A penny saved is not always a penny earned

As stewards of church resources, leaders need to be savvy as to when to devote time, energy and money to an effort. Sometimes a decision is counter-intuitive. That means what seems like a good use of time or money often isn't.

For instance, reason might tell you that heading up a Bible study each Wednesday night is better than watching college basketball on TV. Still, there are times when you need to get away from the crowds like Jesus did. College basketball might be just the thing you need.

Also, you might think that instead of a new speaker system for the sanctuary, you should install a handicap ramp. Makes sense, right? But it may not be at all what is the best use of your resources. If you install quality speakers, you might attract or retain those valuable upwardly mobile couples in your community who can increase your offerings significantly, allowing multiple handicap ramps in the future.

You might think that working hard each week is the best use of your energy, pounding out original sermons and digging into the Word. But as this post shows, hard work is not always the way to go. It may be that purchasing online sermons instead and going out for a couple rounds of golf, a dinner at Olive Garden, an evening with friends playing Kinect in your living room, a trip to the Gelato cafe with your wife, a helicopter tour over your community to view the marketing potential of the area, a therapeutic massage at the spa, and a soak in your private hot tub is a better use of your time.

It's time not only to think outside the box, but to start thinking outside the entire crate.

You don't have to wait for inspiration: You can buy it!

If preparing sermons is becoming drudgery, and you'd much rather be meeting with movers and shakers, honing your golf game or hosting a creative conference on leadership, don't worry. No longer must you take time to dig into scripture or try to discover what God is saying to you or your congregation. It's all done for you at very reasonable prices.
Online sermon sharing sites, as well as sermon purchasing sites, are at the ready.

• My Sermon Vault helps when your "well runs dry" and provides 10,000 sermons that will "blow you away" Don't forget to check out the Pastor's MegaPack
• Sermon Central offers a free newsletter and pastors devotional as well as messages to buy.
• Sermons on the Cheap? ifindsermons says, Why pay five bucks for sermons when you can get them for a buck seventy five? Why indeed?
• At the Redeemer Sermon Store, the first four in the list are about money, so you know this resource is going to be a winner! The site should probably be called the Sermon Redeemer store, but this works, too.
• Want to preach Saddleback Sermons and be just like Rick Warren? For about four bucks each, you can get transcripts, and even study guides are available for some of the messages. Hey, if it worked for Rick, it can work for YOU
• Sermon Series: Here you can purchase inspiration by the sermon OR the series. You can be inspired and empowered for only two fifty. You can use the content "in full or in part." If you use it in full, think of the time you save!