Jan
27
2012

Finance Fridays: Vision and Finances in Decisions

An article by Jon Comments

One of the challenges of serving in ministry is knowing when and how to pursue new opportunities. This is especially tricky in an uncertain financial environment. With this in mind, what questions should a savvy church be asking itself in anticipation of any opportunities that may present themselves?

Does your vision dictate your finances, or do your finances dictate your vision?
Is your vision compelling enough for your people to support it financially… to give sacrificially toward its fulfillment?
What is standing in the way of fulfilling your vision?
Can you directly tie every financial activity to the realization of your vision?
Are you doing things you don’t need to do be doing?

Often, churches are constrained by finances. Whether it’s a mission project (or ten mission projects), a building expansion, a new campus opportunity, new staff, a church plant, debt retirement, or other initiative, there often isn’t enough cash to go around for everything.

New opportunities in ministry aren’t always accompanied with an immediate financial solution, especially growth opportunities, which usually require an upfront capital expenditure and a leap of faith. Discerning which of these opportunities best align with your ministry and identifying what needs to be done financially, not only in the books but in the hearts and minds of your people, needs to be a careful process.

“No, we can’t afford that,” is rarely a good first step. A better starting point is “does this help us fulfill our vision in a way that honors God and allows our church to further proclaim His Kingdom?” If yes what are the steps towards making this opportunity a reality?

Pray for guidance.
Ask around. How have churches you align with done this before?
Engage your people. Take them through the discernment process with you, then challenge them to something big.
Report back. Keep your congregation up to speed with your successes and challenges.

How does YOUR church handle new opportunities?

Jon is a strategist for Generis, and he partners with churches, missions organizations, and independent schools as they seek to accelerate generosity and advance their mission. His key focus is counsel for developing a culture of generosity, whether it is in conjunction with a capital funds project or with some other type of vision funding. With a passion to serve the church and para-church organizations he has served a wide variety of churches and non-profits, and draws from experience founded in institutional development and a marketing education. Jon collaborates with many different ministry, business, and educational leaders. He works with high capacity donors, governing & advisory boards, and in many areas that create successful vision and fundraising – marketing & publications, media & production, annual giving, planned giving, major gift development, and alumni relations. Contact him: jon@generis.com @jonsturdevant 630.430.7796