This month I’d like to tell you two stories of historic Presbyterian churches who faced the challenge of aging infrastructure head-on and embarked on their own transformative journeys. Sixth Presbyterian in Pittsburgh’s East End and McKinley Memorial near the University of Illinois both offer examples of deep faith, a commitment to meet community needs, and the […]

Biblical wisdom on finance and faith for a fulfilling life Imagine, if you will, navigating your finances as if trekking through a vast, untamed wilderness—rich with potential yet fraught with obstacles. Picture in your hands an ancient, trusted guidebook, ready to lead you through this expanse. This guide is no ordinary one; it’s the Bible, offering […]

  As your church gathers in the warmth of the Advent season, embracing the spirit of hope, peace, joy, and love, I send my heartfelt wishes to you and your congregation. This festive time invites celebration and provides an opportunity to envision a future filled with promise. Amid the joyous festivities, consider the profound gift […]

  Ready to Restart Your Congregation’s Capital Vision? Rev. Terry Epling Lead Campaign Strategist Remember 2019?   It was a time when we made big plans. We looked forward to 2020 with high hopes and created new missions and visions. We had dreams and goals for the year ahead. The year “2020” seemed like the […]

From Themes to Vision: The Path of True Stewardship Rev. Michael Erwin Stewardship Catalyst, Transformational Consultant The Tyranny of the Theme I frequently receive calls from churches seeking help with their stewardship efforts. These conversations often begin with a familiar refrain: “Our church is struggling financially, and we heard that you assisted another church that experienced […]

Capital campaigns are vital for church growth, yet they often remain puzzling for many faith-based communities. Today I’ll explain what they are and why they are crucial in fueling growth, expanding ministries, and fostering community connections.   What is a Capital Campaign? A capital campaign is a carefully planned fundraising effort that relies on God’s […]

If you are like most leaders, your concern about your church’s financial position falls on a spectrum from “concerned” to “panicked” to “freaking out.” By now you should have heard from your denominational leaders regarding help that you can access. I’m writing today to add our perspective to what you have already learned. Your first […]

Tips from an NFL champion’s playbook to help inspire generosity in your congregation. Sunday the Los Angeles Rams face the New England Patriots in the 53rd Super Bowl. The road to the Superbowl for the Patriots included a “game for the ages” match against rival Kansas City Chiefs. After their victory, Patriots’ coach Bill Belichick offered […]

What good will capital improvements be if you can’t keep the doors open and the lights on? Church leaders hesitate to run a capital campaign at the same time as the annual pledge drive. They wonder whether a capital campaign will hurt annual revenue. With the right process and good counsel, a “dual” campaign will […]

This month, a guest article from Jason Smith, founder of GivingTools.com.  How to create an effective, affordable capital campaign website Capital campaigns are all about people: welcoming their ideas and building a shared vision, and then asking the right people at the right time for the right gift to make that vision come to life. When it […]