Church outreach programs are essential to the growth and success of your ministry. Outreach is designed to help you connect with your community and open doors to share the Gospel with your neighbors.
But what do you do when you have a vision for outreach that doesn’t match the resources you have available?
Limited resources can make successful and effective outreach a challenge, but a small budget is not a deal breaker when it comes to having a big impact on those around you.
There’s a saying floating around that “if it’s God’s will, it’s God’s bill.” While this is absolutely true, and He does provide when He calls you to do something, He also charges His children with being good stewards of the things He’s already given to them.
So when you have a vision for outreach but aren’t sure how to make ends meet in a way that really makes a difference in your community, here are eight ways you can stretch your resources to make the most of what the Lord has already provided.
1. Prioritize Essentials
As you’re going through the planning process for your community outreach programs, take the time to prioritize the essentials.
Whenever you have a great idea, it’s easy to get carried away with all of the things you’d like to do to have a successful event. But not all of those things are essential to making a big impact.
Let’s say you’re hosting a cookout for your community. While special plates and napkins would be super fun, they aren’t necessary to connect with attendees, especially if they cost significantly more than plain utensils.
When it comes to stretching your resources, one of the most effective methods is to prioritize only what is essential for success. If you end up with extra resources, you can always add in the fun extras later. Start with what you actually need to make the program work, and then build from there.
2. Look for Cost-Effective Alternatives
When you have a big idea to help others see God moving, you want to give it your best. But the most expensive isn’t necessarily the best, especially if it puts your ministry in a financial bind elsewhere.
Seeking cost-effective alternatives can help you make a significant impact without incurring substantial expenses.
If you want to send special treats to all of the residents at your local assisted living facility, consider asking some of your talented congregants to make the things you’d like to send. Ask your children’s ministry to make cards, and recruit your youth to help deliver the treats.
You’ll be able to include more of your members in a special outreach opportunity while also reducing costs by avoiding the purchase of more expensive items.
3. Reuse and Recycle
There’s no rule that says outreach needs the shiniest and newest thing every time to be a success. In fact, the opposite is usually true, particularly when you’re trying to connect with those who have physical needs and don’t want to see wealth flaunted.
Your ministry may have a closet full of items that you’ve used for previous events and activities, just begging to be put to good use again.
One of the best ways to stretch your resources to make a big impact is to reuse and recycle the things you already have lying around.
Some of the most creative and exciting decorations for Vacation Bible School are those that have been repurposed and transformed into something new. The funnest games at the fall festival are the ones that have a fresh coat of spray paint and have been transformed into something fresh.
Reusing and recycling items that you already have kills two birds with one stone: you’ll be able to stretch your outreach resources further and demonstrate proper stewardship of the things you already have.
4. Borrow from Other Churches
It’s easy to forget that the other churches in your community aren’t your competition. You’re all part of one Body working toward the same goal of bringing people to Christ.
And because you’re all working with the same purpose (even if the details vary from church to church), you should share your resources and partner with the churches in your area.
If you know you need something special for an outreach effort, but it’s not feasible within your budget, consider checking with other churches in your community. See if they will loan you the items you need or allow you to buy them for a smaller fee than purchasing new.
The same should be true of your ministry when others come seeking ways to enhance the success of their outreach programs. If you expect other ministries to assist you, you must be willing to assist them in return when the time comes.
Remember, we all want the same thing: to see every person proclaim Jesus as Lord.
5. Partner with Local Organizations
Just like there’s no rule that you have to buy new for effective outreach, there’s also no rule that you have to do it alone. In fact, it’s encouraged that you work together with others in your community to make the biggest impact!
There are likely several wonderful organizations already established in your community that are dedicated to serving the same people you hope to connect with.
Whenever possible, seek local partners to collaborate with. You’ll maximize your resources, capitalize on their established reputation, and have the opportunity to connect with more people than you could on your own.
6. Hit Sales and Find Discount Codes
When it comes to stretching your resources and maximizing a small budget, sales and discount codes will become your best friends.
If you have a special event coming up in October, consider taking advantage of the September Labor Day sales on the essentials you need for success.
Many companies offer a discount code that can be used in the future after a purchase is made. Hold onto those so you can save additional money next time.
Check out wholesalers and dollar stores for additional savings when you need larger quantities or easy decorations.
7. Ask for Donations
Effective community outreach is a team effort. Your church staff shouldn’t have to do it all on their own. You need your congregation to participate to have the big impact you long to see.
And part of including your members means you can and should ask for their support for your outreach programs.
Requesting donations shouldn’t be limited just to financial contributions. Ask your congregants to prayerfully consider how they are being called to help with each effort. One person may choose to make a monetary donation, another may donate tangible resources, and yet another may give their time or talents to make the outreach a success.
No matter how your members choose to participate, don’t limit their ability to be a part of what God is doing in your church and community by choosing not to ask for their help.
You shouldn’t be relying solely on your church’s budget to make your outreach efforts happen. Allow others to be part of what you’re doing and invite them to share in the blessing of seeing others come to know Jesus.
8. Change Your Mindset
In our modern materialistic society, it can be easy to buy into the idea that you have to go big or go home. You may see the big church across town invest thousands of dollars into a community picnic while you’re wondering if you have the funds to make an Easter egg hunt happen.
There’s no right or wrong way to do outreach as long as you’re leaning on God and allowing Him to guide your efforts.
To truly achieve a significant impact with a limited budget, you must change your mindset. You don’t have to do the biggest, best thing ever to see lives changed in your community. You can and should stretch your resources and think creatively about what you have.
You need to believe that God will use your efforts to further His Kingdom as long as you give what you have and give Him control.
Trust that no matter how small your budget may be or how tight your resources are, God can move in mighty ways with just a few loaves and fish if they’re given with the right heart.
The size of your impact is not contingent on the size of your budget. Use these eight ways to stretch your resources, and you’ll see the kind of impact you long to see when you trust the Father to move.
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