Doing Ministry with No Money

If you're a Youth Pastor, Pastor, or work in any church position have you dealt with a budget cut, spending freeze, staff layoff, salary cut or loss of your entire ministry budget? If you have, you are not alone. Over the past couple of years churches all across America have had to make hard choices when it comes to finances. It's been tough for everyone, but this doesn't mean we should stop doing ministry.

In Acts 3 Peter and John are approached by a beggar needing help. I love how Peter says "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ."

We have to remember that we have something greater than money to give to People and we don't have to have money to reach people. The early church didn't have a lot rescources but they reached people for Christ like crazy because of their passion, faithfulness, and zeal. We have to remain passionate and get back to the basics of reaching people.

So lets stop making excuses like "well if I had a bigger budget we could reach more people." or "well if I had a better building I could reach more people." We just have to start reaching people for Christ, we are running out of time and the consequences are eternal. Praise God for what we do have and lets make a difference.

A few tips for tight budgets:
1. More is not always better. Plan fewer events for the year but focus on making them better. Sometimes youth ministries try to do stuff non-stop and then have low quality events. You'll save money and have better quality events when you don't do as much.
2. Be the Speaker at Events. One of the most expensive things about ministry can be bringing in a guest speaker or band. Save money by doing the speaking yourself and get a local band.
3. This may be the time to bring things closer to home. Don't go so far for camp or a mission trip this year, there is plenty to be done right where your are.
4. Don't waste money, really think through and pray through what you're spending money on. Make sure it's spent to make an eternal impact.