The March issue of O magazine reported that a survery in October by the American Psychological Association found that 80 percent of us find the recent financial crisis a significant cause of stress – up from 66 percent last April. Of course every symptom has to have a name and this one is called “Money anxiety disorder.”
Your first response might be “duh” or how much money did they spend on discovering the obvious. However, this might be an opportunity for some significant ministry. What if the presbytery in concert with the Board of Pensions, held a financial workshop for clergy and educators on their own financial stress in the current situation.
Think of the multiple advantages of doing so. First, it would demonstrate some clear concern for church leaders in a time of stress. Second, it would allow them to share with each other in seeking how to respond to this economic crisis. Third, it would introduce them to an excellent resource in the Board of Pensions. Fourth, some of the ideas presented might help them in this crisis.
I think a lot of pastors feel caught in a bind between their concern for the financial situation of their church and their own personal and family needs. Naming this issue could also be useful at such a conference.
There might also be some helpful material that could be shared for helping their congregations also discuss their own “Money Anxiety Disorder.” Sometimes crisis like these are important opportunities for understanding the gospel at a deeper level.
