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 [...]

“Once upon a time” — most churches in America received their offerings pretty much the same way as they had done for generations. A group of ushers would march down the center aisle with plates in hand and pass them row by row. While the practice is traditional, it also allows the congregation to collectively experience something very special [...]

How can you increase and facilitate non-cash gifts of financial assets, real estate or tangible property? First, let your people know that you are actively seeking such gifts. This could be accomplished simply by publishing a quarterly announcement stating: “If you are interested in making a non-cash gift to our ministry such as stock, mutual funds or real estate, [...]

If you were to visit the famed Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota with a serious health issue, you would immediately notice a significant aspect of their service model. All of your medical specialists would gather around the table with you to discuss your diagnosis and create the treatment plan. Using such a clinical approach has obvious benefits – the [...]

Is the economy doing well? Is the stock market at an all-time high? Is unemployment currently low in your area? If the answer is yes, why should you even consider eliminating or reducing your existing church debt now? Read on and we’ll tell you. A great time to eliminate debt is when current economic conditions imply that church finances are [...]

“Worship facility insecurity” – no, it’s not a new psychological disorder, but a serious emerging challenge for church leaders who currently meet in rented or leased facilities (think public schools or movie theaters). Let’s face it – COVID has created tremendous uncertainty. For example, public school plans for the fall 2020 semester seem to change daily. School administrators have enough [...]

God doesn’t need our money to further His Kingdom, yet the Bible has a great deal to say about money and how to be good stewards of it. Your congregation wants to obey God’s word, bless others, and be a part of ministries that are reaching the lost, but many families struggle in their giving. As their pastor, you want [...]

Winning athletes know that their success on game day begins with their early training and conditioning. Church capital campaigns are no different. Following are some “conditioning exercises” that could help your congregation in the early preparation for a major capital campaign. Prior to your campaign kickoff, offer a financial literacy class. Many families genuinely want to give but just don’t [...]

Myth: capital campaigns are most successful in large, mega churches. Reality: small congregations (less than 300) often out pace their mega-church counterparts with deeper sacrifice and overall success. You’ve probably heard stories of churches with thousands in attendance that gave millions of dollars to a major project. It sounds impressive, and in many ways it is. But, the reality is that smaller [...]

What percentage of your constituent’s total assets would you say are found in cash or checking accounts? Answer: about 10%. What percentage of your annual church giving comes from cash or checking accounts? Answer: generally 95% (and sometimes more!). What’s wrong with this picture? “What’s wrong” is that most church leaders do not actively seek non-cash gifts. This is unfortunate [...]