Author - Mark Brooks

Why You Need a Summer Giving Plan

“Did you or anyone on your staff think of that?” That was my reply to an Executive Pastor of one of the largest churches in America after I had laid out a plan for summer giving. His comment was, “This isn’t hard at all.” His comment was meant as a...


Putting the Tools Together For Your Best Summer Giving Ever

Your vision is the driver, but the best driver in the world is worthless without effective vehicles to drive the vision to those you want to impact. This section of the playbook will share the essential tools to effectively launch your summer giving strategy. In the 21st century, we must use...


Common Mistakes to Avoid

One of the easiest ways to increase giving over the summer is through an effective online strategy. I use online giving options heavily in my summer plans. Below is a recent post I wrote for my sponsor: https://www.onlinegiving.org/. We are weeks away from summer, which is traditionally one of the...


From the Stewardship Journal Team

We just made it past Easter, which means it is time to think about heading off the traditional summer decline in giving, and the Stewardship Journal has you covered! This week’s issue focuses on the importance of planning out a successful summer giving campaign. Here is a preview of our...


Navigating the Annual Great Decline

Get ready for The Annual Great Decline. You are probably still basking in the glow of Easter, a packed house filled with promise and potential. Then, this past Sunday brought you back to reality. The typical church will not see any better attendance and engagement until sometime next fall. I...


The 15 Offerings of Summer Playbook Plan

Use the chart to plan out your 15 offerings. The Who, How, What, When, Why column helps you decide the best way to communicate the story you are focusing on. Each offering is about connecting your summer vision to life change! DateFocus of OfferingWho, How, What, When, Why?May 26th  June 2nd  June 9th  June...


7 Reasons to Make Summer Giving Plans

As we continue this Journal about summer giving plans, we bring you a previously posted article by Mark Brooks. Originally, it was published before Easter. We have changed the first sentence to reflect that we are now post-Easter. You can find the original post linked at the bottom of the...


From the Stewardship Journal Team

You survived another Easter! Sometimes, pastors and staff can feel that way after all the hustle and bustle of the last week. Our prayer is that you will get some much-needed downtime. One thing I have found helpful during my downtimes is reading thought-provoking material. So, while we pray you...


The Generosity Lane: Using Gratitude to Increase Generosity

What do you do on Monday after Easter? The tendency after Easter is to pass out on the couch to rest up. Yet, if you want to keep your giving tank full, you must continually think about your generosity lanes. I’m continuing my series on the key generosity lanes you...


Key Pointers for Expressing Gratitude

Years ago, I wrote a post on the key pointers for expressing gratitude. I’ve edited it down through the years, but the points remain good thoughts. Pastor, this would be a great discussion starter for your staff or Finance Team. So, here are my thoughts about crafting a thank you...