Not every Church is on a rapid growth curve. Some are stable. Others are in decline. Local Churches have a life cycle of their own, just like other organizations. I’ve seen Churches at every stage of this life circle (including startup.) While it is true that God created the Church (at Pentecost) and supports it, local Churches are also human institutions and susceptible to human influence. This affects the organization of the Church.

So what do you do when your Church is in Retrenchment? In most Churches, the technical ministry equipment is already bought and paid for. Typically, the volunteers contribute to this; but I have seen capital budget items for it as well. If this is the case, then you don’t have much to worry about. Until the Church stops worshiping, there will be a need for the technical equipment. However, the Church may decide to shift worship to another building. You may be called upon to reinstall technical equipment in another worship space. Or you may find the budget has been cut for some of the technical subscriptions that you use. For example, the Church may no longer be able to afford to broadcast the worship service live. Or it may no longer make sense to keep the premier Website Hosting Service. Or it may no longer make sense to provide a giving kiosk. In all of these cases, I suggest scaling down the services rather than abandoning them. If you were involved in scaling them up, then you should remember what it was like before you went to the current level. Or you may be able to find Church members willing to support the service over and above their regular giving to the Church. Either way, making the service less expensive will help ensure that the Church continues to provide it. You should also look at documenting the effectiveness and impact of the service. How many people watch or listen to the sermons every week? How many people give online, rather than through the offering plate? These facts will help you make the case for continuing the service.

Technical ministry can survive a retrenchment in the programs and ministries of the Church. Indeed, it is likely that you can do more with less cost. Be ready to support the budget item with facts, so that you can make your case before the finance committee.