Browsing Congregational Finance
Stewardship Starter Kit
Look no further for inspiration for this fall’s campaign pledge cards, cover letter, follow-up, bulletin inserts, etc. The Evangelical Covenant Church’s Stewardship Starter Kit provides good examples that you can adapt for your congregation.
Making Disciples Through the Ministry of Church Finance
Struggling with what to do about stewardship and how to do it? Here is a free 34-page booklet from the United Methodist Church that will get you on your way! It covers the nuts and bolts of establishing a congregational stewardship team and making plans.
Stewardship in the Church
Far too often, stewardship has been relegated to a Sunday school class, a special offering, or an annual church emphasis. Churches would benefit by considering stewardship a departmental ministry, appropriately staffed and budgeted to serve the local church, says this article from Enrichment Journal. (Photo © Alfredo Müller – Fotolia.com)
Grow in E-Giving
Nowadays you’re more likely to see somebody bring a Bible to church on a cell phone or tablet than a Bible printed on paper. And yet the paper check is still the primary currency in many churches. Ministry Matters offers some ideas for updating to e-giving. (Photo by Jhaymesisviphotography, used by Creative Commons license)
Giving ‘Because of God’s Great Mercy’
As I work with congregations in their stewardship ministry, I’m always surprised how few annually ask members and friends of the congregation to increase their giving. Most people won’t increase giving if you don’t ask them to. “Because of God’s Great Mercy” is a complete program that provides everything a congregation needs to make a direct, respectful request, along with a simple way for people to calculate an increase of 1/2 of 1% of household income.” (Photo by Artotem, used by Creative Commons license)
Why Your Church Needs Mobile Giving
Here in three easy to understand charts is proof that your congregation needs (or at least should consider) mobile giving. The times they are a’changing. (Photo: )
Wholehearted Stewardship
This article from ECF Vital Practices poses the question “What is keeping us from living into fundraising as a wholehearted ministry?” Using Brene Brown’s TED Talk “The Power of Vulnerability,” author Erin Weber-Johnson hallmarks of a successful parish stewardship program. Photo: (Photo © Strezhnev Pavel – Fotolia.com)
10 Reasons to Offer Online Giving
Churches are jumping on the online giving trend in record numbers. Most find it a safe and efficient way to help their members with consistent stewardship. Here are 10 reasons your church might want to consider online giving. From FactsandTrends.net. (Photo by Jhaymesisviphotography, used by Creative Commons license)
The Spirituality of Fundraising and Philanthropy
Kerry A. Robinson always wondered why so many church leaders dislike the financial aspects of their organizations. Author of the book, “Imagining Abundance,” she says in an interview with Faith & Leadership that Instead of being uncomfortable with the task of raising money, Christian institutional leaders should embrace it as an essential part of their work and ministry. Read the whole interview for more insights. (Photo by Keoni Cabral, used by Creative Commons license.)
Launch an Online Giving Program Now
If you don’t have an online giving strategy for your congregation, it’s time to start. Read this short article and learn how to launch one now! (Photo: Creative Commons)
