The hidden costs churches absorb—and why leadership matters Rev. Hannah Lovaglio Deferred maintenance is not a phrase we tend to associate with the Bible. But Nehemiah would recognize it immediately. When he arrives in Jerusalem, he doesn’t discover a new problem; he finally tells the truth about an old one. The walls have been broken … Continue Reading
Educational, Stewardship & Generosity
A Sunday School class reminded me that generosity is about more than money—it’s about how we show up for one another. Last weekend, I led an adult education class at a church in Boise on the spirituality of generosity. We began with a simple question: What words come to mind when you hear the word … Continue Reading
Capital Campaign Planning, Stewardship & Generosity
A reflection on generosity, gratitude, and noticing the gifts that sustain us. Rev. Hannah Lovaglio Epiphany is the season of revelation. Light breaks in, begging our recognition and response. It begins with the Magi, who see what others miss. They notice the star, honor the Christ child whose birth it signals, and give – extravagantly. … Continue Reading
Capital Campaign Planning, Educational, Stewardship & Generosity
January invites us to pause, notice what has been given, and begin with gratitude. The Sundays of January always leave me a little deflated. The sanctuary feels bare once the decorations come down. No tree. No candles. No Advent wreath. No twinkling lights. No manger. The garland is packed away, the poinsettias are gone, and … Continue Reading
“For God so loved the world…” At Christmas, we remember that generosity begins with God, who gives not out of abundance alone, but out of love. I see love expressed in gifts under the tree, joyful gatherings to celebrate the season, and offerings of time and money to address human needs. And, I’ve seen love … Continue Reading
Educational, Mission & Vision, Stewardship & Generosity
I once worked with a congregation that was convinced they were in trouble. Attendance was down, giving was flat, and they felt anxious about the future. But when we looked closer, something beautiful emerged: their mission giving was strong, they’d just launched a new community partnership, and people were stepping up to help. They weren’t … Continue Reading
Capital Campaign Planning, Mission & Vision, Stewardship & Generosity
One of the first questions I ask a prospective client is, “How will this campaign help achieve the mission and vision of your church?” Capital campaigns aren’t just “fundraising projects” anymore. They’ve become moments for the church to pause and say, “Here’s what we believe God is calling us to do and here’s how we … Continue Reading
Educational, Mission & Vision, Stewardship & Generosity
A few months ago, I was reviewing a church stewardship letter that sounded like it had been written by a committee or maybe by a robot trying to be polite. Every sentence was technically correct, every phrase was smooth. But it didn’t say anything. There was no soul. I wasn’t inspired. Just a polished string … Continue Reading
Mission & Vision, Stewardship & Generosity
In the span of a week, I had two conversations and a podcast that gave me pause. One conversation was with my daughter, the other with a young church leader during a feasibility study. Then I listened to the recent edition of the First Day Podcast from the Lilly School of Philanthropy, featuring Una Osili … Continue Reading
Capital Campaign Planning, Mission & Vision, Stewardship & Generosity
The right guidance can unlock generosity, clarity, and momentum. See how outside counsel supports faithful leadership.A few months ago, I tried fixing a plumbing issue in our bathroom. I watched a few videos, made a trip to the hardware store, and gave it a go. It worked. Until it didn’t. By the end of the … Continue Reading