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Tips for getting your toe in the door

A fundraiser friend of mine is struggling to meet her goal for number of donor visits per week. She’s heard it said often enough to believe she won’t raise money – real money that is – sitting at her desk. My friend is eager to be out and about, meeting with the good folks who support her organization. Unfortunately, not as many of them are eager to meet with her.

“How can I up the percentage of yes’s to my requests for visits?” she asked. “People are polite, but most say it’s not necessary for me to come see them – that I shouldn’t waste my time stopping by. They tell me they’ll continue giving without a visit. What more can I say?”Read More »Tips for getting your toe in the door

Speaking of money in church

The spring issue of Leadership Journal had me with the cover and then continued to reel me in with article after article on two of my favorite topics – money and ministry. I could have done without the tagline, “Funding your ministry without losing your soul.” But I understand the editors’ dilemma. It’s likely the journal’s predominantly clergy readership wouldn’t have read on without the disclaimer.

And I’m okay with that. If disclaiming gets pastors and other church leaders talking/thinking/preaching stewardship, disclaim away.Read More »Speaking of money in church

Following the lead of Generations X, Y, and Z and “liking” it

Not long ago here at Generous Matters, I chided churches for being late to the technology revolution, citing my congregation as a case in point. That the article was one of my most viewed to date suggests I touched a nerve – as did the push back I received from some readers.

But truth be told, congregations aren’t the only luddites out there. Colleges, universities, and theological schools, and other assorted nonprofits have their own love-hate relationships with technology and social media. In fact, wherever Boomers (my generation) remain in control (e.g. just about everywhere), you’ll find foot-dragging, nay-saying, and excuse making.

I hear it all the time. You can’t teach violin, encourage spiritual formation, build community, etc. etc. etc. Fill in the blank with your pet “can’t do.” But while some folks throw up roadblocks, others are busy doing with technology what’s been said they can’t — if not today, then tomorrow.Read More »Following the lead of Generations X, Y, and Z and “liking” it

Debtors don’t donors make, unless . . .

It’s commencement season on college and university campuses across America. That wonderful time of year when starry-eyed graduates march into life to the strains of Pomp and Circumstance, diplomas in hand, dreams in their hearts, and a dark cloud of debt over their heads.

Sorry for raining on the graduation parade with my mention of school loans. But with the average debt of today’s college seniors speeding toward $30,000 ($40,000 at private colleges), we need to do more than hand out umbrellas. It’s time to talk honestly about debt.Read More »Debtors don’t donors make, unless . . .

Driving the luddites out of the temple

To say that the congregation with which I worship is late to the technological revolution is an understatement. We’ve been one projector short for weeks and no one seems to notice the blank screen on the left. The church’s website is difficult to navigate. Our Facebook page has racked up a grand total of 15 friends. And our idea of social media is a prayer chain.

In other words, ours is pretty much like every other small to mid-size church in the U.S. and Canada.

Aside from the staffed-up mega-churches, few congregations are maximizing the ministry potential of new technologies and social media. And that, says religion prof Adam Copeland, helps explain (but not completely) the dearth of Millennials under our steeples.Read More »Driving the luddites out of the temple