Times are tight, but you know that already because you work in youth ministry – times have always been tight for us, right? Here’s 6 ideas to help get the most out of every buck your church entrusts to you. Add your own in the comments:
Break-even Events – when you plan an event, make out your realistic budget and set a goal for how many students will attend. Divide and you have your price point – stick to your budget and you won’t have to spend a dime beyond what your students brought in. Obviously you’ll want to make sure the event is priced fairly, so do your best to balance the “bang for the buck” factor and still break even.
Cut the Program – a great way to stretch your budget is simply to hack away at what eats budget in your youth group. What are you doing that is ineffective and is taking dollars away from what is working? Would now be the right time to kill the program and redirect those funds to the right place? Use budget choices as a great excuse to let a sacred cow starve to death.
Think Free First – the internet has made so many things free at your fingertips. Think free first – you can get free texting, free polls, free Bible software, and so much more, all totally free. Before you buy, make sure you can get it for free because you probably can.
Develop a Resource Team – these are the people in your church who don’t necessarily have the time to serve at a weekend service or lead a small group, but they do have access to the stuff you might need. Develop a short list of resourceful or inventive people you can call on when you’re looking for random items like coolers or snow chains.
Double Dip – if you do have to buy something, think long term in how you can use an item again down the road. Are there other ministries in the church who could split the cost with you? If you do “share” this item, be sure to offer to store it when it isn’t being used so you have easy access when needed.
Never Pay Full Price - when all of your other resources are exhausted, planning ahead has still allowed you to order online from the least expensive reputable retailer. You might be able to get that video camera even cheaper/slightly used on eBay or Craig’s List, a quick search and you’re all set with a deal far better than the retailer down the street.
JG
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Josh Griffin has been in youth ministry for 15+ years and serves as the High School Pastor at Saddleback Church. [
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Geoff Stewart serves the Jr / Sr High School Pastor at Peace Portal Alliance Church in Surrey B.C.
Planing Ahead… you already mentioned this, but early planning also saves money on registration fees for most camps and conferences.
We’re having to do a lot of break even events lately. Our local economy is going crazy. We’re having to pull from our “extra” fund just to break even on events and make them affordable for students. Great tips!
Also, especially for smaller churches: Team up with other churches to do events. Share resources that way. Our church and two others are teaming up to do a lock-in together.
I’m interested in the free texting at smsgupshup, but it looked to me like it was only for people with phone numbers in India. Has anyone here used it? My youth are constantly texting, and I’d love to be able to connect that way, but I can’t afford it. Any advice?
I love all the ideas on here! To expand on Josh’s 4th point, I have found that people are much more willing to give when they are donating something tangible (like food, game equipment, or a projector) than just money (even if you will just buy those items). By having people give supplies instead of money, it gives them a much more concrete and physical impact.