Browsing Congregational Finance
Let Photos Explain Your Church’s Budget
A spreadsheet-style budget tells nothing about your congregation’s ministries. Instead, the United Church of Christ suggests preparing a narrative budget with color photos, and they have links to some creative examples. (Photo by Wendi Kelly, used by Creative Commons license)
Leadership in Scarcity
When I speak with mainline ministers, we wonder if our entire career has been spent in a time of institutional scarcity and decline. Clearly, leadership in a situation of abundance and growth is very different than leadership in a situation of scarcity and decrease. If there is “a time for every season under heaven,†then this is a time for “Leadership in Scarcity,†indeed. Let me try to describe some challenges and gifts and offer a few proposals. (Photo © James Steidl – Fotolia.com)
Ten Tips to Improve Your Church Budget
If the words “church budget†make you feel queasy, you’re not alone. Shrinking budgets seem to be the status quo for most churches. Although there is no easy solution to dire financial concerns, here are ten budget tips from ShareFaith Magazine. (Photo (c) Monkey Business, via Fotolia)
Philanthropy and Church Funding
In a time of great needs and limited resources, congregations are increasingly looking to outside fundingsources. A former Duke Endowment officer tells how churches can connect with the world of philanthropy. (Photo © rangizzz – Fotolia.com)
Create a Sound Congregational Budget
Creating a sound budget is the result of two ongoing disciplines: clear visioning, discernment and articulation of your congregation’s mission and ministry; and routine, year-round internal monitoring of financial results and regular reporting within the vestry and to your congregation on its financial status. This article, from the Episcopal Church Foundation, tells you how to […]
The Importance of a Narrative Budget
Narrative budgeting has a critical role to play in any comprehensive parish stewardship program. Basic philanthropic theory indicates that people want their money to have an impact, and narrative budgeting is a great tool to demonstrate to donors how their money and time touch the lives of people in need. (Photo © Artur Gabrysiak – […]
Choosing the Right Church Accounting Software
So many choices, so much confusion! That’s sometimes the reaction when churches look into accounting software, but this article from the Episcopal Church Foundation looks at three of the most popular options. (Photo by Kodomut, used by Creative Commons license)
Reclaiming the True Meaning of Stewardship
When most people hear the word stewardship, they grab their wallet or purse, either to open it or get a firmer grip. But as Chris Goulard, Pastor of Stewardship at Saddleback Church, would tell you, there’s a movement going on in the church today: a movement back to true, biblical stewardship. Read his insights at […]
Pledge Cards for Kids
“I want to give too!” begins this wonderful pledge card for children designed by the Evangelical Covenant Church. What a wonderful way to help teach a habit of generosity to kids. (Photo by Richard Wagoner, used by Creative Commons license)
‘A Call to Offering’
Don’t waste those precious moments just before the ushers start to pass the collection plates — use them for “a call to offering” or “stewardship meditation.” You can help set the tone for generosity and cheerful giving. From the Center for Faith & Giving. (Photo by Lisafx, via Bigstock.com)
