Not Your Parents' Offering Plate

Not Your Parents' Offering Plate

Author: Dr. J. Clif Christopher

Publisher: Abingdon Press

Published: 2015-04-22

Total Pages: 116

ISBN-13: 1501804936

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People don’t give to church because we don’t offer them a compelling vision of the good their giving will achieve. Hearing a young attorney speak of the faithbased reasons for which he had just made a substantial monetary gift to a community youth center, Clif Christopher asked the speaker if he would consider making a similar contribution to the congregation of which he was an active member. “Lord, no they would not know what to do with it” was the answer. That, in a nutshell, describes the problem churches are facing in their stewardship efforts, says Christopher. Unlike leading nonprofit agencies and institutions, we too often fail to convince potential givers that their gifts will have impact and significance. In this book, Christopher lays out the main reasons for this failure to capture the imagination of potential givers, including our frequent failure simply to ask. Written with the needs of pastors and stewardship teams in mind, Not Your Parents’ Offering Plate provides immediate, practical guidance to all who seek to help God’s people be better stewards of their resources.


Book Synopsis Not Your Parents' Offering Plate by : Dr. J. Clif Christopher

Download or read book Not Your Parents' Offering Plate written by Dr. J. Clif Christopher and published by Abingdon Press. This book was released on 2015-04-22 with total page 116 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: People don’t give to church because we don’t offer them a compelling vision of the good their giving will achieve. Hearing a young attorney speak of the faithbased reasons for which he had just made a substantial monetary gift to a community youth center, Clif Christopher asked the speaker if he would consider making a similar contribution to the congregation of which he was an active member. “Lord, no they would not know what to do with it” was the answer. That, in a nutshell, describes the problem churches are facing in their stewardship efforts, says Christopher. Unlike leading nonprofit agencies and institutions, we too often fail to convince potential givers that their gifts will have impact and significance. In this book, Christopher lays out the main reasons for this failure to capture the imagination of potential givers, including our frequent failure simply to ask. Written with the needs of pastors and stewardship teams in mind, Not Your Parents’ Offering Plate provides immediate, practical guidance to all who seek to help God’s people be better stewards of their resources.

Whose Offering Plate Is It?

Whose Offering Plate Is It?

Author: Dr. J. Clif Christopher

Publisher: Abingdon Press

Published: 2010-10-01

Total Pages: 115

ISBN-13: 1426729847

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In Not Your Parents' Offering Plate, Clif Christopher challenged churches and pastors to take a lesson from the leaders of not-for-profit organizations: if you want people to give to your church, first offer them a compelling vision of the good that their giving will accomplish. The book encouraged an entire culture change for many in the Christian community in how they viewed the offering plate. It also unleashed a barrage of questions on specifically how to create this new culture while maintaining the foundations of one's faith tradition and mission. In this sequel, Christopher responds to these questions in the same forthright manner that he originally laid forth his propositions. He offers simple, strategic advice on such difficult questions as: “Exactly how do I go about gaining access to the donor records when my church has prohibited it for a hundred years?” “How do I explain a meeting with just those who are strong givers without alienating those who are not?” “How can we advocate online giving without encouraging some to abuse their credit cards?” “What should letters to different giving constituencies look like?”


Book Synopsis Whose Offering Plate Is It? by : Dr. J. Clif Christopher

Download or read book Whose Offering Plate Is It? written by Dr. J. Clif Christopher and published by Abingdon Press. This book was released on 2010-10-01 with total page 115 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In Not Your Parents' Offering Plate, Clif Christopher challenged churches and pastors to take a lesson from the leaders of not-for-profit organizations: if you want people to give to your church, first offer them a compelling vision of the good that their giving will accomplish. The book encouraged an entire culture change for many in the Christian community in how they viewed the offering plate. It also unleashed a barrage of questions on specifically how to create this new culture while maintaining the foundations of one's faith tradition and mission. In this sequel, Christopher responds to these questions in the same forthright manner that he originally laid forth his propositions. He offers simple, strategic advice on such difficult questions as: “Exactly how do I go about gaining access to the donor records when my church has prohibited it for a hundred years?” “How do I explain a meeting with just those who are strong givers without alienating those who are not?” “How can we advocate online giving without encouraging some to abuse their credit cards?” “What should letters to different giving constituencies look like?”

Rich Church, Poor Church

Rich Church, Poor Church

Author: J. Clif Christopher

Publisher: Abingdon Press

Published: 2012

Total Pages: 122

ISBN-13: 142674336X

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What is the bottom line at your church?


