Clif McKinley Dot Com

From Swerve

Leading During Financially Challenging Times—2

Create Margin

Churches in many parts of our country (and the world) have been tight financially. As the economy tries to find solid ground, giving to ministries could suffer.

I would suggest you don’t wait until things get even tighter before you start cutting back. Now is the time to create margin.

Here is what I’m telling our staff:

• We are not becoming less aggressive on reaching people—just financially more aware. Just because we can spend money in some way today, it may not be wise. Don’t let off the pedal of your passion, but apply the brakes some when it comes to spending.
• Modeling good stewardship to our church is important. I want our church to see us cutting back some in hopes they will follow in their personal lives. Even though we can afford certain ministry luxuries, I am encouraging our team to find ways to creatively cut back.
• We will be “cash strong” in hard times. We want to be able to help people who are in need, care for our staff, and remain evangelically aggressive in financially slow times. We don’t want to be begging for money, but positioned to make a difference.

How are you leading through this season?