Fourth quarter 2008 economic figures will likely tell us that the United States is in an official recession, which occurs when a country's gross domestic product declines for two quarters in a row. The U.S.economy dropped by .5% in the third quarter of 2008 and while analysts take time to crunch their data, the final figures for 2008 — whenever they show up — will tell us what we already know: times are tough.

So what happens to our ministry should giving drop accordingly? Before answering that, let's remember that many financial supporters step up in a new way during tough economic times, so we have no reason to panic. But — so that we will be prepared — let's look at the possibility of tighter times.

Will You React or Respond?
Many ministries — unfortunately — are never prepared for this situation. As a result, they react instead of responding with a plan. This can mean everything from slashing advertising spending and other important investments to terminating an employee. Or worse, nothing is officially agreed upon and the CEO winds up missing paychecks as the ministry "waits on God" to bail it out. Don't misunderstand the point here: Waiting on God is often the right thing to do. Unfortunately, many ministries use this as an excuse when, in fact, the ministry has not properly carried out its responsibility to seek the Lord and plan for possible eventualities.

Therefore, if a board has not planned for say, a 10% reduction in giving (or 25% for that matter), it is failing in its mission. A strong CEO or Executive Director needs to pull aside the board president and explain this responsibility so that should economic conditions change toward the negative, the ministry is prepared. On the flip side, that board should plan for increases as well.

Pray Now, Plan Now
In short, let's not be the ministry that frets and worries — and calls the "panic prayer meeting" that we hope will fix it all. Let's pray now, let's plan now and regardless of what happens we will continue to pray and plan so that we are prepared when necessary. Clarifying means sitting down and saying, "If giving drops 10% what are our ideas? Where would we cut back if necessary, and how would we seek new funding?" A drop in giving then, does not have to mean cutting a thing. It may mean we refocus our efforts on new gifts or that we add a development event we had not previously considered.

The interesting point here is that when we have these meetings it is possible that someone will say, "Hey, if we believe this will grow our giving by 10% or more, why not do this regardless?" To use a word that exemplifies winning, BINGO. This might be precisely where the Lord wants to take us: toward a more proactive approach to new funding — so that "crisis" never hits.

Prepare for Increases Too
And don't forget: Let's also look at a possible increase in funding. Every year a ministry learns more about development, finding more effective ways to connect with our support base. Let's not be blindsided if they respond in new ways. If they do, should we add a program? Save more for a possible lean time? A combination of both? Our board — often with the help of the CEO — should be preparing, just in case this prayed-for eventuality takes place.

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Reprinted by permission from Boards of Excellence, a LifeTrends publication. If you'd like to know more about the resources provided by LifeTrends that can be used to encourage your volunteers, educate your Board and reach your supporters, or if you're looking for a great speaker for your next banquet, contact Kirk Walden at kirk.walden@comcast.net.