Recessions can be a good thing.

Adam wrote a great post on his site this morning about the positive effects of the recession on the church.

The three main effects:

1. A gut check for the staff.
2. A gut check for the parishoners.
3. A gut check for the dreamers.
Bonus- a massive wave of volunteerism in the church

It was an interesting read [you should check it out, because I'm not doing it justice here], because our church didn't escape the effects of the recession. We're starting to come out of it in some areas, while others are still experiencing the struggle. The recession has been a huge test of faith, and i think our church is stronger as a result of it. You learn to streamline, you learn to evaluate your part, and it helps you see how passionate you REALLY are about the ministry of the church. I've seen our congregation do this right alongside the staff, and I feel like we're moving into a better place because of it. Along with all of this, two new ministries came out of it that are serving Whitley County [the Park Terrace Project, and Community Mid-week Meals].

It's funny how sometimes it takes discomfort to open our eyes, but like I told my 5th and 6th graders last night, God can use whatever He wants to connect with us- sometimes it's little things, like a conversation, and sometimes it's big things, like a talking donkey. I feel like the recession was a talking donkey for all of us- it helped us re-evaluate what's important, refocus on who we are and what we do, and move into a better place because of it.