Go into a supermarket or restaurant and watch how many people pay with cash. It’s a small number and dropping all the time. As our nation moves towards a cashless economy, churches that have no online and digital options will lose out. Here are some ideas to get you going from Rob Blezard, SOLI web editor.
Learning the art and freedom of saying “no” can help you become a better leader. Not only will you be able to better care for yourself, you’ll also be better able to set priorities, work toward effective goals, and care for others. Consider this author’s good reasons for learning the amazing power of two simple little letters. It could be a real game changer! (Photo: sboneham, Creative Commons)
Mistakenly thinking that information will motivate donors, many congregations make their stewardship pitches with data, graphs and spreadsheets. There’s a better way — storytelling that reaches not only people’s minds but also their hearts. By Scott McKenzie of Horizons Stewardship. (Photo: Brisbane City Council, Creative Commons)
Most congregational leaders would rather do anything besides asking congregants for money. So when they DO ask, their skittishness can lead to mistakes and missteps that can be counterproductive. Here, from SOLI content editor Rob Blezard, are tips for making an ask. (Photo: Iqoncept, via bigstockphoto.com)
To get an idea of where God’s people are financially, Alyssa Quart’s well-researched book can provide insight. In his review of “Squeezed: Why Our Families Can’t Afford America,” Adam Copeland of Luther Seminary says this is a must-read for church stewardship leaders to understand the stark realities facing many of God’s people. (Photo: Stuart Pilbrow, […]
Many congregations start serving their communities by looking at how much they lack, which is fine, but never unlocks the potential that exists. Asset-Based Community Development looks at what strengths or skills the community has to offer. An Indianapolis pastor tells how the ABCD approach turned around his church. (Photo: Wonder Woman0731, Creative Commons)
Christmas Eve services are generally the most attended of the year. Wouldn’t it be great of some of those folks came back (at other times besides Easter, that is!). This helpful article from The Effective Church Group provides some smashing advice to encouraging return visitors. (Photo: Pascal Volk, Creative Commons)
Religious leaders have the responsibility (and opportunity!) to invite people of faith into a soul-deep conversation about money and, perhaps more importantly, about worth, writes Melissa Spas of the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. She serves up good food for thought in this season of consumerism. (Photo: Jim Robinson, Creative Commons)
Part of good leadership is the ability to see compassionately. Effective leaders who desire to build bridges and bring people together learn to be present, attentive, and aware of those around them. Read this excerpt adapted from C. Paul Schroeder’s book Practice Makes Purpose: Six Spiritual Practices That will Change Your Life and Transform Your Community.
OK, so maybe the fall got away from you and you didn’t have time to plan a stewardship emphasis? Here are three simple program ideas that you can put into action before the year’s end. Any of them will help keep stewardship front and center. From Rob Blezard, web content editor for Stewardship of Life […]
