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, 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
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
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
Educational, Stewardship & Generosity
Summer brings all kinds of good things—sunshine, vacations, mission trips, and a change of pace. But it can also bring a noticeable dip in giving, just when your church is gearing up for some of its most meaningful work. That’s why it’s so important to plan ahead. Below, you’ll find ten practical, church-tested strategies to … Continue Reading
The impact of your church’s ministries can inspire generosity, but only if you help people see the lives that are changed. Kevin Lee of Vanco Payments recently encouraged churches to communicate the impact of their ministries: Use the 80/20 Rule to Be a More Effective Church Steward Kevin promotes online giving for churches. First of all, … Continue Reading
Educational, Resources, Stewardship & Generosity
Most churches think of giving statements as financial documents. They tell people how much they gave, provide the information they may need for their records, and satisfy an administrative responsibility. But a giving statement is also a communication from the church. And everything a congregation communicates says something about what it values. Think about what … Continue Reading