Ministry with no money

I was talking with one of my friends the other day about a dilemma she has currently about a college ministry program. She is in an campus minister role at a smaller Catholic university. Unfortunately, the program's money has dried up and they are struggling to fund any of the ministry past staff. Her budget is literally zero and yet she feels the pressure to help push students deeper in their faith and relationship with Christ. This is a problem that I do not think is isolated to this college or ministry. Can ministry be done without any money?

All of those in ministry wish that they had the money to do the things they dream of. There are always TVs, toys, games, computers, software, cameras, vans, couches, painting, band equipment, guest speakers, interns, curriculum, music, ipods, movies, MLB games, theme park trips, books, and the all important Starbucks trips. This is what ministry has become to many of those in ministry. Is that what best helps students grow their faith? 

Now some of these things might help students start to think. Some may even be what brings them into relationship. There are a few things missing from this list. Where are the service projects? Where are the mission trips? Where are the worship services? Where are the heart to heart conversations? The list has our culture, but where is Christ?

As I sat confined on a five hour plane ride this dilemma of can ministry be done without money crept back into my mind. God was speaking and I was finally ready to listen to His answer.

Mark 6: 6b-13

"Then Jesus went around teaching from village to village. ⁷Calling the Twelve to him, he sent them out two by two and gave them authority over evil spirits.

 ⁸These were his instructions: "Take nothing for the journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in your belts. ⁹Wear sandals but not an extra tunic. ¹⁰Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave that town. ¹¹And if any place will not welcome you or listen to you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave, as a testimony against them."

 ¹²They went out and preached that people should repent. ¹³They drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them."

The answer was loud and clear. Not only could ministry be done without money, but this was often the best ministry. Students do not remember the video game nights, the cool music, or the best new board game that you bought. What touches their life is a person who is dedicated and intent on representing Christ in their life and walking with them. 

The verse is clear on what we are to take with us. Nothing, except what we have on, as if we are sent as we are. Brokenness and all. No money. No food. No extra clothes. Jesus wants them to rely on others. Why are the ministers sent required to rely on others? The answer is simple human nature. When we can take care of ourselves we do not talk as much to those around us. We stick to our comfort zone and avoid contact.  

I have seen many ministries struggle to make ends meet. Those ministries are constantly pushing to help more people. They ask the question of how they can make more ministry happen with what they have. These ministries are often continued by those who are passionate about the mission and Christ. 

On the flip side is the ministries that become content with what they have. I have seen multiple youth programs that wanted more money, prestige, and toys. They let the ministry become about toys, pride, and policy rather than Christ. 

The real question then is not if ministry can be done without money, but rather can it be done with money?

This is a question that I am struggling with right now. I personally had a very large youth ministry budget. I had no clue what to do with something that large because all I needed for ministry is a few passionate adults that want to help students grow in their faith. The budget was substantially cut this last year and now we are back to making ends meet. I have started to think about next year's budget and trying to find someway to have it purely fund mission and service projects. 

My friend and I chatted that day about many things that can be done for cheap that will help students grow. We talked about just spending time with students. Praying with them. Listening to all that is going on in their life. Going for a walk. Throwing a Frisbee. Cooking dinner together. Running errands with them. Stretch the group with a service project that fits what the group can give. These help build the relationship to speak truth in their lives. The best part is these push us beyond our culture. Beyond the barriers. Beyond the comfort zone and into Jesus' arms.