When analyzing ministry, there is a tendency to look first at statistics. Soon statistics take on a power of their own. The faces behind the statistics are lost.
For now, ignore the numbers. They will have their place, but first ask some questions that are not number-based but are mission-based.
- What are the most pressing needs of your community?
- What are the most pressing needs for individuals in your community?
This is a starting point. When you’ve analyzed the results of these two questions, the next question should be posed broadly. How can our ministry help?
Do not presuppose that you need a building fund or must first support a full-time minister. Don’t rule these things out, of course. They might be viable answers, but many ministries might have to start rebuilding without such heavy financial commitments. That’s not bad news. It’s actually how many churches first started.
Ministry begins with reaching out to the community and grows as we do that. Pastors must act as spiritual advisors first and may have to serve more than one small congregation to earn a full salary. This approach has been successful before in ministry (Paul, Muhlenberg). The emphasis will be on serving not on supporting a budget.
Promoting giving is difficult when budgets do little but support an infrastructure. All stewardship programs will be more successful if the members of a faith community see ministry needs being met.
Try it! Symbolically tear up your budget and ask some questions.
Let us know if it makes a difference.
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