Church leaders pray their congregation is stewarding all its resources effectively and making difference, but how do they know? The Lewis Center for Church Leadership discusses some new ways to gauge success. (Photo: Richard Wagoner via Flickr)
Strategies to make it easier to talk money in church
Some churches are so close-lipped about money that members may suspect that subject is taboo. Yet nothing could be further from the truth. The Lewis Center for Church Leadership shares ideas on how to have productive conversation about money and giving. (Photo: Daniel Dionne, Creative Commons)
Why pledging still matters
How can churches help a new generation of givers skeptical of institutional allegiances embrace the practice of pledging? It’s critical to frame the conversation around spiritual rather than institutional needs. Ann A. Michel of the Lewis Center for Church Leadership makes the case for pledging as a vital spiritual discipline that helps us grow in […]
Plan for a strong finish to your stewardship campaign
Churches across the nation are preparing for their stewardship campaigns, but many may mistakenly think the work is done when the pledge cards are collected. Instead, that’s the time to focus on donors that require a little more encouragement, says Ann Michel of the Lewis Center for Church Leadership. (Photo: One Way Stock, Creative Commons)
Financial lessons for the post-pandemic church
In the aftershocks of the COVID-19 crisis, many churches face a period of financial reckoning. The Lewis Center for Church Leadership offers eight principles that can help right the ship. They are critical now as the church navigates uncharted territory in the post-pandemic world.
A Transformative Approach to Church Finances
Stewardship ministry can be so much more! Church leaders can approach stewardship and finance in ways that inspire generosity and encourage the sound use of church resources. Hear how in this podcast from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Seminary. (Photo: Alias 0591, Creative Commons)
Leveraging your church’s assets to boost ministry
Your church may have more resources than you think! In this podcast crom the Lewis Center for Church Leadership, Jacqueline Jones-Smith explains how Christ Church in St. Petersburg, Florida, once slated for closure, turned itself around by embracing a more entrepreneurial mindset and taking stock of its physical and human assets.
Ten ideas for your 2020 annual campaign
Wondering how to approach a stewardship campaign in the era of COVID-19? Ken Sloane of the United Methodist Church offers ideas that affirm the importance of the church’s ongoing mission while being sensitive to economic loss, attentive to people’s experiences and stories, and grateful for all gifts. (Photo: www.inkmedia.eu, Creative Commons)
The coming revolution in church economics
As the future unfolds, offerings will likely no longer be able to fully fund your congregation’s ministry. Increasingly, churches will have to rethink their ministries and adopt multiple income streams, says author and pastor Mark DeYmaz. Podcast from Wesley Seminary’s Lewis Center for Church leadership.
Developing a Thank You System
Saying thank you promptly and regularly is one of the simplest and most effective things a congregation can do to reinforce good stewardship and enhance giving. This article from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership helps show you how. (Photo by Orin Zebest, used by Creative Commons license)
