Your Last-Minute Summer Planning Sheet
Are you ready to head off the summer slump in giving? If I were a pastor heading into summer, here is what I would be asking myself, my staff, or my team. Practical suggestions for the 15 offerings of summer – Consider this… Have you started planning your summer giving plans and your 15 offerings? […]
Making the Case for Pastors Knowing Giving Trends
Should pastors of the church know how much each family/individual tithes? That was a question @AdamPage85 asked on Twitter the other day. This unofficial poll had 1,183 votes when I weighed in with my answer. 90.2% said no, with only 9.8% saying yes. I was one of that 9.8%. I’m going to share with you […]
Using VBS as a Tool for Increasing Giving
Where do Americans learn the value of charitable giving? John and Sylvia Ronsvalle of empty tomb, inc. state that “religion serves as the seedbed of philanthropic giving in America.” They point out in their studies that 90% of religious giving in America is done through a local church. Today, fewer and fewer of the younger […]
From the Desk of Our Executive Director
Welcome to another edition of the Stewardship Journal. Many of you are days away from the launch of your Vacation Bible School. Down through the years, there has been perhaps no greater tool for evangelism than VBS. Have you ever thought of using VBS to advance stewardship? This week’s lead post is on just that, […]
What’s Your 50%, and What is Your Split?
Show me your fifty percent line and your over/under split, and I’ll reveal to you your future. The most pivotal question is, what will you do about it? Because, ready or not, the problem of declining giving is already impacting you, and it will not get any better, and if you do nothing, it will […]
The Future of Raising Capital for the American Church
“I know you need to raise a chunk of change, and I can help you do that. But can I tell you what I am really interested in?” I’m interested in helping coach you through this decade so that by 2030 your church will be financially secure and ready to face future challenges.” That was […]
It Must Be Summer; VBS is Approaching!
This summer across America, large and small churches in big cities and small hamlets will be holding what is perhaps the greatest evangelistic rally ever, Vacation Bible School. If you doubt that, consider this fact from the American Bible Society, which states that 83% of people who come to Christ do so between the ages […]
From the Desk of Our Executive Director
Welcome to another edition of the Stewardship Journal. It Must Be Summer; VBS is Approaching is our lead post. Many of you reading this are only weeks away from the launch of your VBS. I believe you will enjoy this post which contains a brief interview with Pastor Greg Fine of First Higginsville on how […]
How to Make May Recurring Giving Sign-Up Month!
Do you have your summer giving plan in place? Here are two examples of how you can increase the percentage of giving coming automatically to your church this summer. First, consider a direct mail send to your top giving leaders. Here is a sample. Dear _____________, We are set to have the most amazing summer […]
The Future of the American Church
Every time I visit Europe, I come home depressed. My wife and I just returned from visiting my daughter’s family in Germany, where my son-in-law is stationed in the Army. This is the second time, thanks to the Army, one of our kids has provided us with a free bed to tour Europe while seeing […]