A Seattle church automates giving and achieves online community

Puget Sound Christian Center in the greater Seattle area has undergone significant technology updating in its 30 years in order to meet the congregation’s needs and desires to connect and communicate with one another.

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THE CHURCH’S NEW NORMAL: A time to take from the offering plate according to one’s need?

Cross Timbers Community Church decided to take some exciting steps to respond to this current economic season. A few weeks back, Senior Pastor Toby Slough told the church during our giving time that if anyone that day had a need — because being laid off or other financial challenges — that they were welcome to take out of the plate as it passed by rather than give that week.

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Ten ways to secure your largest donations ever

While capital campaigns will always generate larger gifts and pledges, here are 10 additional ideas to help you jump start some ways to get larger gifts on an ongoing basis to fulfill your church’s mission and vision for the future.

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Giving trends point toward consumer oriented members

“Overseas missions are often used as a reason to give to the church. However, most churches and denominations have patterns in place that keep missions a small percent of actual total spending,” says Sylvia Ronsvalle.

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Mission possible: Motivational factors for charitable contributions

The number of charitable organizations in North America has been growing prolifically for more than a decade. As a result, people now have more options when considering their charitable contributions.

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Lead by example to elevate the discourse of stewardship

There is a perception that we use the word “stewardship” only to create an end-around to raise funds for the church. Unfortunately, perception can become reality.

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Giving is at the heart of the Christian faith, and to the life we really want

Stephen B. McSwain has written a thoughtful book in The Giving Myths: Giving Then Getting the Life You’re Always Wanted (Smyth & Helwys Publishing, 2007) that comes out of his personal interests and professional work as a vice president of Cargill Associates Inc., a philanthropy and fundraising firm.

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