Yesterday, the United States Postal Service announced it would end Saturday delivery of mail in an attempt to cut costs. Say what you want about the inefficiency of government, but this was the right move. It will save the federal government about $2 Billion and it’s supported by 7 of 10 Americans.
It will bring greater efficiency, decrease cost and not make many people mad. Most people can do without catalogues and credit card offers on Saturday.
The local church could actually learn something from the USPS.
Cutting programs that drain the budget but don’t serve many people might be a step in the right direction. Putting resources elsewhere (budget dollars and volunteer hours are among those very important and limited resources) might make more important ministries more effective. Each church should wrestle through things that could be cut, in order to do better ministry elsewhere, but here’s a short list to get you thinking.
- Services that aren’t close to capacity.
- Mid-week programs that used to be effective.
- Mens and women’s ministries that duplicate ministry done elsewhere
- Daycares and schools that don’t fulfill the stated mission of the church.
- Ministry specific websites.
- Mission trips that are more sightseeing than missions.
- Superbowl parties and Fall festivals that keep people from hanging with their neighbors
I’m not suggesting all of those ministries should be eliminated. I am suggesting you take a hard look at all of the things you are doing and see if you should prune in order to grow. Focusing on fewer things often makes them better things.
After a dozen years as a student pastor, and five years a church-starter, I'm the Chief Operating Officer of 
Hard things to think about but a needed reminder as a church planter. Thanks!