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Whether it's launching a major building campaign, or finding answers to your questions about stewardship, you've found a place that you can share, connect, and learn from others. Here you'll find great articles on stewardship, some handy books on the subject, and an open forum where you can ask and learn from others.
In fact, only 5% of adults tithe, according to a new study by The Barna Group. Those most generous were evangelicals (24% of which tithe); conservatives (12%); people who have prayed or read their Bible in the last week (12%); Pentecostals (11%); and Republicans (10%). The least generous, according to Barna: those under 25, atheists and agnostics, single adults, liberals, and downscale adults. All of those groups gave 1% or less...
The Verdict is In: We Hate to Tithe
Here's the premise: "Churches could see charitable donations decrease if our current economic trend continues." Chris Goff, Director of Outreach & Discipleship at First United Methodist Church in Thomasville, GA says its clear members of their congregation are struggling financially. But they say so far it hasn't effected tithing. Their members are sticking to the donations they've pledged. "I can see if things continue to get worse, people do have to make hard choices about where there money's going to go so it could certainly effect us," said Goff. So here's the question of the day: Is the high price of gas, increasing food costs, higher unemployment, or other aspects of a slowing economy impacting your church's giving in any way?
Is the Economy Hurting Your Church?
Building & Construction Tips: The Cost of Storage
When you're in the process of a building campaign, there are tons of decisions that need to be made quickly. But are you making the right decisions? Sometimes what seems to be the best move from a price standpoint actually end up costing you money. (Anyone who's been through a building campaign can probably attest to that fact!) George Kreger gives us this example of how a more expense (and better quality) chair saved one church almost $28,000. George writes...
The Dangers of Using Church Credit Cards
Keith Hamilton has a great article over at LifeWay.com about the use of church credit cards. Keith writes, "It is difficult for the church to operate without its own church credit card. Many churches pay for business expenses by a church credit card. Likewise, if handled properly, the church credit card raises less of a concern with the IRS in handling church-ministry expenses. However, many churches do not realize the dangers of church credit cards. The following church credit card perils should alert churches to potential risk of church credit cards. Once a church realizes the potential risk, then the church can respond by taking the appropriate steps to avoid these common dangers..."
Overcoming a Church Financial Crisis
Keith Hamilton has a helpful piece over at Lifeway.com on keys for overcoming your church's financial crisis. From time to time, churches go through tough financial times. Keith has some great recommendations if your church finds itself in this predicament...
Lesson in Giving Gains $6 million for Elevation Church
When Elevation Church doled out envelopes with $5, $20, even $1,000 to its members this past fall, pastors hoped the gesture would inspire generosity and add spark to a two-year, $3 million capital campaign. It turned into a windfall for the church, which is less than two years old. In just a month, members spurred by the lesson in charitable giving have pledged $6.4 million toward a permanent home for Elevation, more than double the south Charlotte church's goal.
Five Ways to Prevent Conflict Over Church Finances
Keith Hamilton has a great article over at Lifeway.com on the subject of church finances. Keith writes: "In my work with churches I have seen great spiritual and emotional damage done by conflicts over finances. I even know of one visitor who committed suicide after attending a heated church business meeting. There is a better way to handle the church financial matters that can reduce church conflicts and prevent short and long-term spiritual and emotional damage. The church needs to address at least some of the following issues to help reduce church financial conflicts..."
Elevation Church Kicks Off Captial Campaign By Giving Away $40,000
I love this from Elevation Church: This Sunday to kick off our capital campaign, Dominate, we decided to turn the normal perception of a church raising money on it’s head. We did a reverse offering. And no that doesn’t mean that we took up the offering before the service, we gave it all away.
Pastors In Transition: Why Clergy Leave Local Church Ministry
Why do pastors leave the ministry? Several common issues emerge from the research of Dean Hoge and Jacqueline Wenger: preference for another form of ministry, the need to care for children or family, conflict in the congregation, conflict with denominational leaders, burnout or discouragement, sexual misconduct, and divorce or marital problems. Of these factors, which form the basis for the central chapters of Pastors in Transition, two are especially important: conflict and a preference for specialized ministry. A close third is the experience of burnout, discouragement, stress and overwork. As the authors explore these factors, they provide significant insights into what can be done to help people stay in ministry.
Eat This Book: A Conversation in the Art of Spiritual Reading
The bestselling author of "The Message" challenges believers to read the Scriptures on their own terms, as God's revelation, and to live them as they read them.
Practicing Greatness: 7 Disciplines of Extraordinary Spiritual Leaders
Based on his extensive experience as coach and mentor to many thousands of Christian leaders across a broad spectrum of ministry settings, Reggie McNeal helps spiritual leaders understand that they will self-select into or out of greatness.
I'm Todd Rhoades... the MMI guy. I'm also on the team at Leadership Network (although that doesn't mean that they endorse everything I write here). In my past life, I was the founder and developer of a website named ChurchStaffing.com.
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