When life flows on in endless work
The time of year likely has something to do with the weariness I’m hearing from the folks within my client circles, but that’s not the… Read More »When life flows on in endless work
Generosity in quotes: Mark Allan Powell
“The missional church proclaims the good news that God is actively engaged in this world and that God is ready and willing to use us… Read More »Generosity in quotes: Mark Allan Powell
Blessed is the congregation with up-to-date by-laws, for they shall enjoy peace.
It’s the rare church shopper who makes a choice based on governance structures. And I’ve yet to hear long-time members credit their church’s by-laws as… Read More »Blessed is the congregation with up-to-date by-laws, for they shall enjoy peace.
Generosity in quotes: Wendell Berry
“A change of heart or of values without a practice is only another pointless luxury of a passively consumptive way of life.” Wendell Berry, American… Read More »Generosity in quotes: Wendell Berry
The ongoing case of the shrinking offering plate
If you’re associated with one of the hundreds, yeah thousands, of faith-based nonprofits that are eyeing churches as a source of new or increased gifts, I bring you sad tidings. This just in from the Empty Tomb, a Christian research group. Congregational giving has declined for a fourth consecutive years, dropping by a tenth of a percentage point between 2010 and 2011 (the most recent year for which numbers are available).
According to the State of Church Giving Through 2011 report, the only other period of prolonged decline in giving per member was from 1928 through 1934, almost entirely during the Great Depression.Read More »The ongoing case of the shrinking offering plate
Monday morning development resource mash-up
The skinny on donor attrition. Losing more than you gain is great news to Weight Watchers, but not so much for fundraisers. However, as I… Read More »Monday morning development resource mash-up
Generosity in quotes: David J. Lose
“. . . while optimism assumes things will soon get better, hope testifies that whether things get better or worse yet ultimately God’s good will… Read More »Generosity in quotes: David J. Lose
When building a donor base, watch the coming in and going out
Walking along-side the leadership teams of a couple of start-up ministries has given me a renewed appreciation for the hard work of building a support… Read More »When building a donor base, watch the coming in and going out
The problem with giving as a proxy for board effectiveness
If you’re a board member, you’ve likely heard what I consider one of the lamest rationales out there for your giving. And if you are… Read More »The problem with giving as a proxy for board effectiveness
Generosity in quotes: Patrick Johnson
“I heard a pastor once say that giving is to materialism as kyrptonite is to Superman. Indeed, one of the amazing benefits of living generously is… Read More »Generosity in quotes: Patrick Johnson