Book Synopsis Rich Church, Poor Church by : J. Clif Christopher

Download or read book Rich Church, Poor Church written by J. Clif Christopher and published by Abingdon Press. This book was released on 2012 with total page 122 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: What is the bottom line at your church?

Whose Offering Plate Is It?

Whose Offering Plate Is It?

Author: J. Clif Christopher

Publisher: Abingdon Press

Published: 2010

Total Pages: 118

ISBN-13: 1426710135

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If you want people to give, offer them a compelling vision of how their giving is going to build God's kingdom.


Book Synopsis Whose Offering Plate Is It? by : J. Clif Christopher

Download or read book Whose Offering Plate Is It? written by J. Clif Christopher and published by Abingdon Press. This book was released on 2010 with total page 118 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: If you want people to give, offer them a compelling vision of how their giving is going to build God's kingdom.

An Introduction to Ministry

An Introduction to Ministry

Author: Ian S. Markham

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2016-01-19

Total Pages: 294

ISBN-13: 047067329X

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An Introduction to Ministry is a comprehensive and ecumenical introduction to the craft of ministry for ministers, pastors, and priests that make up the mainline denominations in the United States. Ecumenically-focused, It offers a grounded account of ministry, covering areas such as vocation, congregational leadership, and cultivation of skills for an effective ministry. Covers the key components of the M.Div. curriculum, offering a map and guide to the central skills and issues in training Explores the areas of vocation, skills for ministry, and issues around congregational leadership Each topic ends with an annotated bibliography providing an indispensable gateway to further study Helps students understand both the distinctive approach of their denomination and the relationship of that approach to other mainline denominations Advocates and defends a generous understanding of the Christian tradition in its openness and commitment to broad conversation


Book Synopsis An Introduction to Ministry by : Ian S. Markham

Download or read book An Introduction to Ministry written by Ian S. Markham and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2016-01-19 with total page 294 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: An Introduction to Ministry is a comprehensive and ecumenical introduction to the craft of ministry for ministers, pastors, and priests that make up the mainline denominations in the United States. Ecumenically-focused, It offers a grounded account of ministry, covering areas such as vocation, congregational leadership, and cultivation of skills for an effective ministry. Covers the key components of the M.Div. curriculum, offering a map and guide to the central skills and issues in training Explores the areas of vocation, skills for ministry, and issues around congregational leadership Each topic ends with an annotated bibliography providing an indispensable gateway to further study Helps students understand both the distinctive approach of their denomination and the relationship of that approach to other mainline denominations Advocates and defends a generous understanding of the Christian tradition in its openness and commitment to broad conversation

Beyond the Offering Plate

Beyond the Offering Plate

Author: Adam J. Copeland

Publisher: Westminster John Knox Press

Published: 2017-08-15

Total Pages: 200

ISBN-13: 1611648114

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Everyone knows that stewardship is more than money and finances. Nevertheless, seldom do we give time to explore the profound concept of stewardship in its many dimensions, including stewardship of time, work, body, mind, spirit, community, technology, and more. Beyond the Offering Plate does just that. Written by ten engaging pastors, seminary professors, and church leaders, this unique resource offers a diverse and holistic approach to stewardship. In ten accessible chapters, readers will learn how they can faithfully and practically discuss and engage with stewardship on a regular basis. Ideal for church leaders, seminary students, and pastors, this book includes questions for reflection and applications for life together at the end of each chapter. Copeland adds a special section with biblical references and preaching themes at the end of the book. Featured contributors include: Margaret P. Aymer, Associate Professor of New Testament at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Austin, Texas Kathleen A. Cahalan, Professor of Theology at Saint John's University School of Theology and Seminary in Collegeville, Minnesota MaryAnn McKibben Dana, author of Sabbath in the Suburbs David Gambrell, Associate for Worship in the Office of Theology and Worship of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) David P. King, Karen Lake Buttrey Director of the Lake Institute on Faith and Giving and Associate Professor of Philanthropic Studies at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana Neal D. Presa, pastor and former moderator of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Ellie Roscher, Director of Youth and Story Development at Bethlehem Lutheran Church Twin Cities in Minneapolis and author of How Coffee Saved My Life Mary Hinkle Shore, pastor of Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Brevard, North Carolina John W. Vest, Visiting Assistant Professor of Evangelism at Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond, Virginia


