The ongoing story of Arlington Presbyterian Church. To summarize so far, APC revisioned its property as a community resource for affordable housing. They sold the property to a developer, with plans to build apartments. The church will lease space for itself in the building once its finished. In the meantime, they’ve used some of the money from the sale to … Read More

Four ways to cultivate gratitude, and therefore generosity, into your own life. Say thank you. Connect with compassion: Wish strangers well.” Let go of being right. Experience grace. Being a “Pollyanna” really isn’t such a bad thing…especially if it leads you to be a more genuinely grateful and generous person. Source: Inspiring Generosity

Fundraising guru Jerold Panas believes (based on solid evidence) that “a mission that changes lives” is the number one reason people give generously to their beloved causes. While this article is geared toward electronic giving, the central section, Making Communications Personal, provides a fantastic primer on church communications. Read the bullet points, feel the impact of those numbers, and translate … Read More

I was totally unprepared when I received a call from the trust department of the local bank. I had been the pastor of the tiny little congregation for just three months when I was informed that the church would be receiving a bequest gift with a value of nearly $250,000. That was nearly triple our annual budget! An unexpected gift … Read More

Just because the active phase of your capital campaign is over doesn’t mean there’s still not work to do. Of course, there are construction projects to manage, new programs and building uses to develop, and the ongoing day-to-day tasks for ministry. But you must also demonstrate the impact that capital gifts are making. This “report-back” function of the campaign should … Read More

Many of us minister-types were not taught how to preach about money – and we do it poorly, and only when we’re “supposed” to – during the annual pledge campaign! Take a different approach: In Singing Stewardship, Adam Copeland gives us three hymns that could springboard into great sermons on stewardship as a lifelong, life-affirming, path toward discipleship. There are … Read More

It has been said, “the last thing standing between Jesus and our hearts is our wallet.” We turn to Fortune magazine, E-Trade, Wal-mart, and Geico for advice about our money. But rarely do we turn to the Bible and to our faith. Faith and money are, somehow, separate. Why is that? Jesus said things like, “Sell your possessions, and give … Read More

Seasoned fundraising guru Jerold Panas tells us that the number one reason people financially support an organization is, “a mission that changes lives.” In her article this week, Cesie Delve Scheuermann asks, “Does your congregation know and share its vision?” “People in your congregation want to be inspired to become the people God is calling them to be. They long … Read More