Keeping track of people and money are two primary tasks for church administrators, and because most church plants run on a shoestring budget, every dollar matters. Sometimes (if we are honest) the dollars seem to matter more than the people. When it comes to how to start a church, two things are certain, though: (1) God can provide, and (2) people matter more than money.
People have worried about money ever since the invention of money—church planters are no exception! In the classic film “It’s a Wonderful Life,” George Bailey, distraught over his financial situation, is ready to take his life. Clarence the angel is sent to the rescue. Clarence explains, “We don’t use money in heaven.” Bailey answers, “Well, it comes in pretty handy around here, Bub.” It doesn’t have to be one way or the other–it turns out both Clarence and George were right!
3 Views on How to Start a Church with Little or no Money
1. Hugh Halter – Follow Jesus’ Example
Missional leader Hugh Halter gave some thought to how to start a church with no money. He observed, “What if we never had to worry about growing or building a church? What would change if we really lived out of the truth that God does the building and growing as we live in simple kingdom ways?” He shared these three lessons:
- First, we noticed that Jesus hung with outsiders—all the time.
- Second, Jesus blessed people.
- Third, Jesus created space for people to just be with God.
