Why Do Pastors So Often Neglect Stewardship?
“That is the first sermon on giving I have heard in twelve years!” Those were the words of a deacon at a church where I was asked to preach. After twelve years of ministry, their pastor had just left to start a mission. Apparently, the last pastor, although greatly loved, never preached one sermon on […]
Race and Gender in Fundraising
Are Evangelicals Biased? What impact does race and gender in fundraising have? Does it matter whether a donor-supported organization shows a picture of a boy or a girl in their appeal? Do donors favor helping children of their own racial or ethnic background? Does the impact of an image depend on the race or gender […]
Avoid the Low Attendance Lag
Pastor! Do you know what is your lowest attended weekends? I recently read a Thom Rainer article that helped me think through low-attended weekends and what strategically you need to do to avoid a lag in your momentum. I wrote the following blog post that I wanted to share with you. This is an inside […]
Yes, You Can Make Up Lost Giving
When it comes to giving, can you make up lost ground? Yes. Every summer, I encourage what I call a come-from-behind giving strategy. My goal is to help you close whatever giving gap you are currently experiencing. Desperate appeals versus decisive appeals. First, let me explain why you should consider closing any giving gap you […]
Three Leadership Landmines That Can Derail Your Budget
“The Senior Pastor won’t be in the meeting.” That was the reply a lay leader shared with me once when his church wanted my help. I replied that the meeting would be worthless unless the pastor showed up. That wasn’t the answer they were looking for, and I never heard from the church again. You […]
The Biggest Roadblock to Increasing Generosity
Often the biggest roadblock that I must overcome when working with a church to increase generosity is a pastor or the staff. They simply don’t see the need for all the fuss about giving and generosity. Most pastors never think of preaching about giving! That is until July rolls around, and there is no money […]
News About the Stewardship Journal – We’re Expanding!
Relax this expansion won’t cost you anything. In fact, our expansion will lead to increased resources, more state conventions, and SBC involvement, all for free! We are committed to being the best stewardship resource in the SBC, and other states are taking notice. Our ultimate goal is to help churches build cultures of generosity built […]
How Partnerships Happen
Two years ago, we asked long-time MBC pastor Richie Rhea to write a post about the importance of partnering together in the aftermath of a contentious Southern Baptist Convention. Given the nature leading up to the Convention in New Orleans, we thought his words were worth re-posting. Here is his original unchanged post from two […]
The Strength of the SBC Lies in the Local Church
“What will you do if your side loses?” That was a question a reporter asked me at a Southern Baptist Convention in the late-1980s as I was getting into an elevator at the Convention headquarters hotel. Waiting in line for the elevator, we started a conversation that continued until he got off. Right before he […]
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 […]