Praise indeed!

I must admit I thought my article on Church Finances which appeared in the Methodist Recorder a couple of weeks ago would disappear without trace. However I'm delighted to see that it struck a chord with at least one reader, Richard Gould, who writes this week:

"How refreshing to read such a succinct and realistic article on church finances.

My own church, facing a finacial crisis several years ago, implemented TRIO - The Responsibility is Ours - and very successfully transformed our income to enable us to pay our assessment from weekly offerings and Gift Aid.

The 80/20 rule applies to us as well and sadly offereings are now on decline again.

The sad thing is that a minority of Methodists will read this article and few will take the message to heart."

I did like Richard's concept of TRIO and may use it in future fundraising. I suspect that many life long Methodist just take the finances of the church for granted.