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)
Most planned gifts come in the form of bequests or beneficiary designations. If you’re hesitant to talk about this you are hardly alone, but your congregation might be missing out on some ministry-changing generosity! From the United Methodist Church. (Photo: David Morris, Commons License)
The coronavirus is challenging us to do ministry better, smarter, more creatively. This is especially true in stewardship because other interests and priorities may seem more pressing. From the United Methodist Church. (Photo: AJC1, Creative Commons)
The Paycheck Protection Program grants loans to small businesses (including churches) to help keep workers employed during the COVID-19 emergency. The loans are potentially 100 percent forgivable. Excellent resources from the United Methodist Church. (Photo: Rain Love AMR, Creative Commons)
Lent is a time for renewed focus on matters of the spirit and practices that will refresh our connection with the Almighty. This year bring a study and experience of spiritual disciplines to your congregation. This handy group-study guide from the United Methodists of Greater New Jersey can help. (Photo: mwms1916, Creative Commons )
It’s not too late to put in a community garden at your church. You can reap healthier relationships with your neighbors, provide fresh produce for needy folks, and use it as a tool to teach about life God’s creation. This United Methodist Church tells how to start. (Photo: USDA, Lance Cheung)
Should a pastor know how much people give? Some call it a “third rail” of ministry — touch it get zapped! Others say the knowledge is essential to good ministry. This United Methodist Church article discusses up the pros and cons while also lifting up ways to encourage healthy talk about money in church.
Most folks probably don’t think about church finances beyond their own gifts. But if they knew more, they might give more. Why not tell your congregation how your church collects, processes and distributes the dollars it receives? From the United Methodist Church. (Photo © Chris Brignell – Fotolia.com)
Stewardship is more than just a six-week campaign in the fall, yet most congregations lack a strategy for anything else. Here, from the United Methodist Church, is a handy guide with links to help keep financial stewardship awareness simmering all year long.
