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Home > Respond to Crisis > Discuss with Other Leaders

How do I communicate budget problems with the congregation?
Total Responses: 6Add your own comment



Felecia Smith   (Registered User)Posted: December 12, 2007
I think it is important to make the congregation aware of the need,but balance it with faith and believe that "with God nothing is impossible". I beleive that people have to be taught the importance of giving from the heart and should be shown the outcome of their giving, such as the tangible expansion of the kingdom of God. For too long money has been a taboo in our churches. Also, people must see their giving as an investment. Budget issues should be discussed before there is a crisis and sound strategies should be implemented to effectively use the resources that are available.



Abraham Ekebafe   (Guest) Posted: December 07, 2007
As leaders we must learn to properly communicate the burden, when this is faithfully done, the budget will become everyone's burden. With that done, communicating a budget issue would no longer be scary. In communicating budget, we must always show the size of the price!!!



Mark Hardgrove   (Guest) Posted: December 06, 2007
I think the one thing I would not do is come to the pulpit with a sense of desperation (even when it is desperate). Instead, I think the need can be communicated in a positive manner that expresses faith in God and trust in the faithfulness of the congregation. There is of course a need to strike a balance between expressing a need and appearing to be on the point of total financial meltdown. I'll never forget attending a small church where week after the week the pastor would take between 15 and 20 minutes to raise the offering. He sounded desperate and almost angry with the small congregation because we weren't doing enough. In fact, most of us were doing all we could, but the need exceeded our ability to respond. Frankly, the few visitors we had were very put off by the whole ordeal and rarely returned, which only exacerbated the problem. My approach is to remain positive, to make any adjustments that need to be made and to encourage the people to give out of love.



Hal   (Guest) Posted: December 06, 2007
It seems to me the congregation should have current, up to the month, information 12 months of the year. Then in weekly notes from the pastor, the celebration or need could become a regular event rather than a "let's call the fire department" meeting. It seems to me as the church grows larger the senior pastor disappears except on Sunday. But he does get stuck with presenting the budget. I like the other responses too. Maybe some day there could be a discussion around what does a church do with a surplus. (Or does that come right after Santa Claus?)



Joan Lomax   (Guest) Posted: December 06, 2007
It is very important that you give the congregration a clear picture of the church finances. I think that you should make reasonable recommendations regarding the budget. Please give them updates and always encouragement them in their giving. This information should be given them before it becomes critical. Treat the congregation as your loving family



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