Shortly after I started donating directly to the sound ministries, the deacons asked if they could eliminate taking up special collections for sound and I told them yes. As long as I could donate directly to the sound ministries to fix the equipment damaged by Calvary Renewal, there was no need for special collections.

Then shortly after that, the $1,000 donations to sound were delayed, postponed and then eliminated entirely. Then the deacons instituted limited special collections.

Limited special collections are, well, limited. Here is how a limited special collection works. The deacons announce that this collection will be for the sound ministry and collect $100. BUT, they only give $50 to the sound ministry. They keep the rest for themselves. Neat huh! Kind of a cross between a money changer and a pimp!

So, the sound ministry is now no longer receiving the $1,000 that it once was promised, nor is it receiving any special offerings. Again, no problem. I will just make donations directly to the sound ministry so that I can fix the equipment damaged by Calvary Renewal.

Ah, but there is a new twist with the Deacon Empire. It seems that they are now taking money, $2,500.00, that has been donated to the sound ministry and are using it for other things. In short, they are stealing the money that has been donated to the sound ministry. What next? Are they going to start stealing from the widows and orphans?

Well, it looks like I have been put in a loose/loose situation. The Deacon Empire has assumed the authority and left me with the responsibility. They are now making the decisions but I am the one who will get blamed for their actions.

In the past, when some one complained to the former sound guy, he would respond by saying that he needed money. And if they complained to the deacons, the deacons would respond by saying that they needed money. And if the person donated the needed money, the deacons gave it to the sound guy. But, the Deacon Empire has eliminated that option.

Now, the authority/responsibility situation also exists where I work but I have to accept that dichotomy if I want to have a job. But not so with the sound ministry. It is strictly a volunteer position which I am going to relinquish at the next council meeting.

Life is too short for this kind of crap and this place ain’t the only church in town.