By Michael Prior, J.D. In recent years, the church has embraced several budgeting and debt retirement studies. Essentially, good stewardship practices tell us not spend more than we make. Debt is a problem we can see right now. And with a little guidance and discipline, we can be liberated from it. The problems we face […]
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Several years ago, the pastor at a church I worked with told the story of an affluent family in a nearby church giving two significant gifts in the same year — both of which made the local newspaper. The first gift was to the church where several generations of the family regularly attended. The second […]
Read More >The need to manage cash is a good “problem” to have … but what should your church do with it? John Regan, Founding Partner and Chief Investment Officer at New York-based Permanens Capital, talks about playing it safe, while earning some modest return. How big of a priority and a problem is cash management in […]
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By Darren Thompson & Richard Koon In our previous two articles, we worked closely with Bo Gutzwiller from Foothill Christian School in Glendora, Calif., to discuss some of the things churches should be aware of before starting a Christian school. During our discussions, it became apparent that starting a school can be challenging — but […]
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By Don McLeod, CFP® During the first two years of your ministry, you will make the decision of a lifetime — whether or not to opt out of Social Security. This is a hot topic in ministry circles today, and everyone has a personal opinion on the matter. But what does it really mean to […]
Read More >Jim Sheppard, Principal of Generis — a consulting firm that helps churches to inspire and cultivate generosity through giving development coaching and strategy — talks about the best way to create an environment of giving. What role does a pastor need to play to encourage giving? Sheppard: The pastor must lead the way. Generous churches […]
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By Matt Johnson So, how is your holiday season going? If you’re in some sort of vocational ministry, you might have a complicated response to that question. While those around you are merrymaking, you might want to take a nap. Don’t feel bad. It’s okay to admit that the holiday season is especially […]
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By Rev. Dr. Perry Hopper & Rev. Dr. Sara Day The annual budget planning process can bring feelings of unease and concern for pastors and church leaders. The reality is that it costs money to do ministry effectively, and a carefully thought-out budget demonstrates a commitment to the missional goals of the church. We know […]
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By Michael Prior, J.D. Giving. From the earliest days of the Gospel, funding the mission of the Church has been a necessity. It’s so vital, even the original 12 required a treasurer. And for centuries, the faithful have answered the call of contribution through sacrifice or abundance … from one pocket. This pocket contains our […]
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By RaeAnn Slaybaugh In its early life, Sagebrush was a church on the move — for eight years, to be exact. “It’s a funny thing; sometimes in the church world, people want you to have a building to legitimize you,” says Administrative Pastor Bob Church. “And yeah, portability is kind of fun, because it’s pioneering. […]
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