| March 7 , 2007 |
|
Indianapolis |
As a result of continued declines in giving to Disciples Mission Fund (DMF), Disciples Home Missions has been forced to discontinue funding to its historic mission centers, according to Arnold Nelson, DHM president.
"The decision to discontinue funding to the Centers was excruciating. We did everything we could to keep from resorting to these cuts; we had no alternative,” said Nelson. “We’ve tried to find alternative funding for the mission centers, and should DMF giving increase in the future, we will resume financial support of our church’s mission centers.”
During the past six years, DHM’s unrestricted income has dropped by nearly a third, from $3.2 million in 2001 to $2.3 million in 2006. DMF funding represents approximately 65 percent of DHM’s unrestricted income. Additionally, United Christian Missionary Society distributions to DHM have declined by more than $300,000 over the same period. Consequently, these income reductions have drastically debilitated DHM’s ability to support all of its historic ministries.
The centers affected by the funding cuts include All Peoples Christian Center, Los Angeles; Inman Christian Center, San Antonio, Texas; Kentucky Appalachian Ministry, Lexington, Ky.; and Yakama Christian Mission Center, White Swan, Wash.
“The mission centers are doing vital work in their communities and we will continue to promote their work and partner with them whenever possible,” said Nelson. “But at this time, DHM has to direct its limited resources to its primary mission priorities: congregations and clergy. Any further budget declines will result in cutting additional essential ministries.”
A general ministry of the church, Disciples Home Missions is committed to equipping Disciples for Christ and connecting people to the life changing love of God. |
