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It’s easy for church leaders to get anxious about money at the end of the year. You may have two reasons to do so: 1) Will enough money come into cover 2017 expenses? And 2) will enough commitments come in to cover the 2018 budget?
It’s easy for our fear to overshadow the hopeful words of Christmas we say aloud.
Neuropsychologist Angelo Bolea suggests that for maximum healing (or dealing with any challenge), we should aim for at least three positive thoughts for every one negative thought—in time of illness or real challenge, aim for four. You’re trying to influence the inside part of your brain, the part that can react with fear and override the thoughtful part of your brain. When you are afraid, your horizons narrow and you can’t see options.
The purpose is not simply to “practice positive thinking,” but to engage the energy of your own God-given brain to face challenges and find creative solutions. It helps you get beyond fear, blame and anger and focus on what you have control over: your own functioning. I’ve been practicing this, and it’s not easy, but it helps.
Here are three examples of how you might reframe your thoughts about money at church.
Initial negative thought: What if people don’t come through at the end of the year?
Positive thoughts:
1. I’m grateful for everyone who has given this year.
2. Dealing with this situation is not solely up to me. There are other leaders who share the burden.
3. I’m looking forward to the Christmas services. People always give generously at the end of the year.
Initial thought: I can’t face another year without an increase.
Positive thoughts:
1. I’m grateful I have a job.
2. I could ask for what I want.
3. I could draft a resume so I can explore other options when I want to.
Initial thought: What are we going to do? Our biggest givers are old, and the younger people just aren’t as faithful?
Positive thoughts:
1. Many creative people in the wider church are thinking about this matter and devising approaches.
2. I am glad we have younger people in our church, and I want us to begin teaching them more about giving.
3. I want to thank those older givers while they are still with us.
You may think this is a little gimmicky. But it helps you get factual. Every situation has at least as many positive factors as negative, even if the main positive is that you learn to rise to a challenge.
In addition, it can be prayerful practice to see the gifts God has for us. I believe God loves us and does not want us to live in fear. As the angel said to Mary, “Fear not: I bring you tidings of good news to all people.” This practice is a way of looking for the good news in all circumstances.
How can you see good news of great joy in your end-of-year financial situation?
Photo source: istock
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