Looking for ways that will make funding your ministry easier? Get creative with these ideas and your ministry will thrive.
Getting Creative
Maybe you’re wondering if it’s possible to build community and numbers with more limited funding in order to steward your resources wisely. Or maybe the governing body of your church told you that your ministry budget needs to be cut because giving is down. Either way, you need ideas that will help you pinch some pennies, and it can be difficult to think beyond what you’ve always done.
This is the perfect time to look at your ministry from a new perspective and try something new. Not only could it save your church money, but it could also bring new life to your program. I hope these ideas do both!
So, you know you want to spend less. What now?
First, keep on your mind two important things. God is present and at work no matter what resources are available to you and your ministry. And use this as an excuse to get creative! Even if your ministry budget isn’t strained (yay!), having a few tips for stewarding your resources efficiently never hurts. You may even find ways of doing ministry that you’d never before considered.
I’ve got you covered with some fantastic, cheap ministry ideas that will get your creativity jump-started and help your church thrive. Stay tuned for our next post for five more inspiring ideas. And I know you’ve got some amazing tips for spending less and thriving more. Share them in the comments below!
Gathering Ministry Supplies
One of the biggest costs of running a ministry can be that of supplies. Craft supplies, paper goods, food, cleaning products all add up. However, if you get a little creative these don’t have to break the bank.
Supply of the Week
Announce a supply of the week that congregants can bring to the church office or worship. Make the supply simple to find by suggesting a couple of stores where it’s carried. Also, be sure there are affordable supply options as well as more expensive. Include this announcement in several places, both written and verbal.
Natural World Crafts
When planning crafts for children’s lessons, consider creating more projects with found objects in nature. Gather these items in advance or allow the children to search for their own on the church grounds.
Forming Relationships
Relationships are the basis for a successful ministry. We all need community and we return to churches over time because of it. Think back over your experience. Are friendships what kept you going back to a church? It’s true for families and for youth, too. Funding your ministry when finances are tight can be difficult, but relationships can still flourish. So, set your focus on ideas that build connections.
Stay Connected
Send text messages, make phone calls to check in, email a newsletter, tag people in social media posts, mail birthday cards. Relationships are key for any growth to happen. So, go for walks and hikes, attend kids’ activities, have kids play fun music from their phones and do a dance party after youth group. All of these ways of staying connected with students and volunteers are low cost, if not free.
Getting Out There
All around your church are opportunities to be together because, within your city, events and programming are in place that build community. Not only do these give your church ways of funding your ministry for less and avenues for deepening relationships, but they are also great venues for inviting new folks.
City Events
Look into local events. Attend free or inexpensive activities for kids and families. Wander an art hop night, watch free live music, spend the evening at the fair. Your city may have more going on than you imagine. So, track down a community calendar.
Give Your Time
One way to be together for free is to serve others. We are called to do so, it brings us joy and humility, and heals us and our communities. And these ministry ideas usually cost nothing or very little. Pick up trash together in the neighborhood around your church, volunteer together at a food pantry or animal shelter.
No matter your church’s budget, finding ways of funding your ministry on less can be helpful. We hope these ministry ideas allow your church to thrive, especially when resources are limited. And don’t forget to share in the comments below the ideas that have made it easier to fund your ministry on less!
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