The budget crisis leads to thinking about loyalty. If I have no loyalty to the church, why would I sacrifice for it? Why would anyone sacrifice for it?
This congregation is very disconnected — the people seem very disconnected one from another. The staff is not connected very well. The elders are not connected. Sunday school members are not connected.
When those relationships are not there, why would anyone give to the church? People will give the token gifts – $10-20 when the plate goes by, but what about consistent tithing? I think when people feel more connected they place value on the Church. If it feels empty or disconnected, giving will be token giving and not a tithe.