Browsing Give
8 Reasons Why Believers Give to Your Church
If you want your church to grow, you must learn how to motivate believers to invest their resources into the kingdom for ministry and for facilities, says “Purpose-Driven Pastor” Rick Warren. It is a key responsibility of leadership. See whether Warren’s eight reasons ring true for your church. (Photo by Lisafx, via Bigstock.com)
Rethinking the Pledge
Around this time of year, churches all over the nation will hold stewardship drives by sending out letters and cards and inviting responses. But the results are predictably disappointing. At St. George’s, Valley Lee, MD, we’re ditching this conventional system and have been making innovations to connect the stewardship campaign to other areas of the Christian life. (Photo by Daniel Lobo, used by Creative Commons license. Thanks!)
Yes, Sometimes You Can Serve God & Mammon
When a church in suburban Minneapolis wanted to use pat of a $2 million windfall for mission, its leaders decided NOT to do the usual thing — cut a fat check to a worthwhile ministry. Instead they used a market-oriented approach that energized the entrepreneurial spirit of community leaders. (Photo by OpenSourceWay, used by Creative Commons license. Thanks!)
Spiritual Vitality and Stewardship
Check out the September 2013 issue of the Episcopal Church Foundation’s Vital Practices Vestry Papers “Wholehearted Stewardship.” Be sure to read Fr. Bill Nesbit’s article “Spiritual Vitality.”
Churches Spend 97% on Those Who Give It
Do you think this is about right, or is it outrageous that, by one estimate, churches spend 96 percent of their money on the folks who give it? The writer of this column found it discouraging. The problem is that we have constructed massive organizations that require huge amounts of money to sustain. (Photo © […]
The Stubborn 2% Giving Rate
Is American giving on cruise control? While overall giving has mushroomed since the 1970s, it has been driven primarily by growing incomes, not by donors deciding to give a larger share of income. As a share of GDP, charitable giving has rarely strayed far from 2 percent over the past four decades—despite the huge growth in the number of charities and fundraisers and periodic crusades to encourage greater giving. (Photo by margonaut, used by Creative Commons license)
7 Truths About Stewardship Programs
No. 1: “The first place to look for money is in the heart, not the wallet.” This resource explains why, and then goes on to explain SIX more truths! It’s a great, handy resource from the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas. (Photo by Varkle69, used by creative Commons license – Thanks!)
Use a Weekly ‘Generosity Verse’
Here’s a good idea from Brian Kluth – find a way to lift up every week one Bible verse that deals with generosity or stewardship. His website gives suggestions how, as well as some Scripture verses to highlight. (Photo © Alfredo Müller – Fotolia.com)
Stewardship Starter Kit
Here’s a pretty sweet assortment of materials to get a congregation going in a stewardship program – from pledge cards to brochures. The Evangelical Covenant Church has put this together for its congregations, but this starter kit could provide wonderful inspiration and helpful guidance for any church to develop its own program.
Six Stewardship Words to Live By
Looking for a way to teach biblical stewardship in your congregation? This handy six-part series offers a study guide on important stewardship concepts — live, gather, connect, serve, give and multiply. Includes Bible references and teaching instructions. (Photo © Vibe Images – Fotolia.com)
