Churches make a big investment when they hire a full-time priest. But often, churches fail to make a big return on this investment. Why?
I once asked a financial expert if it was wise to invest in something I wasn’t going to use.
He, of course, said, “No!”
I wanted to make sure we understood each other, so I pressed further. “Is it wise to buy a membership to a fancy, expensive club, if I don’t plan on going?”
Again, he said, “No!”
Just to make sure we were on the same page, I asked the question a third time, in a slightly different way. “Is it wise to pay for an exclusive vacation and then not go?”
Same answer, “No! You’d be nuts!”
After the third time, I think I got it.
But I wondered…if it’s sound advice to not invest in something that you’re not going to use, why do so many churches and parishioners do precisely this?
CHURCHES INVEST
Many churches, including my own, make a huge sacrifice to have a full-time priest.
It makes sense.
Priests are highly educated – sometimes even more so than doctors! They spend 4 years getting an undergraduate degree, then another 3 or 4 years getting a Masters of Divinity degree. Some, including myself, even have other graduate degrees, and many of us come out of school with huge debt. But it gives us the training we need to provide beautiful services and sound theological instruction.
Full-time priests can provide one-on-one time a part-time priest cannot. Part-time priests have limited time and resources. Full-time priests can make time to bless your house; visit you when you’re sick; offer counseling; perform funerals, weddings, and baptisms; or simply go get coffee with you to see how you’re doing.
Full-time priests can provide a fuller cycle of live-giving services. The goal of our Christian walk is to find communion with Christ, and the services go a long way toward reaching our goal. To this end, a church with a full-time priest is well on its way to making this a reality.
It’s no wonder then that churches invest a huge part of their budget on a priest. Many times, the priest’s salary and benefits is the largest percentage of the budget.
BUT CHURCHES DON’T REAP THE BENEFITS
Churches make a huge investment in a full-time priest, but many people don’t take advantage of that investment!
Often, in many churches, parishioners’ homes go unblessed as priests don’t get invited into homes.
Surgeries happen without prayer. In fact, many times I’ve discovered a parishioner has had surgery only after the fact!
And vespers and matins get chanted while unattended. Empty pews have become a sad reality in many American churches during these services.
Churches make a big investment but then forget about it. They fail to make a return on their investment.
When the priest and church are forgotten, the return is very small. A parishioner’s walk with Christ remains at a slow crawl.
IT’S TIME TO MAKE A RETURN ON YOUR INVESTMENT
But the Orthodox Church is a hidden gem in America.
It contains a proven spiritual tradition that’s been handed down from the Apostles themselves.
It has been guided by the Holy Spirit for 2,000 years – from its birth at Pentecost to today (only the Orthodox Church can make this claim!).
It has formed countless saints who continue to intercede for us.
Orthodox priests spend a lot of time learning from the Church Fathers, the services, and everything mentioned above precisely so they can pass down this wisdom to their spiritual children.
So it’s time to make a return on the investment. Take advantage of everything you can.
Grow through regular Bible Studies.
Raise up your voices glorifying the Holy Trinity at vespers and matins.
Sanctify your homes with a blessing.
Change your life through confession.
Commune with God at Divine Liturgy.
I guarantee you that if you take the time to discover this hidden gem I call Orthodoxy, you won’t be disappointed! You may even become a “millionaire”!
P.S. GROW CLOSER TO CHRIST
I now invite you to enter deeper into the mystery of Christ with the Orthodox Church!
St. Elias Services
Saturdays, 5 pm (at St. John’s Parish House, 1458 Locust St, Dubuque, IA)
Sundays, 9:30 am (at Hillcrest Chapel, 2001 Asbury Rd, Dubuque, IA)
Or find your nearest Orthodox Church by clicking here