How are church gifts received and donors thanked? What gifts are not acceptable? A gift policy can help a congregation answer these questions before they arise. The Center for Faith & Giving explains. (Photo: Asenat29, Creative Commons)



By Rob Blezard



The gift planning strategy of a local congregation should be geared to encouraging people to give and to make it easier for them to do so. Honor gifts (donated in the name of living people) and memorial gifts (donated in the name of the deceased) are wonderful vehicles for giving, but many churches fail to make the most of them by having no set policies or sloppy policies on how to handle them. Here are some practical tips. (Photo: Bill McChesney, Creative Commons)

Embracing stewardship through discipleship

The Stewardship of Life Institute (SOLI) is based at the Gettysburg, PA Campus of United Lutheran Seminary. Our mission is to serve stewardship in the ELCA through its seminaries.