Comments on: Facing Money Challenges?

By: Laura

Laura — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 20:26:26 +0000

I would ask, “have you taught your church how to handle money, how to live in financial freedom?” I mean, simple things, like how to make a budget, how to get out of debt and stay out of debt. When people have the tools to be good stewards of what God has given them, then they are freed up to give and give a LOT.

By: Mark Josephs

Mark Josephs — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 18:36:11 +0000

Do You Have Powerful Partnerships? In order to grow, you MUST have Powerful Partnerships. You should give me somthing I don’t want to do, and I should give you somthing I don’t want to do. Powerful Partneerships reduce your burdens to enable you to focus on the vision.

By: CK

CK — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:15:45 +0000

This grabbed me… “Is your vision big enough? People give to vision, not budgets.” I’m part of a leadership team at my church that is in the beginning phases of building a young adults ministry. Lately I’ve been approaching some of the pastoral staff requesting funding for the purchase of certain pieces of gear or software or what-have-you. Something dawned on me… I need to sell the need for a purchase with our vision as the backdrop. If something on my list doesn’t point towards the goal then do I really need it? I suppose I’ll have to think on this for a while!

By: john in colorado

john in colorado — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 11:07:04 +0000

Tony, thanks for using your blog as a platform for the question. I’ll certainly pass these ideas on to others in the church.
Any comments, experiences, thoughts and ideas are so appreciated.

By: Mark Howell

Mark Howell — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 10:01:51 +0000

A big vision is key. Talking about it consistently and creatively is essential. Too many of us miss the fact that vision is a little like the air in a balloon…as Andy Stanley says, “vision leaks”. You’ve got to keep talking about it if you want your people to get it.

mark

By: Camey

Camey — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 09:55:00 +0000

I would add unfortunately:

Are there areas of conflict within the church?

Thanks for posting on this subject Tony!

By: The Saving Freak

The Saving Freak — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 09:50:25 +0000

This is great advice. I was at a church that had these exact issues. The main problem is the leadership had no vision so people only gave out of obligation not out of joy. Once they started casting even a little vision giving went up.

By: Cliff Marshall

Cliff Marshall — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 09:03:59 +0000

Tony I would also ask, “How much of the money your church collects every week are you giving away?” I beleive if we expect our congregation to tithe, then we should set the example by giving away at least 10% of everything collected. The whole reaping and sowing thing that Paul taught has really worked in our environment.

By: Rindy

Rindy — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 06:41:37 +0000

Related to the first two…’is the vision focused enough?’

Too many programs may be a product of a broad, widespread vision. In that way, all programs may be justified. If the focus is narrow and intense, and all is concentrated on and measured against that target, competition for resources will be decreased.