A monthly message from Fred Lynch. Fred is the founder of GodStyle Productions, a ministry committed to changing youth culture. For more information on Fred, visit his website or check out his latest project, The Epic (the gospel of John translated into rap).
December 2007
As youth workers we are always connected to the rich potential of next-generation heroes. It's hard to explain this seventh sense to other adults because when all they see are loud-mouthed brats, we see the next preacher who will cry loud and spare not! You have to be called to see the potential in that Jr. High kid who seems to get no greater joy than coming up behind you and trying to pick you up and slam you to the wall as if he's practicing his greatest wrestling move on you. We deal in the business of hope therefore we look beyond what we see today and view through the lens of faith and find the greatness in a child. Like all businesses, even a merchant of hope must have a plan that implements sufficient currency to get their goals accomplished or you'll get stuck in a rut with 'hope against hope' trying to get high on your own supply. Jesus knew this principal and demonstrated a balance of stepping out amidst ambiguity to the point that he didn't even have a 'place to lay his head' yet walking in abundance to the point that he kept a 'treasurer' on his team. Wouldn't it be great to have your own CFO for your youth ministry team? You first have to get some money for him to count! Youth Pastor Trammell Orr and I embark on another conversation called 'Real Talk' and try to tackle the hard conversation of finances within the church. How much should go to youth ministry? What is a workable budget? If it takes money to fund the propagation of the gospel, then when will the church ante up? As a Pastor, I have to say that this is one of those conversations that won't get solved in one setting, but the best thing that we can do is start the conversation. Many ministries get shorted out because no one takes the initiative to say what needs to be said. So join us as we have some 'Real Talk'.
Don't just try to be the Lone Ranger out there trying to raise funds on your own.
Fred:
I'm gonna say it right now so it's out of the bag: we don't have a lot of money! You're going to have to become creative with a limited budget to make this thing work.
Trammell:
Touché Pastor. I guess you beat me to the punch that time. But you know that I don't give up that easy! I want to start by saying that one of the best things that I can do to show you that I'm serious about this call is to put together a budget to show you what I'm envisioning for our youth ministry here. Just so things aren't left to guesswork, I want you to see what I see. Sure a proposed budget might be completely off when it comes to the numbers that you were thinking, but it gives us a point of reference: a place where we can start to strategize the work of building an effective youth ministry.
Fred:
Alright man, I was trying to be 'funny' but I can see that you are serious about this and I like that. I appreciate your budget proposal because I think that most youth workers' hearts are in the right place, they just don't have the adequate funds to get their dream out. Many Pastors hate to squash those dreams, but the reality is that parents must be catered to and that often means that kids get treated like 2nd class citizens. Writing down a budget and STICKING TO IT develops a good healthy trust between the youth and senior pastors.
Trammell:
Yea Pastor, I know you were just joking but on a sober note you're right: many youth pastors expect the church to support their dream but if they don't have a plan, then how can a church get behind them? I know that some (hopefully very little) of my proposal won't get approved. But that isn't the point, the purpose is to get us both on the same page as far as expectations about finances and figure out together how to find success.
Fred:
No doubt. And just because we as a church might see a limitation to what we can spend, God ain't got no limit! (He don't need no matches either) It took faith to get this far, so place these needs before the Lord and he can bring in the finances. I know of established youth ministries who only get a fraction of their budget from their church. They make appeals to donors, businesses and even to students.
Trammell:
So you're saying I have permission to go out and raise it up if I can't get it from the house?
Fred:
For sure! Trammel you gotta do what you gotta do! In fact you need to make your appeal and use the name and influence of the church as much as you can. Don't just try to be the Lone Ranger out there trying to raise funds on your own. People want to give to something that they know will keep it's integrity so let them know that you will keep them informed as the journey goes along. Remember, you're not only raising funds, you are raising friends who will stand with you as you advance. But as far as what the church can do, I believe that at least 2 to 5% of our annual budget as a church should go to youth ministry. That may be too low for some and much for others, but that's my take and what I'm shooting for this first year.
Trammel:
Pastor, you're a gracious guy and a dreamer like me! Hopefully this year we blow up or we'll both be out of a job (just kidding); but its good to see you're fighting for something for us lil' folk. I'm going to take what is available now, be faithful with it and try to flip it like they did in one of Jesus' parables!
Fred:
Flip on baby...flip on! Yea your joking, but it's a real step and I'm counting on you to make things happen so we have to put our money where our mouth is. I'm glad you came with a budget in hand but many youth workers don't have a clue when it comes to putting together a workable and presentable budget. This Real Talk article we've placed a link that people can check out and get great tips on putting together a budget. For those of you out there eavesdropping in on our conversation, just click this link and download the pdf on making a good budget for youth ministry.
Trammel:
Always trying to equip the saints, you go Preacher! Good stuff. I really like what you said about putting our money where our mouth is. The youth of our generation must be invested in if we are going to be a strong church in the next 20 years and I'm glad that I'm down wit' a brother who is feeling that.
Fred:
I'm feeling it like emotions T! My baby just turned 13 and I want to make sure that we set you up to succeed when it comes to ministering to her. I remember when I prayed and received her name from the Lord. I believed that she was going to be used in a powerful way to touch people, and here's her chance. I don't want to quench that fire by being cheap and hoping that you can reach her with a broke down guitar and a used overhead projector! I also have a 10 year old on the way and I want you to be really ready for him! He's a handful and you're gonna need a big budget cause he's going to reach the world!
Trammel:
Indeed brotha. Indeed. Well, thanks for the money. Let me take you out to the South Dallas Café and get you some fried chicken and greens...I'm paying.
Make it pain:
Youth Workers: It's been said that the gospel is free but it cost to 'pipe it in'. I believe this is true. Take the initiative and come correct when it comes to the business of finances. Be sure to have your budget ready before the first of the year so it doesn't go in last minute. Take the time to put it together and that it is realistic.
Pastors: Be sure to invest into the next generation not only with words, but with the appropriate finances that will empower your youth worker to do an adequate job when it comes to ministering to students.
FREDDIE FREEBIE:
This month for the Freddie Freebie, I'd like to encourage you to go to my website and just have a shopping spree on me! All of my downloads are free and open to the public. The link is www.godstyle.com/downloads.html. Hope you enjoy!
Sharing the gospel from 'Street to Street',
Fred Lynch III
GodStyle Productions
Fred Lynch is the founder of GodStyle Productions, a ministry committed to changing youth culture. For more information on Fred, visit his website or check out his latest project, The Epic (the gospel of John translated into rap).
