It happens in our personal lives. It happens in our work. It happens in our ministry. Unless you are extremely wealthy, you have faced the dilemma of having dreams, wants, and even needs without having the financial resources to make it happen.
For many of you who lead ministries to women, I’ve heard your cries for help. Most of you are making ministry happen with very limited resources. Many of you have zero budgets given to you. Believe me, you are not alone.
Even so, having limited resources in ministry isn’t always a bad thing. You might be shaking your head, but I’ve found three reasons either living on a limited personal budget or living on a limited ministry budget can make you a better leader.
First, having limited resources forces you to be creative. Don’t have money to purchase that Bible study video kit? Call other churches and see if they might let you borrow it. Ask women to give extra so it can be purchased. Buy one study, but use it with several groups. Share the need within the group. You never know—someone might provide the funds to purchase it.
Maybe you’re planning an event and don’t have a big budget. Repurpose decorations. Borrow decorations from women at church. Sell tickets to your event that help cover the cost. Share the responsibility of providing food instead of catering. In other words, when you don’t have money, use your creativity.
Second, having limited resources will make you grateful for what you do have. If you are fortunate enough to have a budget, be responsible and steward those finances well. Stay within your budget and give your church leaders the opportunity to see they can trust you with the budget you’ve been given. As you manage those finances well, others will take notice the next time you make a case for more.
Finally, having limited resources helps you get a bigger picture of the entire ministry needs within your church. Be a budget-learner. Understand how much money is given, where it is distributed, and those who benefit from it. Ministry budgets are made from the faithful giving of believers who collectively believe they can do more for the gospel together than they can do alone. Budgets are made because others are obedient to God’s instructions to give from the first fruits of their income and the overflow of their abundance.
Use times of limited resources to examine your own heart for giving to your local church. Do you give so you can get something in return or do you give because you believe in the mission of the church? We can all be cheerful givers as Paul describes in 2 Corinthians 9 and be reminded of his words in verses 10 and 11, “Now the one who provides seed for the sower and bread for food will also provide and multiply your seed and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way for all generosity, which produces thanksgiving to God through us.”
Kelly King is the Women’s Ministry Specialist for Lifeway Christian Resources and oversees the YOU Lead events. Join her this year and get to know her heart for ministry leaders. Follow her on Twitter @kellydking.