in Vital Posts and filtered by Planned Giving, Clergy Transition, Stewardship
By Linda Buskirk
St. John’s of Grand Haven MI uses a personal approach to stewardship that has proved very effective and pleasant for its practitioners. Starting in the spring and continuing throughout the entire year, stewardship team members reach out individually to parishioners on their lists through personal notes. Giving to St. John’s has increased about 25% over the past five years.
By Linda Buskirk
Many faith communities are about to launch annual giving campaigns. Linda Buskirk suggests that thinking of the annual campaign as an invitation rather than an “ask” changes the dynamic and will help more people give.
By Ken Quigley
Most people die without a written will. Which leaves their families at the mercy of the state, which will distribute assets after death. The state will pay the lawyers first, then any taxes or creditors and finally family. If you don’t have a will, make one.
By Jim Murphy
In this blog, Jim Murphy explores the concept of congregation as family. “When someone makes a planned gift of any kind to their parish, that person raises their congregation to the level of family in their estate plans.”
By Linda Buskirk
Are you wishing for better results for your congregation’s annual stewardship campaigns? Perhaps it’s time to add intentional planning, starting right now, to make your wish come true.
By Jeannette McDonald
It’s that time of year when we are making decisions about how much we give to our church.
By Linda Buskirk
The issue of whether to publicly thank donors, by name, depends on the culture of each faith community.
By Linda Buskirk
We all know it’s coming. Letters are being written, folks are being asked to share their stories from the lectern, pledge cards are being designed. The annual giving campaign will soon be underway.
By Alan Bentrup
A clear vision of God’s mission is the heartbeat of a congregation’s movement as a community.