MINISTRY//Is it worth fixing?

Some issues churches face are the same everywhere in the world.

Church leaders from several of the churches that look to 316NOW for guidance met recently. One of the leaders talked about maintenance issues at their church.

Our 316Now professors who have visited this church describe it as built on the side of a steep hill. The path to the church is unpaved and rutted.

There is also the road repair in front of the church,” the church leader said. “I wanted to repair it myself because the soil from the dirt walkway is not easy to wash off. I wanted to pave those 30-50 meters with bricks. But many didn’t agree. Most people were concerned that we don’t have a lot of staff, that our donations are down, and that we must find ways to spend less.

The more we talked, however, it seemed feasible that we could cover 10% of the costs and then mobilize everyone in the church to donate toward the project. Pray for us so we can quickly repair the pathway and walk safely and conveniently to worship services.

The members of this church are all new to organizing their congregation. 316NOW is pleased that the leaders are finding ways to listen to each other and to work toward consensus on solving issues.

What you can do: Talk with the Spirit about helping this and other young and inexperienced congregations in China to carry on their ministries.