Gifts made to memorialize or honor a person enrich a congregation’s ability to provide ministry, but sometimes conflict can arise between the expectations of donors and those of the church. A policy can help keep things clear. (Photo: Photo © momius – Fotolia.com)
When it comes to strategies for funding ministries, planned giving is often forgotten amid plans to raise yearly pledges or capital campaigns. But congregations would be wise to make it a priority, says the United Methodist Foundation of Louisiana. (Photo: Ken Mayer, Creative Commons)
To do stewardship well, churches have to focus on it more than just a couple weeks in the fall. The United Methodist Church offers a comprehensive 12-month strategy from Herb Mather. Check it out and start planning! (Photo by Grublee, via Bigstockphoto.com)
As if the world’s financial system was not complicated enough, now there’s cryptocurrency. And what if someone makes a donation to your congregation in Bitcoin? Ken Sloane of the United Methodist Church gives a good overview of cryptocurrency for church leaders.
A huge, unrestricted gift may seem like the answer to a prayer for many congregations, but it can actually cause big problems if the groundwork is not prepared in advance. The United Methodist Church explores ways your church can prepare. (© f9photos – Fotolia.com)
THE COVID-19 Pandemic has changed church as we know it, including how we approach church finance and giving. The United Methodist Church offers 10 practical ideas for church financial leaders to consider and adapt for use in their contexts. (Image: “Offering plates glow,” Don Brown, Creative Commons License)
Too many churches wait until finances hit the fan — or the basement — before they consider a capital campaign. But even when things are stable there are plenty of good reasons to consider a capital campaign, writes this author from the United Methodist Church. (Photo: Stephen Yeargin, Creative Commons)
During the Sunday offering, are you asking your congregation to “give money” or are you inviting them to participate in what God is doing in the world? Here, from the United Methodist Church, is a beautiful brochure that explains how to raise money AND disciples. (Photo: Lisafx, Bigstock.com)
Most budget presentations leave parishioners drowsy and bored, but there’s a better way. A narrative budget helps folks connect the congregation’s finances with the mission that we are accomplishing in the world. The Wisconsin United Methodist Foundation has a nice package of resources to get you started. (Photo: Taxcredit, Creative Commons)
During the Sunday offering, are you asking your congregation to “give money” or are you inviting them to participate in what God is doing in the world? Sadly, most stewardship efforts fail to inspire generosity, but United Methodist Church has suggestions on how to change that. (Photo: Gayle Nicholson, Creative Commons)
