One of the greatest pitfalls for ministers today is the misconception that big money is required to do big things in ministry. Many wait endlessly for large funds to materialize, only to find themselves trapped in a mirage of unfulfilled dreams. Yet, the wisdom of God reveals a profound truth: the money needed for ministry is already embedded in the assignment He has given you.
The Misplaced Search for Resources
Far too often, ministers look for resources in places that God has neither ordained nor approved. This distraction can derail even those with a genuine call from God. It’s not enough to simply sense the call of God; many have heard it clearly but faltered because they prioritized securing funds over stepping out in faith.
God does not require us to begin with grandeur. You don’t need a massive auditorium, expensive sound systems, or elaborate programs to start fulfilling your calling. Instead, start from where you are.
Genesis 13:14-15 illustrates this principle beautifully:
“And the LORD said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward: For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed forever.”
The journey always begins from the place where you stand.
Starting Small: God’s Principle for Growth
The Bible reminds us in Job 8:7:
“Though thy beginning was small, yet thy latter end should greatly increase.”
Attempting to mortgage the future of your ministry for the sake of appearances can suffocate a young work. False impressions are not the foundation of lasting ministry. Instead, understand that obedience to God’s instructions attracts the resources you need. Money is in the assignment, and it manifests as you faithfully carry it out at your current level.
Consider Abraham’s journey. Though promised the land of Canaan, he began as a sojourner, living in tents alongside his descendants (Hebrews 11:8-10). His faith and obedience were the stepping stones to God’s fulfillment of His promises.
The Example of Jesus’ Ministry
Even Jesus, the ultimate example, did not begin His ministry with an abundance of resources. He stepped out in faith, going from one place to another, preaching the Gospel and gathering disciples. In time, financial partners like those mentioned in Luke 8:3 supported His ministry. Provision followed the vision.
Obedience Unlocks Provision
The Lord’s message is clear: the money you’re searching for is not “elsewhere” but within the very assignment He has committed to you. No task is too small. Whether it’s reaching out to secondary school students or engaging in community outreach, the necessary resources will show up as you obey God’s instructions.
Sadly, some ministers focus on finding money rather than fulfilling their divine assignments. This unfaithfulness often leads to frustration, as God does not bless what deviates from His plan. Remember, ministry is about blessing lives, not chasing wealth.
The wisdom shared here—that ministry begins with obedience and faithfulness at your current level—is a key principle taught at the School of Ministry by Bimbo Animashaun Teaching Ministries (BATEM). Running from February to April 2025, this program offers practical and impactful ministry training both onsite and online, ensuring ministers from all walks of life can participate.
The School of Ministry reflects the wisdom of starting small, trusting God, and walking in obedience to your calling. Register now to step into your next level of ministry!
Practical Wisdom for Ministry Finances
Avoid financial pitfalls by embracing these principles:
- Start at Your Level: Don’t overextend your resources to create a false impression. If your ministry’s annual income is modest, operate within that capacity. You don’t need sophisticated gadgets or expensive venues to begin. Use your phone to livestream, meet in simple spaces, and trust God for growth.
- Prioritize Obedience: The resources you need are tied to your faithfulness. As you carry out God’s instructions, He will honor your obedience and provide.
- Pursue Excellence at Every Level: Excellence is not about extravagance; it’s about maximizing what you have. As one of my mentees often says, “Excellence can be achieved at any level.”
- Trust God’s Timing: Abraham waited for God’s promise to unfold, living as a tenant before becoming an owner. Similarly, ministry growth happens step by step, level by level.
Avoid the Trap of Misguided Ambition
Why burden yourself with unnecessary debt or pressure? Borrowing millions to impress others or hosting events beyond your capacity is neither wise nor sustainable. Ministry is not a competition or a performance; it is a divine assignment requiring faith, obedience, and stewardship.
Final Encouragement
The money and resources you need for ministry will gravitate towards you as you walk in obedience to God’s call. Start small, trust the process, and watch God increase your influence and impact. Remember, we are not called to mourn over unmet financial expectations but to rejoice in fulfilling our divine purpose.
May the Lord grant us understanding and the grace to step out in faith, trusting Him to provide as we obey His call.
This post is a repurposed version of Bishop Bimbo Animashaun’s Facebook post. You can find the original post here.
