Ministry costs money. How do we fund the work we are doing in reaching out to young adults? We are in the season of pledge drives for the Church (and NPR). Our ministries are funded in a variety of ways. Some of the healthiest ministries have a variety of funding sources. How can you build diversity into your own support system?

In the shifting landscape of ministry funding, our ministries often feel vulnerable to budget cuts. The return on investment can be harder to demonstrate than funding for a children’s ministry that attracts young families. I am convinced that we only see the consequences of defunding ministries with young adults in the long term, when we wonder why we don’t see many young adults leading in the church.

Some of our strongest ministries have a diversified network of support. They see income from private donors, dioceses, parishes, grants and other sources. This month’s Google Hangout on November 4 will focus on fundraising. Leaders from The Episcopal Church Foundation fwill coach us about fundraising, and asking for money to support ministry.