I guess I'd have to start with a hint from Malachi 3 about bringing the 'whole tithe' into the storehouse and parallel that with a quick foray into Acts 2: 42 where we find reference to unity, 'being family' (koinoinia - translates as 'fellowship' but this is nearer family than a cuppa after the service!). The reality is that we should be looking at the churches in our deanery and seek ways of sharing and supporting the work of the Church spiritually (always the first call as without prayer we're merely a social club), practically (not saying praying isn't practical, just mean 'doing' and sharing stuff), financially (which is practical and needs to be embarked upon prayerfully) and in love.
The idea that those who can't pay 'need to pull their socks up' and if they don't they die is pretty simplistic as many of those whom I encounter as struggling are working flat out (just as some I come across who are comfortable and pay without problem are coasting because they maintain numbers, pay their share and have no need to do any more!).
We have two main areas of stress within our churches and these are to be found in the places where deprivation and decline in the community has an impact upon the income of the church within it and yet surely these are the areas where the impact of the church is most needs to be felt? It's a sad fact of life that I see the rural and urban priority areas as the most needy and see the most struggling between the groups as it seems they are fixed to the same stick like the characters of a weather house!
As I write this I see I have received another comments post with loadsa questions and so will leave you with the thoughts thus far and return with some answers - catch you later.
Pax
