As I have talked to churches over the years, budget is a recurring theme. Some churches budget based on the calendar year, but many follow the “school year,” since it takes the planning process out of the busy Christmas season. Regardless of when it happens, most churches are trying to get the best “bang for the buck,” particularly in these times of uncertain finances.
A thought as you enter the process – simply be reasonable. Throughout the course of my career, I have heard the recurring theme in churches [and virtually every other business or organization] that we have to “do more with less.” Efficiency and economy are good goals to have – however, simple logic makes it clear that, at some point, cutting back yields negative results. You can’t always do more with less, and you often do get exactly what you pay for. Don’t regret your planning over and over by trying to do things too cheaply, instead of budgeting appropriately. It may be a wiser course of action to do less, but do what you choose to focus on with higher quality. More on this in the days to come…
Budget to give teams what they need to do their jobs.
Hmmm - well, let's see...
I'm a Christian, a husband, a dad, a son, a pastor, a consultant, a musician, a writer, and bits and pieces of a bunch of other things. My work life has followed three main phases - business to teaching to church. I was the Weekend Services Pastor for nine years at Northview Church, an awesome church in the Indianapolis suburbs. I used to work for Willow Creek, another awesome church in the Chicago area. Plus I've written for various magazines and websites, and other freelancy sorts of things... My life mission is to help the church be as excellent as it can be.
Oh yeah - the name's Greg. Greg Wallace. But not the race car driver or the major league pitcher or the British celebrity chef. Just the creative worship guy. Hi.
It's my hope that these ideas, musings, rants, raves, etc... will inspire you. They're just my opinions - but again, I hope that they'll help to inspire you. Because the church really, really needs inspired creative types. If you're a creative type (and most people are, deep-down), ask God for help. Then take any ideas that are useful to you - borrow them, nab them, use them, adapt them - and make them into something greater...
You can head over to my Instagram site for an abundance of shorter posts: creativeworshipideas. If you're looking for consulting - especially on weekend services, team leadership or multi-site strategies - I'd love to help. Just message me here, and I'll be in touch - Greg
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