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July 26, 2007
Making cents and being fiscally responsible
It's important for churches to be good stewards of the contributions of the members. No matter how large or small--each dollar should be maximized to its full potential. That means everything is on the table. Churches need to evaluate their expenses to ensure that they are in-line with organizational needs and commitments.
This often means looking at every supplier, every line item and determining if the expense or line is necessary. If the answer is "no", then it's an easy decision. If the answer is "yes", then the next question is, "Are we paying a fair market value price?".
This in turn forces pastors (since we know that most SBC churches don't have business administrators) to wear the hat of the procurement officer. An overwhelming role if you've never done it before.
Its reasonable to assume that if all things are equal, then the low cost provider is the one that the church should be doing business with. But I've never been in a situation where "all things were equal."
The exception to this are things we call comodities such as milk, eggs, and bread. The same brand of loaf bread will be the same bread from store to store--though you may pay more for it at one location than another.
Comodities are things that you want to look for the lowest price because everything is equal. But when it comes to any type of service, the rule is this: nothing is ever equal.
There is also the company and its reputation to consider. I remember my parents telling me growing up that my friends were a direct reflection upon me. This is the same for a church (or any organization). Those suppliers that you choose to do business with directly reflect your values.
Doesn't it make sense to evaluate the organziation in addition to pricing? Saving $1,000 does you no good if the business goes out of business or worse if the business who offers you a cheaper price is exposed for illegal or unethical behavior.
Who we associate with and those we choose to do business with are a direct reflection upon us as well.
When it comes to most business expense decision, the lowest bidder is not always the fiscally responsible decision; it's never that simple.
Posted by bstroup at July 26, 2007 3:01 PM
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