Pioneer Christian Monthly - September, 1992

Ideas That Work
Jim Moerman

Q:: Our church approved a challenging budget for this year and we're currently running quite a bit behind. What can we do to deal with the situation?

A: There are as many solutions to this common problem as there are types of people in your church. Here's a quick review so you can quickly recognize yourself and some key members in your church:

Ralph the Realist says: "Hey! We've GOT to cut expenses!'

Otto the Optimist says: "Live by faith everyone!"

Penny the Pietist says: "Let's pray about it!"

Larry Left-brain says: "Call a meeting!"

Angie the Activist says: "Let's organize a special appeal!"

Colin the Coward says: "Maybe we're asking for too much."

Alf the Armchair Quarterback says: "I coulda told you this was coming!'

Sally the Self-righteous says: "It's the spiritual apathy around here!"

Sam the Secularist says: "The"worldwide recession is responsible.

Did you recognize yourself? Your pastor? They all have a reasonable and Biblically defensible point to make! But will it make a difference to the bottom line?

One interesting (and relatively easy) solution to the "budget crunch" is to expand the place of designated second-mile appeals.

Most churches rely primarily on the traditional "unified budget" where the tithes and offerings go directly to the central pot and are doled out by the treasurer in accordance to the current budget.

A second-mile appeal on the other hand, is an opportunity to fund a single purpose, cause or need with a special one-time offering. It affords people an opportunity to designate where their contributions go. It raises awareness of particular needs in your church. And it fits with the growing trend toward decentralization.

Some examples of second-mile appeals would be:

- The missions committee could raise funds for a budgeted mission project;

- The youth group could do a "Soup 'n Bun Feed" after the Sunday service to help fund their activities (instead of calling on the church treasurer!);

- Just prior to Vacation Bible School, a special offering could be received to help cover costs - even though it is already budgeted;

- The women's ministry could raise funds and purchase those new tables and chairs needed for the Sunday School;

- A Bible study group could take a special collection for the single mom in their home group.

What we're seeing today is an in creased desire for people to choose. We want to choose everything - the colour of our car, where we live and how many children to bring into the world. Perhaps this "second-mile" approach works precisely because it builds on people's desire to choose.

Your church has probably done some second-mile appeals in previous years, but they are so low-key that you haven't even noticed!

Single-purpose appeals for a specific cause or need result in alleviating the budget crunch in a completely painless way. People actually ENJOY giving toward specific causes in a one-time fashion because they can see where it goes and what it accomplishes. Gone are the days where people give primarily to institutional or denominational machines that gobble up the cash but don't have much to show for it.

In this day of suspicion and mistrust, people want to give to causes they can see and verify. They want to see what their money accomplishes. They want to shake hands with the person they have assisted. These second-mile appeals are attractive because they almost always have a recognizable trusted face behind them.

Second-mile appeals in the local church also tend to foster stronger relationships, cooperation and enthusiasm. Most of these appeals are comparatively small and success is usually assured. That's a morale booster and has a benefit that goes beyond meeting the budget.

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