Financial challenge has, over the years, been viewed as a major clog in the wheel of progress of most youth fellowships. A bunch of excited, visionary young minds have been slowed down drastically by their inability to actualise their dreams. The ideas come rolling, the energy gets bubbling, the mind gets hopeful, while the pocket keeps her pessimism high. This could truly be frustrating; however, it could be well managed.

Introduction

Several questions readily come to mind as we pursue our dreams. Questions such as: why are people not willing to support my vision? Why are they more interested in supporting other ministries while they refuse to aid the young minds? Would they have treated me in a like manner if I were their son/daughter? Are the rich willing to support the poor? Should I keep relying on the wealthy ones for support? Will I fulfil these dreams? Etc.

I have, over the years, observed a major disconnection between the thought patterns of the rich and the poor. What each group looks for differs from the other. However, I have carefully chosen a few differences for the sake of this discourse. We want to look at how to overcome the financial difficulties many people are experiencing, starting from the differences between the poor and the rich.

Differences between the Rich and the Poor Patterns

While the poor limit their thought to the physical environment, the rich look out for potential within and beyond their immediate environment for opportunities to invest in. The poor see problems as roadblocks while the rich view problems as opportunities to explore.

Most times, the rich look inward when faced with obstacles, and take responsibility for their actions; they ask questions like Could I have done differently? The poor externalise the causes of their obstacles.

They only see have done better to make things work out in their mentality. They see the opportunities, but they cannot make use of them because of a lack of and a poor mindset. They fear and do not take any business risks.

The rich set their goals clearly and are driven by growth. The set goals push them sometimes beyond limits. The poor focus more on the obstacles to fulfilling goals. They are full of wishes and get scared of losses/failures; hence, they make minimal effort.

The rich mindset is open to new knowledge and information, while the poor have a fixed ideology which they find so difficult to change. They see the opportunities and explore, and make use of the opportunities because they have money to spend on the business, and they have a rich mindset. They always take the business risks.

From the above points, it is obvious that the different attainments of different persons, groups, organisations and societies depend largely on the constituents of that personality/community.

In simpler terms, everyone is responsible for what he/she make of himself/herself and the organisation he/she is saddled with the responsibility for leading. Most of the time, we are responsible for where we are now because of our attitudes towards wealth.

Define yourself

I will need you to take a second look at the different thought patterns highlighted above, which will help you discover yourself. Who are you? What’s your makeup? What’s your thought pattern?

Are you still maintaining the position that the actions of someone else are responsible for your current experiences? Are impossible thoughts still overwhelming you? Are your goals for the year clearly defined? Do you have any feelings of self-sufficiency, ideas, or are you ready to learn more? Is your approach to overcoming obstacles definite to enable you to secure help? Do you have a feeling that people are simply stingy towards you and your ministry? Responses to these questions will guide us as we navigate this path. They will also help determine our destination.

Changing the Course

The Change Begins with Me:

To change the course of a river requires a very serious and conscious effort. It does not come easily at all. Of course, nothing good truly comes easy. A quick review of the differences between the divergent mindsets highlighted above could be pointers to the current performance of your life or the organisation you lead. Is your mindset that of the poor or the rich? Are you doing the ordinary and expecting extraordinary results? These are things that could help you.

Set your goals

Great men set their priorities in line with their goals. They know what is truly important to achieve their dreams in life and have them well set out. The place of prayers in achieving this cannot be overemphasised.

Sell your goals

Running your dream alone can give a temporary speed. However, moving far will require a good team. You should note that not everyone you present your dream to will buy into it. Identify those who have bought into it, consider their inputs (you are not the smartest), and run the system with them.

Expand your mind

Great men have receptive minds; they identify fertile grounds and go all out to secure such and cultivate them, without dwelling too much on the hazards involved. This is determined by the association you keep.

Greatness emerges in adversities.

The extent to which you thrive in trying times is a measure of the greatness of your heart. There will surely be moments of great distress that could make or mar you. How courageous, determined and resilient you have grown.

Great minds attract

In your attempts to gain support for your programmes from “wealthy persons”, your mindset is a vital ingredient. Money is hard to come by, and no one wants to waste it. No investor will give you beyond the measure of your worth. Work on your growth to attract great minds.

Split the cost into smaller units.

The prevailing economic situation makes it a bit difficult to get financial support from civil servants who are in a higher position than us. Having to split 50,000 among 10 people might be easier than having one or 2 persons share the same cost. Break your elements into smaller units.

Value accountability: When funds are put in your care, be transparent about their spending, be open about their running and ensure you are prudent too. This encourages people to give more.

Be very appreciative of little.

Ensure you appreciate your financial supporters. Do not say “thank you” behind closed doors; go with your team. This reflects openness.

Play a more active role in your church.h

Lead your fellowship members to render volunteer services to fill gaps in the church; sweep, mop, park vehicles, initiate or improve your media arm, raise a media team, etc. Once you are adding value to your church, there is a likelihood of progress.

Conclusion

We cannot keep up with a style that is not working and expect a change in the system. The youth leader needs to work more on himself/herself and create new strategies to experience newness in his/her operations. Think rightly, see and act rightly; things must turn around for good. Some people are willing to finance kingdom activities; they simply are being careful not to spend their hard-earned funds on unworthy courses. Prayerfully work on yourself and see others build their trust in you. Read more similar posts on our business page of the site.

Prepared By Dr Agbolade Babatunde Giwa, NBCYC President 2013-2016, Southwest Zonal Coordinator.