Four Questions for Every Dollar

Church Relevance - Issue 13
November 2006Â
by Kent Shaffer

How should a church spend its money to most efficiently and effectively reach the lost?

It’s a great question and a rough paraphrase of one I was asked this past month. The answer lies in learning to ask yourself four questions for every dollar you spend.Â

1. Is this expense contributing to the fulfillment of the church’s purpose?

Every church has a unique God given mission, vision, and purpose to reach a specific group of people. Every effort and investment of the church should go towards accomplishing its purpose. As Rick Warren says in The Purpose Driven Church, “The filter must always be: Does this activity fulfill one of the purposes for which God established this church?” You must learn to recognize what makes your church unique (core values & purpose), understand the people you are called to reach (needs, preferences & lifestyles), and determine which methods are the best and most efficient ways to reach them with the gospel and develop them as disciples.

2. Is this expense being put to use?

Obviously, if something is not being used, you are throwing your money away. Either be sure it will be used or invest your money elsewhere.

3. Is there a cheaper alternative that can produce equal results?

Do your homework. Almost every church has an area where they unknowingly pay too much money. Although it is probably impossible to always get the most bang for your buck, you can at least research an investment enough to know if you are getting ripped off. A great example is Web hosting. A typical church website can get great Web hosting for as little as $8 per month, yet many are paying outlandish prices as high as $70 per month and receiving a lower quality service. And there are plenty of other examples, but it is your job to find those savings for your church. Just be sure that you don’t over compromise quality to save a buck.

4. Within the context of the church’s unique circumstances, is there something more important that the money can be used for?

Odds are that your church has more great ideas and opportunities than you have time or money to pursue. That is why it is essential that you learn to identify what are the most important investments your ministry can make. What is most important for your church may not be what is most import to another church. This question is an excellent way to weed out the good ideas so that you can focus on the great ones.

Developing the habit of being mindful of these four questions will ensure that your ministry is a good steward of its finances. And good stewardship always leads to greater things (Luke 16:10).

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