For years, mainline denominations have been facing declining budgets at the denominational level. The United Church of Christ has not been exempt from the trend. While the 2014 budget of $25.3 million reflects a decline of nearly 9% ($2.2 million) from 2013, it still includes a shortfall of $2.3 million.
More specifically the 2014 budget dollars are allocated as follows:
- Wider Church Ministries: $8.6 million,
- Office of the General Minister and President: $7.3 million,
- Local Church Ministries: $5.4 million, and
- Justice and Witness Ministries: $3.3 million.
Funding Down Across the Board
When one thinks of denominational funding declining, it is important to keep in mind this is true at all levels. In the United Church of Christ this includes Conferences. Earlier this month I attended the fall gathering of the Florida Conference of the United Church of Christ (for more on the decline of the Florida conference from 2000-2010 check out this post). That body adopted a rather bold budget projecting that income would be flat for 2014 following years of decline. During the dialogue prior to voting on the budget, it was made clear that this “stretch” would be realized only if congregations and individual direct donors stepped up to make it a reality.
So What?
For many years I have wondered at what point in the decline denominations would begin to make major changes. While the United Church of Christ is among the mainline groups who have taken seriously such possibilities and has recently implemented a new streamlined leadership structure that results in cost savings, it alone is inadequate.
- What does it mean to be a denomination today?
- What do you think it will mean in 10 years?
- How well do you feel your denomination is doing in preparing for a healthy future?