The start of autumn means it is soon church budget prep time. For most pastors, this process is about as eagerly anticipated as a root canal! Unfortunately, most budget planning sessions follow a predictable routine that is not very visionary. The current year’s budget and giving are evaluated for surplus or deficit (usually deficit). The next year’s budget is then [...]

Someone has said that “the gift of giving is the least exercised spiritual muscle in the Body of Christ.” There are high-capacity givers in your church just waiting to be asked to make a transformational financial gift to your church’s vision. The main reason they have not made such a gift is because no one has asked! But, be assured, [...]

There are five generosity Megatrends happening right now that are going mostly unnoticed by church leaders. These trends have huge implications for the future financial foundation of your church. You need to know what they are, and what to do about them – now! Some of these Megatrends will resonate with you… “I knew that.” But others will be hidden [...]

Back in the “good old days” before Covid, waiting to make a big financial decision didn’t cost you all that much. When inflation was nearly nonexistent and interest rates were 3–4%, you could take your time when making a major capital investment decision. Not so anymore! That was then, this is now… Today, the norm is persistent substantial inflation in construction [...]

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There is a truism we’ve experienced in six decades of helping churches fund major projects. It’s simply this: “Your project will take longer and cost more than you originally planned.” The maxim applies to projects of all types. Right now, some churches are experiencing a resurgence of in-person growth and require additional space. Others have a need to simply repurpose [...]

There are many myths associated with church capital campaigns. Here at CGS, we decided it was time to investigate the myths and find reality. To do so, we commissioned an independent agency (Arbor Research) to conduct a rigorous research project. Their study encompassed 52 pastors representing 17 different denominations. The findings from the study were surprising and many myths got [...]

At Church Answers, you will find helpful resources, experts, and community to guide you through the ups and downs of ministry and church health. Our library of free materials and our customized solutions are organized around the most common questions we hear about church growth, revitalization and leading more effectively. At Church Answers, we are growing healthy churches, together. [...]

Here at CGS we are often asked about the factors needed to ensure a successful capital campaign. Many could be mentioned, but in our experience few are more important than the quality of the campaign leadership team. In other words, you must recruit the “A – team”! You may be wondering “How do I identify and recruit the most qualified [...]

When it comes to creative stewardship, people are often encouraged to think “outside the box”. Sometimes, however, it pays to think “inside the box” — inside the boxed treasures found inside their own home. Many people own valuable physical assets that can be creatively gifted to your ministry. Tangible Personal Property Physical assets are referred to by the IRS as “tangible [...]