Posted on: April 28, 2009
“Generation X” includes people in the US born from about 1965-1981. A lot of churches seek to fill their worship centers with this 20- to 30-something group. If your church is successful in this, then the next step is getting them to give to your mission.
Recent studies show that Generation Xers are giving nearly twice as much to charity on average compared to older generations. David Stillman, coauthor of When Generations Collide, says that Gen Xers may be giving less simply because they have not been asked. So what we need to do is connect with the Gen Xers of our churches so that they become the next generation of exceptional givers. The Gen X group has some interesting traits, and the following may help you tap into this incredible resource:
Invite them to participate.
Provide access to information and resources; Gen Xers have inquiring minds, and you must articulate the mission and purpose of your ministry.
Gen Xers like to volunteer. Take deliberate steps to create programs and opportunities aimed at their interest and values.
Gen Xers love action, not talk, and are attracted to work and programs that directly reward personal initiative.
Take time to listen. Gen Xers want to interact, share, become part of the story, bring their talent or gift to the table, to be seen and heard.
Recognize and appreciate. Reward the results of their efforts, involvement, and giving in a timely, specific way.
Make the ministry fun. Fostering a spirit of fun in the organization will improve their morale, increase involvement, and excite giving.
With proper guidance your Generation X congregation can become the empowered, faith-filled, dynamic stewards that we need to see the church survive – and thrive.
Edward Davis
Consultant
MasterPlan Stewardship Campaigns
Posted on: April 13, 2009
The beginning of every capital campaign will undoubtedly bring a moment when anxiety takes over and every leader starts to ask, “What did I get myself into?”
Buyer’s remorse will cast doubt on your vision. But throughout 20 years of pastoring churches I have discovered that without risk there simply is no reward.
Every vision requires that calculated risks be taken. In the King James Version, Proverbs 29:18 states that without a vision the people will perish. However, according to Henry Blackaby, author of Experiencing God, the New International Version more accurately translates the text and says where there is no revelation the people are unrestrained. Blackaby goes on to point out that there is much said of vision in our generation but, according to the verse, authentic vision is the point in which God opens our eyes to what He sees for our future.
No matter if that revelation is to retire debt, build a new auditorium or renovate an existing facility we have to lean the whole of our faith on God’s ability to open the eyes of people to His vision for our future.
So as we think about funding that vision, there is a crucial question to ask: “Is this vision worth our sacrifice?” People will give towards a need but they will sacrifice greatly for a vision from God.
Vision has always been the greatest motivator, whether it was that moment you said ‘yes’ to God’s call or the assignment He has given you to move ahead and finance His dreams for your church and community.
Jon Bennett
Consultant
MasterPlan Stewardship Campaigns
Posted on: March 27, 2009
With negative news hitting from all angles, even those in ministry leadership can get worn down. We want to help you direct your congregation’s thoughts from those of worry to those of hope. That’s why we have developed this leader’s guide, complete with outlines for four sermons designed to lead your congregation out of fear and into a deeper faith.
Posted on: March 16, 2009
A bargain sale occurs when a member of a church congregation sells an asset (land, buildings, securities, vehicles, etc) to the church for less than market value. When this occurs, the church has received an “in-kind” donation.
The amount of the donation can be calculated as the difference between the fair market value of the asset and the amount the church actually pays for the asset. There is a significant benefit to the donor/seller as well because of the potential substantial charitable contribution tax deduction.
A bargain sale results in a transaction that is partly a sale and partly a charitable deduction. The donor/seller will need to calculate the amount of any deductible charitable contribution and also any taxable gain from the sale portion of the transaction.
In order to assure accuracy on both sides, we would encourage the church and the donor together to obtain an appraisal of the asset to determine its fair market value. And, of course, the church and the donor should consult with their financial and tax professionals to make sure they are in compliance with applicable tax regulations.
Dave Dallenbach
Consultant
Foundation Capital Resources
Posted on: March 3, 2009
In my work with churches and in particular with pastors, I often hear pastors declare that they make it a practice not to know how much people give. While their motivations are always right, I’m not sure this is always the best practice.
The number one reason pastors give for not knowing how much people give is that they may treat people differently based on their giving. If this is the reason, the pastor should have the treasurer or some other trusted person at least let him know if leaders are giving biblically.
Four reasons for a pastor to know how much people give:
1. The Bible demonstrates the benefits of the leader knowing how much people give.
• Ananias and Saphira’s gift in Acts 5
• David and the leader’s giving in I Chronicles 29
• The widow’s mite in Mark 12:42-44
2. Leaders are required to lead by example.
• It is wrong for a person to be in a position of leadership and not be a faithful tither and strong supporter of the church.
• People can only be expected to rise to the level of leadership demonstrated to them.
3. The pastor must know where further teaching and discipling is needed.
• It may be a matter of education. Perhaps people need Biblical teaching on giving.
• It is unrealistic to expect people to grow in the Lord if they don’t have the issue of giving in order.
4. If a person stops giving, the pastor should know.
• If a faithful giver suddenly stops giving, there usually is a reason. Unfortunately the reason may indicate dissatisfaction with the church. The pastor can address these issues if he knows the giving has stopped.
• Possibly the family is in need and they are too embarrassed to ask. The pastor who is informed can seek help to get people through a hard time.
Phil Drost
Senior Consultant
MasterPlan Stewardship Campaigns