“What are the banks telling you?” That was my question to a group of lay leaders at a church a few years back that was considering building a new facility. Let me preface by saying that top-level financial guys were around the table, many of whom ran Fortune 500 companies,...
Most churches doom their capital campaign long before they even unwrap it before the congregation. That has been my experience in the last twenty-plus years of working with top 100 churches and churches running 100. Church leaders inexperienced in the process of project development often make critical mistakes early in...
How old is your newest “new” building? I once joked with a pastor that he probably had a building that his members referred to as “The New…” yet it was years old. He looked shocked and said, “Our “New Fellowship Hall,” is twenty years old!” It was the newest of...
“I read your newsletter this morning and I wanted to know what you believe is the number one reason giving is declining?” My friend, Pastor Jason Bunger, asked me that question hours after the normal Monday morning send of this newsletter. I had to stop and say, “Wait, what did...
“I met with a few pastor friends of mine, and none of them are going back to passing an offering plate.” That was a comment a pastor made to me recently over lunch. My first question was, why? The answer most pastors would give would be because of Covid. Can...
There are two sides to a coin. Look at a quarter, and you might be looking at an eagle. Yet another person looking at the same quarter would argue that they are looking at the image of George Washington. Which one is correct? They both are. The answer depends upon...
Never announce a major new initiative from the platform that you have not first communicated to your leaders beforehand. That is one of my Brooks Mantras toward ministry success. Before launching any new initiatives for your church, especially if it involves money, you need to first get your leaders on...
“Recurring giving has taken the angst out of summer for our staff.” That was a comment a pastor made to me soon after online giving began to gain traction in churches across America. Every summer, the pastor would be forced to decide which ministries would be scaled back. Then, when...
You survived another Easter! Congratulations. Now it’s time to get ready for the summer slump in giving that is heading your way. The lack of forward planning is one of the biggest mistakes churches make as they approach the summer months. My most successful churches implement a summer giving plan every...
Right after Easter, you have a crisis heading your way. The summer slump begins one minute after the last Easter service is over. This creates a challenge for keeping the proverbial offering plate full. Giving slumps at the same time as ministry and mission costs rise. Your need is to...
