Fiddlingwhileromeburns“We are $35K behind budget going into July!”  One of my clients told me that recently.  My response to that is now is the time to start working to correct that not later.  If you are behind now and are not actively doing something to correct the decline it might get worse.  If you are behind budget now you might be in trouble at the end of the year.  Doing nothing now is like fiddling while Rome burns.  So, let’s talk about what to do when you find yourself behind budget.

You might be in trouble if…

  1. Your giving is more than two weeks offering behind.
  2. Your 4th quarter giving historically is not enough to make up your current deficit.

If you are the above is you then it is time to act.  Here is what I would do…

First, don’t panic.  Panic leads to desperation.  Desperation leads to poor decisions and poor decisions lay the ground work for future problems.  Donors give to institutions with proven track records not to ones they worry will implode.

Secondly, get a plan of action and work your plan!  Too many churches have a strategy of hope.  They hope it will get better.  Hope is not a strategy.  You need a plan of action to reverse the decline.  Do you know how to craft a giving plan?  I do and you can get one for only $1 a day!  Click on this link Giving Plan!

This week I sent the client above a detailed plan of action.  He got that along with all my Giving365 clients.  Now he is on the path towards reversing his decline.

Finally, make your “ask” about missions and ministry NOT making budget!  Create a meaningful message for why people should give.  People give to changed lives so tell your story.  For instance, list three things your church has accomplished this year.  Then list three things coming up that will be impactful but need funding.  Make that a part of your “ask.”

So if you are behind budget now is the time to act.  If you need help try my giving plan for 14 days for only $1.  Go here to sign up, Sign up for $1 trail

I can help you reverse the decline in your giving NOW!

Mark Brooks – The Stewardship Coach