Book Synopsis Beyond the Offering Plate by : Adam J. Copeland

Download or read book Beyond the Offering Plate written by Adam J. Copeland and published by Westminster John Knox Press. This book was released on 2017-08-15 with total page 200 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Everyone knows that stewardship is more than money and finances. Nevertheless, seldom do we give time to explore the profound concept of stewardship in its many dimensions, including stewardship of time, work, body, mind, spirit, community, technology, and more. Beyond the Offering Plate does just that. Written by ten engaging pastors, seminary professors, and church leaders, this unique resource offers a diverse and holistic approach to stewardship. In ten accessible chapters, readers will learn how they can faithfully and practically discuss and engage with stewardship on a regular basis. Ideal for church leaders, seminary students, and pastors, this book includes questions for reflection and applications for life together at the end of each chapter. Copeland adds a special section with biblical references and preaching themes at the end of the book. Featured contributors include: Margaret P. Aymer, Associate Professor of New Testament at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Austin, Texas Kathleen A. Cahalan, Professor of Theology at Saint John's University School of Theology and Seminary in Collegeville, Minnesota MaryAnn McKibben Dana, author of Sabbath in the Suburbs David Gambrell, Associate for Worship in the Office of Theology and Worship of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) David P. King, Karen Lake Buttrey Director of the Lake Institute on Faith and Giving and Associate Professor of Philanthropic Studies at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana Neal D. Presa, pastor and former moderator of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Ellie Roscher, Director of Youth and Story Development at Bethlehem Lutheran Church Twin Cities in Minneapolis and author of How Coffee Saved My Life Mary Hinkle Shore, pastor of Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Brevard, North Carolina John W. Vest, Visiting Assistant Professor of Evangelism at Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond, Virginia

Ask, Thank, Tell

Ask, Thank, Tell

Author: Charles R. Lane

Publisher: Augsburg Books

Published: 2006-01-01

Total Pages: 132

ISBN-13: 9781451405057

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The goal of this book, says author Charles Lane, is to perform a dramatic rescue of stewardship, freeing it from any connection whatsoever to "paying the bills." When the Bible talks about stewardship it almost always talks about the intimate connection between how a person handles financial matters and that person's relationship with God. Stewardship is an intensely spiritual matter that lies close to a disciple's relationship with Jesus.The book is designed especially for use in congregational planning and study. Congregational stewardship leaders will come back to three foundational verbs ? ask, thank, tell ? over and over as they help individuals experience the joy of giving generously. The author makes the convincing case that there is little in life today that can help a disciple grow in relationship with Jesus more than a solid intentional biblical stewardship.


Book Synopsis Ask, Thank, Tell by : Charles R. Lane

Download or read book Ask, Thank, Tell written by Charles R. Lane and published by Augsburg Books. This book was released on 2006-01-01 with total page 132 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The goal of this book, says author Charles Lane, is to perform a dramatic rescue of stewardship, freeing it from any connection whatsoever to "paying the bills." When the Bible talks about stewardship it almost always talks about the intimate connection between how a person handles financial matters and that person's relationship with God. Stewardship is an intensely spiritual matter that lies close to a disciple's relationship with Jesus.The book is designed especially for use in congregational planning and study. Congregational stewardship leaders will come back to three foundational verbs ? ask, thank, tell ? over and over as they help individuals experience the joy of giving generously. The author makes the convincing case that there is little in life today that can help a disciple grow in relationship with Jesus more than a solid intentional biblical stewardship.

Giving and Stewardship in an Effective Church

Giving and Stewardship in an Effective Church

Author: Kennon L. Callahan

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 1997-08-25

Total Pages: 147

ISBN-13: 078793867X

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This complete guide to giving and stewardship sheds new light on solid financial resources, one of the 12 keys to building an effective church. Here is a practical plan for the growth and development of giving and stewardship in your congregation, complete with action worksheets that advance the progress of the plan over four years.


Book Synopsis Giving and Stewardship in an Effective Church by : Kennon L. Callahan

Download or read book Giving and Stewardship in an Effective Church written by Kennon L. Callahan and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 1997-08-25 with total page 147 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This complete guide to giving and stewardship sheds new light on solid financial resources, one of the 12 keys to building an effective church. Here is a practical plan for the growth and development of giving and stewardship in your congregation, complete with action worksheets that advance the progress of the plan over four years.

