“Everybody comes to understand that we cannot continue just to keep our church buildings open and meet the missions of the church, so it’s in that context that people have to make such a difficult decision.”
People are more skeptical of glib claims on their generosity than they once were. Even donors for whom church support is an unquestioned obligation don’t assume they need to give to your church. Congregations need to make a case for themselves as worthy recipients of generosity. As global warming, resource depletion, and species extinction become pressing concerns, the people in the pews will expect clergy to address these moral issues, and the church to set a good example.
Church budgets are a bit different than the typical business’ budget and people highly skilled in business may not always be aware of the differences. And clergy and lay professionals who have worked in the church their whole careers may not be aware of the differences either.
While there’s good news this week that the chance of a double dip recession seems to be decreasing, the news isn’t doing much to soften the worry that many congregations are feeling as they emerge from this summer and start planning their fall stewardship and pledge drives.
Each individual’s, family’s, congregation’s and diocese’s giving takes on immeasurable significance in these tough times, calling us anew to unimagined opportunities to live as the holy people of God. ~ Bonnie Anderson
Tom Arthur, pastor of Sycamore Creek United Methodist Church, seeks the advice of elders about the wisdom of telling enquirers classes that tithing is an
Jesus was not afraid to talk about our relationship to money, Episcopalians notoriously are. “We do it reluctantly, apologetically, politely,” Suarez said.
The Church Times wins this Friday’s award for “Best Headline of the Week” with a report on the stewardship debate at the recently concluded Church of England Synod. The article headline? “Stewardship: Let’s talk about wallets, not willies.”
Contributors are asked for amounts which, if about half of them say “yes,” will make the Vision possible. The board, clergy, and staff make it clear that the Vision is not something the congregation plans to shoot for but that it intends to accomplish. Year after year, the people learn that when this congregation asks for gifts, it means it. If they give what is asked, the results promised come to pass.
How is your parish handling the economic crisis? What pastoral needs are you responding to? How are you saving money while responding to the growing needs in your community?