Real-Life Math
Although it might seem a little odd, math does have
a place in a minister's job. The day-to-day running of a church is somewhat
like a business and ministers often have to determine budgets and expense
reports. "We do have to know our way around numbers," says minister William
Staton.
You've been visiting with members of your congregation this
morning, but now you're preparing for an afternoon meeting with church directors.
You have a list of topics that you want to talk about, ranging from considering
an addition to the church building to budgeting for a church outing.
Part
A
You've thought a great deal about the future of your church.
Your congregation has been increasing every year and you're wondering how
soon in the future the church may have to consider adding pews or even building
an addition onto the building.
The sanctuary currently holds 600 adults.
On average, 450 people attend your services on Sunday mornings. The congregation
has been increasing by 10 percent per year. If the growth continues at the
same rate, how many years will it be before the congregation outgrows the
church?
If you find that you need to increase the seating volume in
the church within the next 5 years, you're going to mention this finding at
the meeting.
You jot down your calculations.
Part B
Next
you turn to lighter issues. This year you've decided that the 1st church outing
of the summer will be a watermelon seed spitting contest and an ice cream
social. These are the items you think will be needed for the outing:
- 5 watermelons at $2.49 each
- 12 boxes of cones for $1.89 each
- 4 tubs of ice cream at $14 each
- 1 package of napkins at $1.25
- Gas for the bus at $15
- Add $10 for extras you may have forgotten
How much money are you going to suggest the committee
spend on the outing?