Donors want to know, “What’s your church all about? Who are you, and how are you furthering God’s mission?” Answers go to the core of your church’s story, but many of us do a poor job of telling that story. Attention to branding is one way to help tell you church build an identity and […]
According to The Rt. Rev. Diane M. Jardine Bruce, “A congregation without a budget is like a car without GPS – you can’t tell where you’ve been or where you are going.” In this article she provides information about joining zero-based and narrative budgeting to focus on mission and ministry while still allowing flexibility for changing circumstances. […]
Now is the time to introduce legacy giving to your congregation. Options like Charitable Remainder Unitrusts (CRUTs) afford homeowners a great way to both multiply assets and make a generous legacy gift to the church. Check out this article from the Episcopal Church Foundation and begin educating congregants about this and other planned giving options. (Photo: […]
It’s a part of every church leader’s learning curve: How to have adult conversation with God’s people about about money. It’s hard, often embarrassing, but engaging people honestly and openly about money is essential, says this writing from the Episcopal Church Foundation. (Photo: Daniel Dionne, Creative Commons)
Does your congregation have an endowment? If not, it’s something you definitely should consider for your long-term financial future. Here are five helpful resources about creating and growing endowments — from the Episcopal Church Foundation. (Photo: Fotolia)
Summer is the perfect time to recruit volunteers. Fewer committee meetings mean more time for the one-on-one visits so important to matching the right person to the job. Here is a recorded webinar and accompanying slides to help you put your team in place, from the Episcopal Church Foundation.
Every church should have an endowment. Sometimes congregations have more than one. And that can be confusing, especially if the policies and guidelines governing each aren’t clear. But an endowment can play an important role in your congregation’s overall financial management strategy. This article can help you plan. (Photo by DanielSTL, used by Creative Commons license)
As we grow beyond the narrow understanding of stewardship as an annual fundraising exercise – or as the late Terry Parsons used to call it, the “annual beg-a-thon” — God begins to reshape our concept of what “gift” and “giving” actually mean. From the Episcopal Church Foundation. (Photo by Tiger Girl, used by Creative Commons license.)
“Stewardship in the broad sense is how we respond to what God is trying to show us and tell us and teach us. Our response can open the door to God’s multiplying our gifts,” writes Demi Prentiss in the Episcopal Church Foundation website. Her essay is chock full of insight. (Photo © DOC RABE Media […]
Getting parishioners to sign up for cottage meetings or home visits can be tough. Check out the clever way St. James Cathedral (ECUSA) successfully addressed this challenge. (Photo: ECF Vital Practices)
