Embarrassing Debt

Before a United Methodist clergy is ordained, they are required to answer a series of historical questions posed by John Wesley almost two hundred fifty years ago to those being dedicated as Methodist pastors, missionaries and workers.  In the 21st century such questions may seem quaint or odd.  Yet it is very meaningful to those who seek ordination to think that we stand in the line of saints that have gone before answering these same questions and the call to ministry. 

The process of ordination is arduous to say the least, requiring, in most cases, 4 years of undergraduate study, three years of graduate study, and a minimum of 8 years of probation before full membership in the Conference and ordination is conferred.  When the candidate stands before the Annual Conference Session and answers the historical questions recited by the Bishop, they have passed all the tests, earned all the degrees and proven to their peers that they are ready to be ordained.  Although the questions may seem archaic, answering them is a high and holy moment for the clergy-to-be.

The moment comes as the candidates stand before a Conference of a thousand people.  One of the questions inevitability raises eyebrows and not a few chuckles when it is asked each year; "Are you in debt so as to embarrass you in your work?"  

The question may have been born in the Wesley home as John and Charles grew up when their father Samuel, rector of the Church of England parish in Epworth, England, was twice in debtors' prison.  This caused the family great embarrassment and inconvenience to be sure.

The Wesleys were also keenly aware that clergy financial stress could encourage corruption and theft within the church.  After years of painful lessons, today we keep the ordained as far away from the church's money as we can; in the life of a local congregation clergy may not deposit funds, sign checks or make contracts with vendors.  Each pastor is bonded by the Conference in case of malfeasance.

Today, college and advanced degree graduates come out of school with thousands of dollars of student debt.  Consumer credit has become a standard means of living in our culture and it is all-too-easy to let it become a huge challenge.  The intent of the historical question remains relevant. 

How we manage money says a lot about our spiritual and moral commitments.  That is true for pastors but it is also true for laity, isn't it?  "Are we embarrassed by our debt?  Is it getting in the way of our living?"  We are all called to Christian stewardship of the resources God has entrusted to us, and that includes how we handle debt.

Consider the pervasive challenge of debt today and its impact on our lives:

-Average credit card debt per household with credit card debt: $15,956

-609.8 million credit cards held by U.S. consumers.

-Average number of credit cards held by cardholders: 3.5, as of year-end 2008

-Average APR on credit card with a balance on it: 12.78 percent, as of November 2011

-Total U.S. consumer debt: $2.5 trillion, as of December 2011 (CreditCards.com)

With the Great Recession, these statistics are on the decline which is a good thing on some levels.  But debt is a very personal thing.  Do we feel embarrassed by our debt?  Do we argue with those we are living with about money matters?  Are we honest about our finances especially with ourselves?  Do we feel we have no options other than to stay in our current unsatisfying job because of the money?  Do our bills keep us up at night with worry?

And if we don't consider money issues to be a spiritual matter, listen to Jesus again (Matthew 6):

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

No one can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.

Jesus talked about money more than he did Heaven and Hell combined.  Jesus talked about money more than anything else except the Kingdom of God; 11 of Jesus' 39 parables are about money.

If these questions intrigue you, take a Financial Peace University class; the course content, when applied, can be liberating.  If these questions bring you pain, consider working with a non-profit consumer credit agency, such as California Consumer Credit.  They offer classes and individual counseling.  They will also work with you and your creditors to lower interest rates and stretch out payments if you are in trouble.

I speak from experience.  Fifteen years ago I was not only embarrassed about our debt I was ashamed.  Now Bonnie and I have dug ourselves out of a terrible hole and it feels great to be debt free.   

So debt, savings, earnings and charitable giving have everything to do with the spirit.  It’s a significant spiritual question:  are we managing our money or is it managing us?