Hymns that Help Preach Stewardship

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

Tell Them About the Dream | Inspiring Generosity

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

Environmental Justice meets Social Justice

A church in Kingston, NY, is partnering with a local solar installer to provide electricity to 250 homes. The project will cost $4 million, and is designed to help low- to moderate-income households fuel their house, particulary during the winter. Read more: Solar array at Kingston church could serve 250 homes

What is your church’s Purple Cow?

What is it that can make your church a Purple Cow and stand out from all the other churches that are on every other block? The title of Seth Godin’s book, Purple Cow: Transform Your Business by Being Remarkable, tells the book’s premise. Godin’s inspiration came from going to France and being “enchanted by the hundreds of storybook cows grazing … Read More

Why people donate – a story about community

Tom Ahern and Seth Godin – not names used in churches very often, but numerous are the things we can learn from them about generosity and financial stewardship! “Every time someone donates to a good cause,” Godin points out, “they’re buying a story, a story that’s worth more than the amount they donated.” There is more treasure hidden in that … Read More

Extreme Heat Stewardship

Stewardship, like much of ministry, quickly pushes congregations back to mission and vision. It causes us to ask questions like: What is the Spirit up to in this place? Where are hearts committed? What must we stop to make room to start a new ministry? And then, once a mission is discerned, how is that communicated to the congregation? A … Read More

Why cash remains sacred in American churches

“As of Tuesday, June 27, it has been 50 years since the first automated cash dispenser – which came to be known as an automated teller machine (ATM) – was inaugurated in London.” Every day of the week in contemporary America (and especially on Sundays) people raise money for their churches and religious enterprises. In his article, Dr. James Hudnut-Beumler … Read More

Thank-You Notes Will Inspire Faith and Generosity

When was the last time you received a personal thank-you note in your mailbox? I was reminded of the impact saying thank you can have during the Lake Institute on Faith and Giving’s 12th Annual Thomas H. Lake Lecture. Dr. Christian Smith of Notre Dame presented some of the findings of his Science of Generosity Initiative. During the panel discussion … Read More

A money sermon that actually worked! 

Cesie Delve Scheuermann gives us a story of a “money sermon” that actually worked! Rev. Karen Puckett Hernandez, of Kuna United Methodist Church, in Kuna, Idaho, posted a Facebook recently: “People really liked a sermon that basically urged them to give more money!” Luckily, Cesie delved a little deeper, got a copy of the sermon, and gives us some clues … Read More