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You are here: Home / Archives for Budgeting

Budgeting

5 More Colossally Effective Ideas for Funding Your Ministry On Less

Alissa Ellett Leave a Comment

Looking for ways that will make funding your ministry easier? Look no further. Use these ideas, so you can spend less and thrive more.

cheap ministry ideas 204

FREEBIE: Download a free PDF checklist to share with colleagues or committee members and to help with brainstorming sessions. Click here to access the downloadable PDF checklist.

Getting Creative

Perhaps you’re wondering if it’s possible to build community and numbers with more limited funding because you’re feeling called to steward your resources more wisely. Or maybe the governing body of your church wants you to be funding your ministry for less because financial giving is down in your congregation. Whatever the case, you can’t go wrong with ideas that will help you pinch some pennies.

But I know 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 these two things in mind. God is present and at work no matter what resources are available. 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. And wander over to my last post for even more inspiring ideas. I know you’ve got some amazing tips for funding your ministry on less, too. Share them in the comments below!

cheap ministry ideas 201

Gathering Ministry Supplies

Supplies can be a major portion of a ministry budget. Whether it’s craft supplies, paper goods, food, cleaning products, they all add up. But, supplies don’t need to be a major drain financially. Simply get a little creative and be specific in asking for what your group needs.

Back-to-Sunday School Party

Host a barbecue just before the kick-off of Sunday school. Invite the whole church and ask that they sign up to bring a supply that the ministry is in need of. For several weeks prior ask a volunteer to tend a table where congregation members can mark down which supply they’ll be bringing. During the party, introduce your volunteers and talk a bit about the upcoming year’s highlights.

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Forming Relationships

Having a sustainable ministry that’s filled with life is based on strong relationships. We all need community and we return to churches over time because of it. It’s true for families and for youth, too. So much of your job as a ministry leader is facilitating relationships. As a result, when funds are tight, be sure to continue focusing on relationships. Prioritize ministry ideas that create opportunities for connections and making memories.

Meet-Ups

Get together with other churches in your town. Connect with other children’s and youth directors to plan events with them. It’s easiest if you can find other groups that meet at the same time your groups meet. Then, you can simply meet up with another group during a regular time. For example, do a game night during youth group with another church.

Breaking Bread

Something special happens when we share food together. This can be a major expense in ministry, but it doesn’t have to be. Bake birthday cupcakes monthly for volunteers, invite parents to sign-up to bring youth group meals, ask the congregation to purchase nursery snacks, schedule monthly potlucks with families.

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Getting Out There

Within your city, there are likely several community-building events taking place throughout the year. These events can be fun for all ages. Additionally, they are also great for inviting new folks and don’t require lots of volunteer help.

Eat Locally

This is one of those ideas for funding your ministry on less that requires very little planning. Meet with youth and or families for a b.y.o. picnic or at a local restaurant for brunch, lunch or dinner. Your group can even make this a monthly or seasonal event. Choose a spot that’s inexpensive and a crowd-pleaser, if heading to a restaurant.

Thinking Seasonally

Often times there are free and low-cost options for ministry ideas that are happening locally.  So, check out what’s going on in your town. Attend an Independence Day parade, play at the pumpkin patch, go trick-or-treating, look at Christmas lights, pick wildflowers. Doing festive seasonal things is a great time for kids to invite friends, too.

cheap ministry ideas 205

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!

5 Colossally Effective Ideas for Funding Your Ministry On Less

Alissa Ellett Leave a Comment

Looking for ways that will make funding your ministry easier? Get creative with these ideas and your ministry will thrive.

cheap ministry ideas 103

FREEBIE: Download a free PDF checklist to share with colleagues or committee members and to help with brainstorming sessions. Click here to access the downloadable PDF checklist.

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!

cheap ministry ideas 101

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.

cheap ministry ideas 102

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.

cheap ministry ideas 105

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.

cheap ministry ideas 104

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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