A CIVIL RIGHT ISSUE CONGREGATIONAL ECONOMIC INJUSTICE AND FINANCIAL INEQUALITIES
By Bishop Dr. Jonathan E. Owhe
The issue of Civil Right speaks of addressing racial divide, economic inequalities and social injustice, founded upon the constitutional belief that all men are created equal, and they have certain inalienable rights.
The position of the churches, majority of whom are economically disadvantaged and fiscally bankrupt cannot be overlook or treated with levity. THIS HAD BECOME A CIVIL RIGHT ISSUE: ADDRESSING THE ECONOMIC INEQUALITIES AND BARRIERS TO FINANCE AND OTHER RESOURCES THAT CHURCHES AND THEIR CONGREGATION NEED IN OTHER TO SURVIVE THE STORM.
The frustration being faced by Bishops, Apostles, Pastors, and Ministers in our world should not be, when without doubt most communities are being salvaged, built and cared for by these same leaders.
Faith leaders are agents of change addressing the spiritual, mental, economic and social injustices that our communities are facing.
Faith leaders with smaller churches (congregation of 50 to 250) are slowing dying from financial frustration because the pasture is not getting greener. Many faith leaders have mortgage their own personal houses and properties to survive the economic onslaught. Many have left ministry all together because of ministry related illnesses and family stress.
The question is- WHO IS COMING TO THE AID OF THESE CLERGY’S?
Unfortunately, faith leaders, because of their confidence in Jesus Christ, exhibit such faith and confidence, and have learned in whatever condition, to be independent of circumstances. But they are LONELY VOICES IN THE WILDERNESS. They have been fighting this economic disparities and injustice alone for too long. THE HOUR HAS COME FOR A PARADIGM SHIFT in:
— clergy ability to access resources and create sustainable wealth (enough to position them and their congregation to maintain their homes, put food on the table, have life insurance and send their children to college)
— clergy ability to create employment through negotiation with local business and establishment of social enterprises
— clergy ability to be fiscally responsible through fiscal training and discipline
— clergy ability to help maintain stability in the community through systematic affordable housing package and anti-foreclosure strategies.
— clergy ability to address and maintain the health determinates in their congregation–immigration, health, finance,etc.
THE QUESTION THAT SHOULD BE ASKED: HOW HEALTHY ARE OUR CONGREGATION?
How can the clergy’s and their churches be on sustained growth path, with fiscal equity and justice?
The measurement of this, is what the 2016 CLERGY ECONOMIC SUMMIT will answer. We will be bringing leading experts to the table who for years have been seeking for an opportunity like this forum to share their knowledge and expertise and help the clergy and churches.
At this summit we are creating a WAVE THAT BISHOPS, PASTORS, APOSTLES AND MINISTERS WITH DYNAMIC VISIONS AND DREAMS, can surf again, lifting up their hands and giving glory to the Almighty God.
Most leaders coming to this summit are like Moses, some like Miriam, others like Aaron, Deborah, Samson, David, Paul and Peter.
We want to create a movement that will BRIDGE THE GAP BETWEEN STRONG AND WEALTHY CHURCHES AND THE WEAK AND STRUGGLING CHURCHES.
THERE IS A COUNT DOWN, for the Church of Jesus Christ to come to that place of glory which our
Lord Jesus Christ envision. The Lord is coming for a Church that is vibrant, strong, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing.
LET’S WORK TOGETHER IN A UNITED AND COOPERATIVE SPIRIT to craft a future for our churches and ministries. THIS IS THE ROAD AHEAD.
