I've been asked more than once over the years ... "How much does your church keep in reserve?" My answer? "It depends." I haven’t come across a “standard” for cash reserves that works for everyone. As church leaders, we know that having a reserve is good, but we’re not in the money-saving business. We’re in the money spending business (for the good of the Kingdom, of course). We have to spend money to accomplish … [Read more...]
Financial Hardship Policy
Addressing The Issue Of Financial Hardship In The Church In A Healthy Way
The church has a responsibility to its attendees and members when they are faced with financial hardship. However, there are three clear biblical guidelines for how individual Christians and churches should help those in need within the church. First, each Christian should provide his or her own financial support. 2 Thessalonians 3:7-10 states, For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We … [Read more...]
Capital Campaign Names
A Little Help With What Some Think Is The Most Difficult Part Of A Capital Campaign
We've run a total of 6 separate capital campaigns at my church since 2004. It won't be long, and we'll be working on the 7th. I've had plenty of experience with them. I've also had the privilege of helping other church leaders with stewardship strategies and capital fundraising campaigns for their churches. The last campaign I helped a church with, I'm happy to say, went very well. They were able to raise 120% of … [Read more...]
Special Offerings
A Key Part Of The Church's Overall Donor Development Strategy
Does your church do "fundraisers?" You know, a table in the lobby raising money for this project or that? Or, maybe a car wash to help pay for a student conference or something? We do not. In a church our size (I can't imagine how it is in a large church), we get many, many requests to raise funds for this cause or that. Our answer is always the same, "We don't do fundraisers." We do, however, do "special … [Read more...]