Budgeting during a time of recession can be very challenging. It takes a great step of faith to dedicate a significant amount of money to children’s ministry when other essential bills must be paid. I know how it feels to get to the end of your yearly budget with little or no discretionary income. Many churches in this predicament turn to fundraisers. As we begin connecting and learning together, I would love to hear some of your fundraising success stories. Many pastors really want to prioritize funding for children’s ministry but they can’t give what they don’t have. Will you take a couple of minutes to share what has worked in your local church?
Pastors can also consider eliminating ministries that do not align with their key priorities. Successful churches focus on doing a few things really well. Churches that try to do everything seem to lose sight of the vision that God has for them. When you are working on your church budget, ask yourself, “What are we spending money on that doesn’t directly contribute to our vision in a high-impact way?” This question should drive your budgeting process. Our local church has decided to place a financial emphasis on children’s ministry, youth ministry, small groups, Sunday morning services and missions. Simply redirecting funds allowed us to invest $7,500 into our children’s ministry budget.
I realize that eliminating ministries and redirecting funds can be very intimidating. Will Mancini, a church strategy expert, recently wrote an excellent blog called Strategic Alternatives to Shutting Down a Low Performing Ministry. If we really want Children’s Ministry to be a priority in our local churches then it must also become a priority in our annual church budgets.
Pastor Jason
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