My ministry setting is “poor”
Your Question:
“How can I best serve in a poor ministry setting?”
The Issues:
The challenge of serving in a “poor” setting is not just that the financial foundation may be low, but that the mindset may also be “poor.” Overcoming the “poor” mindset takes work and focus. Remember that the God of creation is the One who is supplying your needs!
Scripture Foundation:
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
Short Answer:
Serving in a “poor” setting is not impossible, it just requires more time, focus, faith, and prayer. Remain focused on your CM vision. The vision that God gave you for the CM is NOT dependent on your financial wealth! If God gives you a vision for discipling children, focus on that vision instead of how little money you have.
It is important to ask God to help you create a supplies list for the event or program. Then, after you have a realistic list of things you need, begin praying for God to supply those needs.
Even in a “poor” setting, there are people who will be willing to donate items if they catch the vision for what you want to accomplish. People respond to vision! If you don’t communicate the vision, people may not be inspired to support it with donations or financial gifts.
This is what God tells us in Proverbs 29:18, “Where there is no vision, the people perish…” Here are some suggestions for serving in a “poor” ministry setting:
1) Clearly understand your CM vision – If you don’t have a clear CM vision, it is critical to understand or clarify it. For help with your CM vision, click here.
2) Connect to the CM vision – Connect everything you do in the CM to your CM vision. The CM vision will prevent you from getting distracted in ministry efforts. It will also help you communicate what your purpose is for each event or program. In proposing new programs or events, justify the efforts by connecting them to the CM vision. This will help your ministry supervisor or pastor support you. Connecting the CM programs or efforts will also inspire others to donate to the program or volunteer to serve in the effort.
3) Ask for donations – Instead of limiting your CM programs because you can’t afford the supplies, invite the church attendees to donate the supplies. People want to help! Divide your list of needed supplies into small groups. Get permission to ask for donations from your ministry supervisor or pastor. Place large containers (clean trash cans) in the foyer and advertise that you are collecting craft supplies (specifically identify which ones) for the upcoming event or program. People will buy the needed items and drop them into the cans. This increases the church’s “ownership” of the program!
4) Create scholarships – Invite people with more financial ability to invest in scholarship funds for camps, VBS programs, etc. in the CM. If you serve in a “poor” community, keeping the costs of programs to the minimum, or offering them for free is important. If a camp program can’t be offered for free, create a scholarship process with support from more wealthy people in the church. Personally approach people who may be able to invest in the scholarship fund and thank them when it is used.
The “bottom line” of serving in a “poor” ministry area is that the ministry vision must be carried out, regardless of the lack of financial support. God is big! He can provide the finances you need to fulfill the calling that He has placed on you! For more help in understanding the setting of the children’s ministry, click on the APPENDIX link below.
Visit other articles in the “Understanding Your Ministry Setting APPENDIX”
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