people in our community in ways that provide biblical and practical help.  I believe that these difficult times provide the church unique opportunities to stand out in the community by lending a hand to families in specific ways.  Second Baptist has identified five strategic areas that we can effectively provide quality assistance to the people around us: stewardship, marriage, family, community, and spiritual life.  These areas were identified as possible fracture points in the days ahead. 

Investing in your Stewardship: Biblical and practical help that focuses on families reassessing their family budget, personal finance options, and their commitment toward tithing.  We offered Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University to our members.  Over 85 people are currently taking the course.

Investing in your Marriage: Building on the excitement of the release of the Fireproof movie on DVD, we designed a marriage conference that explored the major themes brought out in the movie.  We have encountered a number of families who are feeling the pressure of the recession spilling over into their relationships. 

Investing in your Family: This emphasis centers on parenting.  We will be helping a parents focus on godly principles that can guide them toward a stronger family through in a conference atmosphere. 

Investing in your Community:  Hard times provide the perfect opportunity to reach out into the community.  We will provide a weeklong event in July that will allow our church to minister in 15 different areas of need in Lancaster County.  We will be working in impoverished neighborhoods, the local Pregnancy Care Center, children homes, and adult care centers. 

Investing in your Spiritual Life: A deepening spiritual life is essential for believers.  During the month of October, we will be hosting several speakers that can help our people grow deeper in their relationship with Jesus.  This event will feature key speakers who can communicate God’s word in such a way that encourages and challenges our people to live in times like these.  

Three key values for ministry that we keep in mind during hard times . . .
•While other organizations are hording, the church can stand out in the community by being generous.
•Hospitality on Sunday mornings and during ministry events is a simple but effective way of catching people’s attention.
•Continue to emphasize events that will draw new people to your church.  If you have to cut back in your budget, cut resources to programs that serve your current people. 

Thanks to Nic Natale and the leadership team at Second Baptist Church in Lancaster, SC where Dr. Brian Saxon serves as the senior pastor. Go to www.lancastersbc.org to learn more about Second Baptist Church.