"We don't have the money right now," is an oft-heard refrain from pregnancy care center boards. Because our efforts are often focused on the immediate financial situation, an outstanding idea might be cast aside before being heard because we fear having to say, "We can't afford it..."

The perilous trap
When funds are short, or simply not abundant enough to consider major projects, the board can slip into "we can't afford it thinking" and lose its vision. After all, why dream when the answer will always be "No?"

This hurdle must be overcome. Even if funding is an issue, we must keep thinking of how we can best meet the needs of our clients and change the world. We cannot afford to stop thinking of what can be.

At the same time, we must be wise stewards of our funds. It's a balance, and there is a way to keep our ministry on an even keel as we move ahead.

Envisioning, with a dose of reality
To keep our vision we should spend at least 20 minutes every other board meeting, or every meeting if we can, brainstorming. Let's ask ourselves what services we could add that would reach our clients in new ways. Do we need a master's degree counselor? More expansive marketing? A full-time physician? A new building? A satellite center? A mobile unit?

Keep a running list and as the process continues, prioritize. No money is being spent here, but thoughts are crystallizing within each board member and we begin to think of a brighter future. For the moment, money is not the object, people are. Money is not a challenge, meeting needs becomes the goal.

What do we do next?
We cannot go on indefinitely, simply dreaming. At some point we must decide whether to act or wait on a project. As the board prays through its decision-making process, the answers will come. If the answer is "move ahead," we must make a concerted effort to reach out to those who can give the needed funds. This is not as hard as it seems.

The most difficult time to raise funds is when there is no vision; when we are asking our financial partners, "Will you help us pay the light bill?" The easiest time is when we have a clear picture of how we can impact lives and invite others to join us in the journey.

What is your vision?
As you read this, jot down three or four ideas or plans you would love to implement, if only funds were not an object. At the next board meeting, why not have each person share his or her thoughts in two-three minutes? This is a start, and we might find that with a new vision comes a new sense of purpose. This can spark a board to lead a ministry to new heights.

Boards of Excellence is a service of LifeTrends
If you have a question for Publisher Kirk Walden, contact him at waldenk@bellsouth.net