An excerpt from Barna’s new report, Six Questions About the Future of the Hybrid Church Experience In the spring of 2020, as much of the United States began enforcing social distancing measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the overwhelming majority of churches accordingly closed their doors. Ministries shifted quickly to digital services as faith […]
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Religious leaders report reduced giving, increased use of technology To document the impact of COVID-19 on church life, Ministry Brands — a leading provider of software, services, and information platforms for churches, ministries, and those they serve — this week released new data from a recently completed national survey of churches across multiple denominations. The […]
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Churches turn to tech to fill collection plates during the pandemic By Aaron Senneff Congregations large and small are feeling the financial impact of the pandemic. With in-person services suspended for months and collection plates idle, churches are turning to technology to bring in revenue to fund their ministries. The COVID-19 environment is accelerating the […]
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A new study released by BNY Mellon Wealth Management’s Planned Giving Practice reveals that, despite concerns the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act would have a negative impact on the future of giving, philanthropists increased their support of the non-profit sector during 2019. Non-profit organizations represented in BNY Mellon Wealth Management’s 2020 Annual Charitable Gift […]
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From OnlineGiving.org “I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve seen vision connected to the offering.” That comment was made by a denominational leader to me recently. He revealed what I have long known: the offering is the least prepared moment of our worship services. Now that we’re all worshipping remotely, my […]
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Faithlife Survey Shows Churches are Returning to In-Person Gathering but Disunity Regarding Policies BELLINGHAM, Wash., September 23, 2020–New survey data from Faithlife, the church technology company behind Logos Bible Software, reveals that while the majority of churches are returning to in-person gatherings, leaders face numerous challenges to church unity within their congregations. “COVID-19 has necessitated […]
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41% of congregations reported declines in donations in early months of pandemic while 28% saw increases, according to survey by Lake Institute on Faith & Giving INDIANAPOLIS — Many U.S. religious congregations currently are entering their annual fall fundraising and budget-planning season with uncertainty about their finances and reopening plans as the COVID-19 pandemic and […]
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By Phil Cooke, Ph.D. During the COVID-19 crisis in 2020, I literally monitored hundreds of live stream services. The good news is that during that experience, more and more church leaders finally started taking live streaming seriously. During that time, I made a list of suggestions to help pastors and communication teams. Keep in mind […]
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Iconic holiday fundraising campaign is being launched earlier than ever to meet increasing need ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — For the first time in 130 years, The Salvation Army is starting its annual holiday fundraising campaign early in an effort to “rescue Christmas.” The funds raised through the organization’s iconic red kettles are […]
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From Church Mutual Insurance Company, S.I. This year, it has become especially difficult to navigate “business as usual” with the ever-present threat of COVID-19. Depending upon where you live, trick-or-treating might not be safe or even possible this year. There is an alternative that can give members of houses of worship a safe way to […]
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