Submitting to leadership (Ministry Budgets Part Six)

In all of the things I’ve discussed the past 5 days, there was one element that brings it all together. It’s about submitting to the leadership God placed above you. I agree that generally speaking, children’s ministry budgets are under funded. I do believe that children’s pastors should present the need, present a vision and ask for what is appropriate. However, what leadership decides as a ministry budget needs to be accepted. Again, it comes back to loaves and fishes.

We have to remember that God will bless us when we make the best use of what he’s given us. He’s honored when we creatively expand the resources we’ve given. When we are faithful in these things, he will entrust us with more.

Sometimes fundraiser’s are not an option. I worked at a church where fundraiser’s were not allowed and I absolutely agree with their point. Whether we like it or not, many people walk into church with a certain amount they’re going to give. If they get nickle’d and dime’d in the lobby they’re only going to give to the offering what they have left of what they were planning on giving. I know that’s a vague generalization, but it is how many people think. They don’t understand the difference between the youth groups camp fundraiser, the singles group mission trip and the offering passed during the service. In their mind, they gave to the church. Understandably, many pastors don’t like fundraiser’s. So if your pastor won’t allow them, don’t do them.

It’s easy to get your feathers ruffled when you don’t think your ministry isn’t getting the funds it deserves. It’s especially hard when you see other ministries with all the shiny new stuff and you’re duct taping the sound booth together. I’ve been there… many times. Don’t stay there. I remember going over budget a little one year and the way I rationalized that this was okay was because we didn’t get what we needed. Fair or not fair, this attitude was dangerous and wrong.

So, if this is an issue for you, here is what needs to happen.

Communicate with your leadership. Let them know where you are coming from. Vent if you have to, but then try to come to closure. There are only two acceptable outcomes. Either they’ll make changes and try to give you area more funds or they won’t and you’ll have to submit to that decision. Those are the only two acceptable outcomes. Getting frustrated or venting to others are not acceptable. It would be better for you, leadership and the church in general if you stepped down if either of the acceptable options are not possible. Honestly I think these cases are rare and most of the time your pastor truly wants you to have all the funds and resources you need to be effective.