When I ask Church Planters how I can help them, they almost always request money. Those who are revitalizing exisiting churches usually make the same request. Even Pastors who are leading thriving churches are quick to list finances as their greatest ministry need.
“If I just had (x dollars), we could (fill in the blank)…”
But I contend that money is not the greatest resource for ministry. While this is not my focus, it must be stated that our greatest ministry needs are spiritual in nature. But for this article, let’s talk about a tangible issue.
The Greatest Resource for Ministry is Relationships
We need people more than we need money.
We need friends more than we need buildings.
We need confidents more than we need staff.
We need others who care more than we need equipment.
We need advisors more than we need volunteers.
We need people we love and who love us more than we need the latest program or method.
Solid, steady, growing and trustworthy relationships will lead us to all of the other necessities for ministry. But those relationships must be:
- Pure – free from ulterior motives. If you’re making friends with rich people in an effort to get their money, shame on you.
- Intentional – we must be purposeful in building relationships with people who we normally wouldn’t know.
- Diverse – make friends with a wide variety of people, inside and outside of the church.
- Mutually benefical – it’s not a healthy relationship if it is one sided.
Ministry is relationships. If you’re starting a church, seek people, not money. If you’re rebuilding a stagnate church, it’s about people. Pastors of strong churches, keep the folks as your main focus.
Let’s get relationships right, then ministry will be right; needed resources will accompany relationships. If relationships aren’t right, nothing is right.
Thoughts on Life and Leading 