Perhaps the church's biggest fiscal challenge is not money, but being relevant to the members and overcoming the disappointment of members who are not seeing the results from mission efforts that they've heard promised for decades. My experience with independent ministries has made me aware that members are willing to give surprisingly large amounts where they see God's power working in ministries that touch hearts and change lives. The big difference is that those ministries are innovative and their effectiveness contrasts with the defense of tradition over seeking and following the promised power of God.