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
The Right Time for a Capital Campaign? Here’s Why It Might Be Now Every church reaches a crossroads – a moment when the congregation must decide how to embrace the future. Maybe your sanctuary is showing signs of wear, or your fellowship hall can no longer accommodate the energy of your growing ministries. Perhaps your … Continue Reading
Churches have long relied on traditional income sources like tithes, offerings, and special giving campaigns to fund their ministries. But there are alternatives to traditional church funding that can supplement congregational giving and help sustain ministry. While these methods remain the cornerstone of church budgets, modern challenges—such as fluctuating attendance and rising operational costs—can strain … 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
January is the perfect time to reflect on the generosity that sustains and strengthens your church community. From financial gifts to volunteered time, every act of giving contributes to your shared ministry and mission. As pastors and lay leaders, one of the simplest and most impactful ways to honor that generosity is through a heartfelt … Continue Reading
Leadership gifts aren’t about finding a few wealthy people to fund the campaign. They are about inviting the people who lead the church — formally and informally — to demonstrate their own commitment to its future. One of the first things I talk about when a church is preparing for a capital campaign is leadership … Continue Reading
Imagine Your Church as a Beacon in the Community Imagine a church, your church, thriving and radiating hope and love not just to its members but to the community around it. A church where dreams take off and every corner buzzes with the vibrant energy of mission and ministry. Weekly, it fulfills people’s needs for … Continue Reading
From Debt to Mission How Strategic Fundraising Transformed Parkville Community Church’s Financial Health and Mission Impact This month, we delve into the journey of Parkville Community Church, a beacon of hope in its bustling suburban community near Kansas City. PCC’s leaders approached us with a remarkable opportunity to alleviate the financial strain of paying a … Continue Reading
This month I’d like to tell you two stories of historic Presbyterian churches who faced the challenge of aging infrastructure head-on and embarked on their own transformative journeys. Sixth Presbyterian in Pittsburgh’s East End and McKinley Memorial near the University of Illinois both offer examples of deep faith, a commitment to meet community needs, and the … Continue Reading
As your church gathers in the warmth of the Advent season, embracing the spirit of hope, peace, joy, and love, I send my heartfelt wishes to you and your congregation. This festive time invites celebration and provides an opportunity to envision a future filled with promise. Amid the joyous festivities, consider the profound gift of … Continue Reading