In this episode, I talked about the hindrance that a scarcity mentality becomes for churches and leaders.
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What is Scarcity Mentality?
“Most people are deeply scripted in what I call the Scarcity Mentality. They see life as having only so much, as though there were only one pie out there. And if someone were to get a big piece of the pie, it would mean less for everybody else.” – Stephen Covey (The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People)
Rather than a definition, here are 4 stories to illustrate its prominence in churches:
1. An email from a church leader: Small church can’t pay
2. A meeting with a pastorless church: Can’t afford an interim pastor
3. A question for church leaders: If money and personnel were no object, what would you do?
4. A question for overworked, exhausted pastors: What tasks could you turn over to someone else?
What are the Risks of Scarcity Mentality?
1. Always focusing on limitations (what we don’t have … money, leaders, people, facilities)
2. Lends itself to excuse-making, “welfare” mindset, and resentment
3. Risks settling for “what we can get” instead of trusting God’s supply
4. First question becomes, “What is it going to cost?” rather than, “What does God want us to do?”
5. It is all about us … our own strength, ingenuity,
6. Causes you to undervalue the resources you actually have.
What is the Number 1 Truth about Scarcity Mentality?
Money, people, facilities, resources, and tools are not our greatest limitations. Our greatest limitations are creativity, vision, and trust in God’s abundant supply.
Our greatest limitations are creativity, vision, and trust in God's abundant supply. Click To Tweet
Rejecting the Scarcity Mentality through —- Refocusing Questions:
1. What opportunities are before us because of where God has currently placed us?
2. What is God asking us to do in response to those opportunities?
3. What resources has God already blessed us with? (primarily people)
4. Who can we partner with?
Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21, New Living Translation … emphasis mine)
Resources Referenced:
The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People – Stephen Covey
How to stay overworked and busy in ministry (Your Church Matters 002)
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