It’s always something!

Our sprawling church facilities are an amazing mix of the old and the older when it comes to mechanical systems and technology. As Prince of Peace expanded over the years, brand new HVAC systems, security systems, fire safety systems, phone systems, computer networking systems, and audio-visual systems were all added.

 All of these systems are important and none of them are brand new any longer!

Along with the vast majority of churches across the country, Prince of Peace has been adjusting to changing trends in church involvement. We have significantly reduced our expenses over the past ten years. Several staff positions that were full-time, full-benefit positions when I began have been transformed into part-time. Ten years ago, we received very little building use income from outside groups. Today that annual income stream is over $90,000.

In the past ten years, we have accomplished so many equipment upgrades, improvements, and replacements. We have also found efficiencies in the cleaning and maintenance of our facilities, computer networks, and IT, technology, and service contracts. Recently, we replaced our aging door security software program and related hardware, in addition to replacing old and malfunctioning HVAC units servicing the worship center.

One aging system that has not yet been addressed is the fire safety system, which is integrated throughout our facilities. There are smoke detectors in the ductwork, automatic firebreak panels, door release mechanisms, audio warning elements, and control panels. Estimates to upgrade that system to bring it up to date are in the $35,000 range. We have delayed updating this system until required to do so, but that order to upgrade could come at any time and we DO NOT HAVE THE FUNDS on hand to cover the cost.

The truth is, because of our mortgage debt, budgets have always been tight at PoP. Even so, prior to the pandemic, we were doing well financially. For several years, in fact, we made extra payments to reduce the principal on the mortgage. But now we face a real and immediate challenge. Our cash reserves have been depleted over the past couple of years and giving has suffered significantly as well.

So what should we do?

There are really two responses that will put us on a healthy and sustainable path. The first involves getting through this critical period by asking friends and members of Prince of Peace to consider an immediate contribution to help restore our cash reserves as we head into the summer months. Last May, the congregation rallied by giving over $30,000 which got us through a similar challenging stretch with low cash reserves.

The second response relates to our staffing budget, which is no longer sustainable in the long term in its current configuration. In order to make significant reductions and to fit our staffing profile into our budget realities going forward, both pastors will be reducing their roles from full-time to three-quarter time.

In another cost-saving measure, I plan to remove the healthcare coverage provided through the church-sponsored policy and move our family’s coverage over to my wife Lori’s employer. In addition, we will need to reduce all other paid staff compensation by 5%. Obviously, these changes represent significant sacrifices by our staff team.

These changes will result in a reduction of more than $70,000 from our budget on an annual basis. These reductions combined with your faithful financial stewardship going forward will allow us to keep our uniquely gifted and faithful ministry team together as we move into God’s promised future.

We so often hear from folks who join us for online worship or who join us here on a Sunday morning or for some other special service such as a funeral or wedding. People tend to share about how moved they were, or how much they learned and were inspired by beautiful music.

You hear me say it often because it is true, our music and ministry staff along with our office and support staff is just among the most gifted and faithful and creative groups that I have ever seen. Together with so many faithful and gifted lay leaders, Prince of Peace is being positioned for an incredible next chapter of ministry and outreach.

Why do we do it?

The gospel is the treasure of the church and we see it raise people up, bring comfort and hope, and move us all toward our neighbors in need wherever they happen to be. This gospel draws so close to us at Prince of Peace, that at times that we can hardly get the words out.

I am always grateful to be about this work with this particular group of leaders and it keeps me engaged and ready to move forward. Our focus together is on sharing the good news, about growing deep and reaching out. Prince of Peace Lutheran Church draws from a rich history and reaches for an exciting future.

Thank you for your response to this appeal and your part in this ministry we share!

Go in peace, serve the Lord!

Pastor Chad