1 June 2009

Division leaders examine church finances

Wahroonga, New South Wales
David Gibbons

The Seventh-day Adventist Church in the South Pacific, or South Pacific Divison (SPD), is surviving difficult economic conditions and continues to move forward with its mission, according to church leaders.

Leaders say tithe has increased, rather than decreased, with the latest full-year figures showing tithe has increased by almost seven per cent. This is seen as a "very positive" thing, as the largest source of the division's income is from tithes and offerings.

"Historically, the church has survived during tough financial times, thanks to the loyalty and sacrifice of its members," says Rod Brady, chief financial officer of the SPD. "And it appears to be true this time also. I am encouraged that Seventh-day Adventists right across the division faithfully return tithe. Tithe rose by 6.82 per cent in 2008. In the first couple of months of 2009 we are still seeing tithe increase."

In addition to the portion of tithe it receives from missions and conferences, the division also relies on income from its institutions, of which the largest is the Sanitarium Health Food Company.

But the division also relies on interest from reserve funds. A significant shadow from the economic downturn is that lower interest rates have quickly reduced interest income on these funds and this is a concern to leaders.

Because of the lower income from interest, SPD leaders have made adjustments to SPD budgets for the year ahead, starting on July 1:

• Reduce grants and appropriations from January 1, 2010;
• Leave some vacant expatriate budgets in the Pacific unfilled;
• Reduce headquarters' staff travel budgets;
• Cancel planning and advisory committees;
• Ensure that all office staff take accrued annual leave; and
• Reduce expenditure on some specific projects.

Mr Brady says, "Mission is still our focus and it is very encouraging to see how God is looking after the church in spite of the downturn."

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