We have noticed a shift in mindset early in the Lenten season in how many are choosing to sacrifice. Rather than quitting chocolate and red wine for 40 days, we’ve observed a budding trend of supporters pointing to the “noisy” political environment and tragedies of late. This year, people are deciding to turn down the […]
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By Tim Grabacki It’s not something church business managers think about a lot, but: How you count the money might be affecting the church more than you’d think. Here are three tips on how to better handle cash and checks in your collections. #1: Treat the business office like a business office The mission […]
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By Tobin Perry As we head into a new year, healthy churches will have big visions for the year ahead. You likely have ministries you want to start, new people you want to reach, and new initiatives to get off the ground. You need a healthy vision. But you need more than a strong vision […]
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Q&A: How giving consistency — across multiple campuses — drives better ministry, increased magnanimity & more efficient church management Ensuring that multiple campuses feel unified — and keeping the messaging surrounding giving and generosity challenges consistent — seem like challenges most multisite churches would face. Is that accurate? Matthews: Yes, and these are important and […]
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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 >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 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 Joe Garecht Many faith-based organizations worry about making fundraising asks. They think that because they have a religious mission, making direct asks of donors is somehow unethical or will damage their reputation. Other faith-based non-profits focus solely on making group asks from the pulpit, or through mass-communication mediums like direct mail or e-mail. These organizations avoid […]
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