“For God so loved the world…” At Christmas, we remember that generosity begins with God, who gives not out of abundance alone, but out of love. I see love expressed in gifts under the tree, joyful gatherings to celebrate the season, and offerings of time and money to address human needs. And, I’ve seen love … 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
Capital Campaign Planning, Mission & Vision, Stewardship & Generosity
One of the first questions I ask a prospective client is, “How will this campaign help achieve the mission and vision of your church?” Capital campaigns aren’t just “fundraising projects” anymore. They’ve become moments for the church to pause and say, “Here’s what we believe God is calling us to do and here’s how we … 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
Mission & Vision, Stewardship & Generosity
In the span of a week, I had two conversations and a podcast that gave me pause. One conversation was with my daughter, the other with a young church leader during a feasibility study. Then I listened to the recent edition of the First Day Podcast from the Lilly School of Philanthropy, featuring Una Osili … Continue Reading
Capital Campaign Planning, Mission & Vision, Stewardship & Generosity
The right guidance can unlock generosity, clarity, and momentum. See how outside counsel supports faithful leadership.A few months ago, I tried fixing a plumbing issue in our bathroom. I watched a few videos, made a trip to the hardware store, and gave it a go. It worked. Until it didn’t. By the end of the … Continue Reading
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