Educational, Stewardship & Generosity
It’s almost summer, that season when church people take a vacation, and so does their giving. But it doesn’t have to. With a little planning and a handful of practical ideas, your church can keep generosity steady and ministry strong all summer long. Whether folks are traveling, unplugging, or just shifting their routines, these ten … Continue Reading
There’s nothing like a cold sanctuary to get your attention. We are nearing completion of a campaign with one church whose furnace gave out – on Christmas Eve! That chilly wake-up call led them to take a serious look at their entire building, and what started as an emergency turned into a real moment of … Continue Reading
Easter is almost here, and if you’re feeling a little behind on your church’s social media planning, you’re not alone. Holy Week is always full. There are bulletins to finish, sermons to polish, lilies to arrange, and volunteers to coordinate. So if the social media strategy fell a bit lower on the list—this is your … Continue Reading
Mission & Vision, Stewardship & Generosity
A few years ago, I helped organize a fundraising dinner for Habitat for Humanity. It was nothing fancy, just a simple meal served in a church fellowship hall, the kind of gathering many churches hold regularly. The first year, we charged a set price per plate. People came, ate, enjoyed themselves, and we raised a … Continue Reading
Every Saturday morning, I wake up with two competing ideas: Do I finally tackle that household project I’ve been putting off, or do I grab a cup of coffee and a book and savor a slow start to the weekend? One side of me values productivity—getting things done, crossing things off the list. The other … Continue Reading
We were privileged to work with the Presbyterian Church of Wyoming last year with an innovative and adaptive vision. The HVAC system in their older building – housing the sanctuary, parlor, offices, library, and more – was failing. Cold church services in the winter and uncomfortably warm ones in the summer were no fun. And … Continue Reading
Recently, I was choosing hymns for an upcoming worship service. I opened the hymnal in the pastor’s office and noted the label on the inside cover: “In loving memory of John and Margaret, whose faith shaped this church for generations.” While I wasn’t familiar with John and Margaret, their legacy lives on, intertwined with the … Continue Reading
Dear friends, Ah, January. A chance to stand at the threshold and dream a little—about what’s next, what’s possible, and how we can grow. For churches, it’s a great moment to step back and think about how we can keep our ministry thriving not just for today, but for the future. This week, I’m sharing … Continue Reading
If your stewardship campaign begins in the fall, you’re already behind. Generosity grows through year-round storytelling, engagement, and discipleship. One of the most common mistakes churches make is treating stewardship as a six-week campaign that happens every fall. The calendar turns to September. A theme is selected. A brochure is printed. A few testimonies are … Continue Reading
Just three weeks ago my family, like yours, gathered in our home around the Christmas tree for that age-old tradition of sharing gifts. I was struck by the litany of “Thank you’s” around the room as each gift was opened. Thinking back on those moments inspired some reflections on the power of gratitude. There’s something … Continue Reading