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 [...]

Get this eBook  

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 [...]

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 [...]