By Cynthia Gordon-Floyd, CPA, CFE
As we navigate the challenging daily realities of blatant white supremacy and the distortion of Christian values, the Church—especially the local church—must take a vital role in proclaiming the unfiltered truth of the Gospel in every possible way. In the words of Pastor Rick Warren, “As the world gets darker and darker, the church must shine brighter and brighter.”
Traditionally, during budget season, our church calendars fill with ministry events that celebrate our internal work—special days for Men, Women, Ushers, Missionaries, and others. While these have their place, we must now face the reality of our environment and consider redirecting funds toward efforts that allow us to spread the Good News more broadly and position ourselves to create meaningful change.
Expand and Strengthen Community Support
Increase allocations for food and healthcare ministries to ensure that those facing financial hardship are fed and cared for to the best of our ability. Benevolence programs—such as rental, utility, and medication assistance—should be expanded to meet the growing needs within our communities.
For guidance on developing or expanding such efforts, view “How to Start and Manage a Benevolence Ministry” (https://youtu.be/VNxDYgl7Vb0), which provides practical help for starting, equipping, and strengthening benevolence programs.
Engage in Positive Political Action
Encourage participation in civic processes that advance justice and promote the well-being of our communities. Constructive political engagement at the local, regional, and state levels can profoundly impact the lives of our congregants, offering hope and opportunities for positive action.
Set aside funding to support members participating in community activism that aligns with our Christian beliefs. Provide evangelism training specifically designed to prepare participants to share their faith in love while engaging in these efforts.
Expand Youth Cultural Education and Ministries
Equip our youth with a deep understanding of African American history and an appreciation for other cultures. By doing so, we foster personal pride, confidence, and the cultural awareness necessary to navigate today’s societal challenges successfully.
Integrate Mental Health into Ministry
Make mental health an ongoing component of ministry education to address the stress and anxiety inherent in today’s climate. Pay special attention to young adults, those who have lost employment, and individuals struggling to adapt to rising costs and financial instability.
This is a critical moment for the Church to separate itself from ministry activities that do not produce fruit for the Kingdom. As we move through these last days, we must remain vigilant, ensuring our ministries are both relevant and effective.
Let us prepare ourselves to be active participants—ready to work for causes that uplift all people, just as Jesus did when He boldly challenged societal norms and religious hypocrisy. Our strength lies in our ability to preach, teach, and live out the Gospel of Jesus Christ with courage and conviction. There is no time for self-celebration. The battle for souls is at our very doorstep—let us equip the Church for the work ahead.
