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Churches that have embraced a culture of generosity have, in most cases, avoided talking about giving money or other possessions to the church. To do so would conflict with the purpose of the stewardship ministry, which is to communicate what the church wants for its people, not from its people.
Inevitably, however, these churches have faced the realities of conducting capital campaigns, the very nature of which requires asking people in the congregation for money. This built-in tension can be avoided with prayer, planning, and advice from some churches that have successfully navigated these waters.
Stopping the Conflict Before It Starts
When the need for a capital campaign arose at Sun Valley Community Church (Gilbert, AZ), the leadership focused on two things: honesty and results. "We were able to avoid obstacles because when we talked about needing a new building, it wasn't a surprise," says lead pastor Scott Ridout. "We were crowded, so the announcement was met with applause because it was seen by our people as the next logical step."
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Talking about money before there was any kind of need has helped bolster current fundraising efforts at Gateway Church (Southlake, TX). "We are located in an affluent area, and money is a hot-button issue for our people," says Gunnar Johnson, stewardship pastor. "Talking about money is a need in our |
congregation, however, that has to be done before you have a capital campaign. To convince people to participate in what you need before you convince them that you care for them--that's too difficult to overcome."
Creating efforts consistent with your church culture will help avoid some conflict, says Jim Sheppard, CEO and principal at Generis, a team of Christian consultants who specialize in capital stewardship campaigns, annual stewardship campaigns and other consulting services . . .
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"Sticky Church" Webinar
Is your church "sticky"? According to Larry Osborne, a "sticky church" is one that no one wants to leave. Join Leadership Network for a special online event featuring Larry, author of the book Sticky Church.
Missio Intensive: The Tangible Kingdom 2008
This two-day, practitioner-led dialogue will be geared to unpacking and then repacking what incarnational church actually does and can look like in our U.S. context. Rick McKinley, Hugh Halter and Matt Smay will frame the practical limitations and opportunities of pure incarnational movements in the West. This event is not geared towards theory, but is led by practitioners, for practitioners.
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Online "Informavores" Read Differently
Online readers are primarily foragers and skimmers--human "informavores," according to an article by Slate.
The writer explores a theory by Jakob Nielsen, a usability expert who writes an influential biweekly column on such topics as eye-tracking research, Web design errors, and banner blindness. (Links, the article notes, give a text more authority, making you more likely to stick around).
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CCN Broadcast: Developing a Recovery Ministry
An increasing number of American churches are diving headlong into a life-altering recovery ministry that is meeting the deepest needs of their communities.
Congregational Profile Available At-Cost
Large-attendance churches are being offered a low-cost, comprehensive profile of their congregation that includes:
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Today's society often segments people by age, and young and old have few opportunities to interact. However, some churches are discovering that intergenerational ministry is a rewarding, God-honoring work, and they are finding ways to encourage meaningful connections across generational lines.
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