Finance

The financial situation of the Congregation is giving rise to grave concern among Office Bearers. 

At face value our income is very strong. In 2005 we were the 25th highest giving C of S Congregation.   However because of the demands being placed upon us to meet payments to the national church we face potential bankruptcy within two to three years unless we take radical steps to restructure our finances. 

The national method of fund raising endorses apathy and completely discriminates against those Congregations who do give.  There is also a feeling that other congregations do not play their full and fair part in raising their givings to a reasonable level.  The average level of giving in Angus is an embarrassment.

We would also note that our income has increased year on year for 13 years and yet, with one exception, there has been no discussion at either Presbytery or National level of why.

Sometimes we wonder if we are seen as a threat.  Recently we were described by a Stewardship Promoter as “not typical” … that comment neither inspires nor motivates us

The nature of the problem that faces us is that we have developed a locally funded team ministry.  In 2006 we are spending around £70,000 on local wages.  To be able to pay this money locally we have to raise a further 60%+, i.e. a further £40,000 which has to made be made by  way of contribution to the National Church. 

This situation has given us two choices.  Either we reduce our paid team and the ministry we offer to the Congregation and Parish or we find other ways of paying our local team.   It should be noted that the “obvious” solution of increasing our giving will only increase the amount we are required to pay to the National Church.

To conclude this section on a positive note, we believe that the following are factors that promote stewardship …