Browsing Congregational Finance
Increase Your Church’s E-Giving
Fewer people today are writing checks, yet that’s still the way many churches expect to receive gifts and offerings. Expand your congregation’s options with opportunities to give through Electronic Fund Transfers, credit cards or RQ codes. This article from Kluth.org gives you some ideas. (Photo by Jhaymesisviphotography, used by Creative Commons license)
Prepare for the Summer Offering Drought
It happens every year: People go on vacation, get busy, stay away from church — and the weekly collection plummets. Here are some ideas from the Texas Methodist Foundation on how church leaders can prepare for the “offering drought” and help minimize its impact. (Photo © James Steidl – Fotolia.com)
Unleashing the Generosity of Our People
What is the secret to creating a culture of generosity in my church? Why does stewardship come so easy to some congregations but is so hard in mine? Good questions, that this resource from the United Methodist Church answers in a simple, sweeping, easy-to-understand concept.
The ‘M’ Word: Talking About Money
In too many churches, money is the No. 1 taboo topic, but it’s avoided only at the congregation’s financial peril. Here is a handy guide for any congregation that wants to do better — a national publication dedicated almost entirely to money. Articles include, “Components of a Stewardship Program,” “Opening New Doors of Giving” and “Growing Generous People.” (Photo by Bev8200, used by Creative Commons license)
Stewardship Strategy Assessment
How is your congregation doing in its approach to stewardship? This handy diagnostic checklist will help you figure out the things you’re doing right and the things you need to improve. From the United Church of Canada. (Illustration by AJ Cann, used by Creative Commons license)
Stewardship 101
This handy four-page PDF outlines the basic concepts involved in stewardship that confront Christians and congregations in North America, including hyper consumerism, idolatry, discipleship and commitment. Good for anyone trying to steer a godly course in our culture.
Secrets of a Giving Church
The Christian Reformed Church is a tiny denomination with just a quarter million members, but their members give in an outsized way — more than twice the national average among Protestant churches. They are doing something right, ChristianityToday reports. (Photo by iqoncept, via bigstockphoto.com)
Church Treasurer Handbook
Want to know some best practices for handling church finances? How about the three phases of budget planning, as well as different types of church budgets? These and other matters are covered in the “Handbook for Treasurers,” Disciples of Christ congregations, but whose commonsense advice is useful to any congregation. (Photo © Elena Schweitzer – […]
Free Stewardship Messages
The United Church of Christ offers free monthly messages that can be printed in a bulletin, posted on a website, used in a newsletter — howeer it may be useful for your stewardship ministry. (Photo by Valerie Everett, used by creative commons license)
What Church Records Should You Keep?
Every good organization maintains important records, but what records should a church keep, and for how long? Some church attics are full of old files. This handy guide from Brotherhood Mutual Insurance offers guidance on these issues — and a checklist! (Photo by Mcfarlandmo, used by Creative Commons license)
