Christianity Today recently published Should Church Increase 2011 budgets? This article captures a variety of thoughts from a wide cross-section of leaders. Some people believe in the scarcity of the dollar and some believe in the infinite surplus of money. Every church (and church leader) is different. There are some who have predetermined to decrease their operating budgets for 2011 and some that will absolutely, positively increase their budgets in 2011.

Here are three reasons why you SHOULD NOT increase your budget in 2011:

1. You (as pastor) haven’t fully embraced the role of chief fund-raiser. People give to people, particularly people they know, like, and trust. The pastor is the most visible staff member and the one to whom most members and attenders will make an immediate connection. The pastor is also the person who must ensure the financial integrity of the organization. If you’re not ready to deal with money openly and honestly, you won’t cultivate all that God has already provided in the people who sit in your pews.

2. You don’t want to preach/teach about money. Break the silence! Offer people an alternative perspective on money, one that is based on scripture instead of culture. The more the church remains silent on the subject of money, the more dollars that will continue to fly out of the offering plate only to help fund other organizations with money that God intended to support the work of the church.

3. You don’t want to engage with people about their giving potential. If you’re not confident enough to look someone else in the eye and ask them to financially support the work of your church, then you don’t believe completely in what you are doing. Talking to people about money is no different than talking with them about prayer, Bible reading, or church membership. All are part of the spiritual formation process. If you don’t challenge others to be generous, someone else (from another organization) will. In fact, it’s happening right now.

What are your church budget plans for 2011?

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