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.)
Creative Stewardship Parody Video
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)
Pledging: Should Clergy Know?
The question comes up eventually in about every church: Should the pastor know what each family gives? There are certainly pros and cons to both sides of the issue, as this article from the Episcopal Church Foundation points out. (Photo by TaxRebate.org.uk, used by permission)
Create a Sound Congregational Budget
Creating a sound budget is the result of two ongoing disciplines: clear visioning, discernment and articulation of your congregation’s mission and ministry; and routine, year-round internal monitoring of financial results and regular reporting within the vestry and to your congregation on its financial status. This article, from the Episcopal Church Foundation, tells you how to […]
Choosing the Right Church Accounting Software
So many choices, so much confusion! That’s sometimes the reaction when churches look into accounting software, but this article from the Episcopal Church Foundation looks at three of the most popular options. (Photo by Kodomut, used by Creative Commons license)
Preparing for a Parish Capital Campaign
Ever think your church could use a capital campaign but didn’t know how to start? Here’s a handy 11-page resource from the Episcopal Church Foundation that outlines 10 practical steps to get your parish capital campaign off the ground. The PDF is free!
Spiritual Vitality and Stewardship
Check out the September 2013 issue of the Episcopal Church Foundation’s Vital Practices Vestry Papers “Wholehearted Stewardship.” Be sure to read Fr. Bill Nesbit’s article “Spiritual Vitality.”