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November 19, 2009
Push the limits of church funding: Survival Mode Off
Survival Mode...now that is a great strategy for funding. NOT!
Here is the problem with survival mode. In the NPO world (that includes churches) we place a high degree of value on efficiency which means we do as much as we can on as little as possible.
There is NOTHING inherently wrong with that. It's always important to ensure our expenses are in line with our revenue.
What IS inherently built into that mode is a LACK OF investing. Investing involes risk. Risk sometimes leads to REWARD...
and sometimes it leads to the "F" word...F-A-I-L-U-R-E.
For-profit companies believe in RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT. They know that have to build in a system of failing if they are ever going to SUCCEED.
When churches decide to slip into survival mode...they STOP innovating...being creative...looking for new opportunities...new ventures. And they simply exist.
Wonder why you're having trouble finding leaders who are passionate about what your church is doing? (Are you passionate about what your church is doing?)
Maybe you've flipped the switch (even unintentionally) to survival mode.
Let me give you a hint: TURN IT OFF. Right now...And after you've turned it off...
BREAK IT OFF so you never have that option again.
There is nothing that will kill a church's ability to fund its ministry than operating in survival mode.
Rule #1...(It doesn't really matter what Rule number it is.)...People don't want to fund an organization that is only interested in self-preservation.
Better...people WON'T fund self-preservation.
Posted by bstroup at November 19, 2009 8:37 AM
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Comments
That's the battle we're fighting right now. The oh, dear, the sky is falling and we're all going to die fight.
It will be okay. We will get through, and we will, long-term see benefits from what we are doing. Even from the "waste of money to mail envelopes I'm perfectly capable of getting from the pew if I want them."
Yeah, but you aren't going to forget when those bad boys show up at your house, are you?
Doug
Posted by: Doug Hibbard at November 19, 2009 1:36 PM
The most important thing is to make the connection between funding and ministry. Consistent, faithful giving comes from being intentional. We all need accountability. I'd be happy to talk to you specifically and strategically about what you're facing.
Posted by: Ben Stroup 
at November 19, 2009 3:21 PM