There was a time when I did not enjoy the emails from our Business Manager reminding us that our credit card reconciliations were due. I did not enjoy this task because I felt that it that had no significance to reaching teens and growing next generation disciples. I found reasons not to do it, which wasn’t right. In the end I found that my reluctance to balancing a budget was not because of the task itself but a lack of confidence.
No one gets into youth ministry excited to balance a budget, and raise funds. It’s complex and overwhelming. While it’s not the most exciting part of ministry you need to embrace it. If you find this difficult you might want to check your confidence when it comes to money. The real reason you may dread budgeting is because you do not feel equipped and competent in this field. To build money confidence in your ministry you need to:
- Make It A Priority: Lean into it and put it out front. In other words work time into your schedule where you are tackling the subject. This will build confidence because you will know when to expect it. You can also break it down by reviewing your budget once a week. Instead of treating it like an afterthought, put it up front and embrace it’s importance.
- Work On Your Personal Finances: If you are in debt, or struggling with personal finances chances are you won’t be too confident with your budget at work. Make it a priority at home and build better spending, saving and giving habits. Best thing to do is meet with someone who specializes in financial coaching or take a course (i.e. Financial Peace University) that will help you grow in your knowledge of personal money management.
- Recognize It As A Stewardship: Balancing your budget is an important responsibility. The money you are managing isn’t yours, it isn’t the church’s, it’s God. It’s all a part of being a steward. When you allow God into your finances and make budgeting a spiritual habit you allow God to fuel your confidence. When you honor God’s money He’ll bless you and your ministry.
- Delegate: If you are not confident, find someone who is and give them the task. Your confidence in the budgeting will increase when you realize it’s in the right hands. Seek help so that you aren’t squandering away the money you manage.
Money isn’t the most popular subject in ministry; however, it’s important. Your lack of confidence might come from a lack of knowledge in the subject matter. Educate yourself, lean into the situation and know that it doesn’t have to be as awful (Or scary) as it initially seems.
On a scale of 1(bad) – 10(good) how confident are you about money?
What better money practices do you have to build confidence?