The popular game show “Deal or No Deal” allows contestants the opportunity to win $1 million. The concept seems simple enough: eliminate the lower-value briefcases and decide if and when to settle for the banker’s “buy out” offer. Most contestants seem to pass up the good deals, ultimately settling for less than they had hoped.

The game show reminds me of the dilemma Christian leaders face when they consider whether to move forward with a multimillion dollar project – or to wait for the economy to get better. The difference for the Church is that this is not a game show. For us, the question is not, “Deal or no Deal?” The question is, “Forge ahead or wait?”

The Church risks far more than simply losing out on some extra dollars. We risk the loss of momentum, time, growth and even our own standing in our ministry. We may feel pressured and uncertain, like some of the contestants that have to make a decision quickly. Because each ministry setting and situation is different, there is no easy answer. However, there are some main factors to consider when deciding whether to move forward or postpone a project.

The Economy Factor

This is the No. 1 issue in America today. It is also the No. 1 factor to consider as you contemplate raising funds for your ministry. The economy is a dominant topic for these reasons:

We just came off an election year. The party out of power will always focus on any weaknesses in the economy in an effort to win the election. Sadly, our politicians too often seem interested in pointing fingers of blame rather than creating solutions.

The press loves a bad story. There is an old adage in the media that blood leads. The same is true for bad economic news. The press and the talking heads will continue to focus on the negative – even when things start to turn around.

The economy definitely is having problems. Some may argue that we are not technically in a recession, but it sure feels like one. Remember, perception is the cruelest form of reality. The truth is that these are challenging times economically. To say otherwise is to ignore the obvious.

As a result of this economy, you need to realize: ...