A Better Offering

A Better Offering

Author: Donald a Smith

Publisher: Independently Published

Published: 2020-12-11

Total Pages: 130

ISBN-13:

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When in-person worship came to a screeching halt in 2020, many church leaders lamented, "What are we going to do if we can't pass the plate/basket for the offering?" Creative pivoting happened for many who sought to navigate the unexpected pandemic and post-pandemic path. The result-funding for ministry and mission that exceeded pre-pandemic projections. Many lamenters were surprised when they heard themselves say, "We never have to pass the plate again!" Donald A. Smith is a generosity strategist, mentor, and coach to pastors and church leaders. Author of the book, "A Better Offering: 5 Unmistakable Habits of Generous Churches," Don encourages readers to use the challenges of this unimaginable season as an opportunity to assess every practice in the church, especially those related to generosity and communicating the mission of the church.As a former pastor, Smith offers a host of stories from his own life, from his fruitful pastoral ministry, and from his work as a generosity strategist to churches and their leaders. Ultimately, he invites church leaders to envision a better offering and to consider five unmistakable habits that churches have found to be effective in growing generosity. In his Foreword to the book, Dr. J. Clif Christopher (a colleague of Don's who has authored many books on generosity, including "Not Your Parents' Offering Plate") writes: "For the last fifteen years Don has become a mentor to countless pastors and congregations while helping to bring new life in our changing times to the churches he has served. Now it is his turn to write his story so that even more people can learn from his vast experience. Every pastor and financial leader of a congregation should read and study this book, then use it." Don's story will equip churches to tell their stories in a way that will inspire greater generosity. The result-a better offering.


Book Synopsis A Better Offering by : Donald a Smith

Download or read book A Better Offering written by Donald a Smith and published by Independently Published. This book was released on 2020-12-11 with total page 130 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: When in-person worship came to a screeching halt in 2020, many church leaders lamented, "What are we going to do if we can't pass the plate/basket for the offering?" Creative pivoting happened for many who sought to navigate the unexpected pandemic and post-pandemic path. The result-funding for ministry and mission that exceeded pre-pandemic projections. Many lamenters were surprised when they heard themselves say, "We never have to pass the plate again!" Donald A. Smith is a generosity strategist, mentor, and coach to pastors and church leaders. Author of the book, "A Better Offering: 5 Unmistakable Habits of Generous Churches," Don encourages readers to use the challenges of this unimaginable season as an opportunity to assess every practice in the church, especially those related to generosity and communicating the mission of the church.As a former pastor, Smith offers a host of stories from his own life, from his fruitful pastoral ministry, and from his work as a generosity strategist to churches and their leaders. Ultimately, he invites church leaders to envision a better offering and to consider five unmistakable habits that churches have found to be effective in growing generosity. In his Foreword to the book, Dr. J. Clif Christopher (a colleague of Don's who has authored many books on generosity, including "Not Your Parents' Offering Plate") writes: "For the last fifteen years Don has become a mentor to countless pastors and congregations while helping to bring new life in our changing times to the churches he has served. Now it is his turn to write his story so that even more people can learn from his vast experience. Every pastor and financial leader of a congregation should read and study this book, then use it." Don's story will equip churches to tell their stories in a way that will inspire greater generosity. The result-a better offering.

The Calling of Congregational Leadership

The Calling of Congregational Leadership

Author: Larry L. McSwain

Publisher: Chalice Press

Published: 2013-05-30

Total Pages: 180

ISBN-13: 0827205317

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Leading is a calling from God, but that doesn't mean it is easy. There are choices to be made about what your congregation believes, how your church organizes for effective ministry, and how your church serves the settings of which you are a part. The good news is that others have gone before you. Author Larry L. McSwain's forty years of experience can help guide you through these choices. Rooted in research, The Calling of Congregational Leadership teaches a three-pronged approach to congregational leadership: being a good leader, the knowledge needed by the leader, and the managing of ministry leadership. By using this practical, holistic approach to leading congregations, McSwain shows you how to use your church's potential for conveying the power of God in the lives you touch. The Calling of Congregational Leadership is for those who seek to enlarge the understanding of their leadership to make their communities of faith more vital and more reflective of the mission of God in the world.


Book Synopsis The Calling of Congregational Leadership by : Larry L. McSwain

Download or read book The Calling of Congregational Leadership written by Larry L. McSwain and published by Chalice Press. This book was released on 2013-05-30 with total page 180 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Leading is a calling from God, but that doesn't mean it is easy. There are choices to be made about what your congregation believes, how your church organizes for effective ministry, and how your church serves the settings of which you are a part. The good news is that others have gone before you. Author Larry L. McSwain's forty years of experience can help guide you through these choices. Rooted in research, The Calling of Congregational Leadership teaches a three-pronged approach to congregational leadership: being a good leader, the knowledge needed by the leader, and the managing of ministry leadership. By using this practical, holistic approach to leading congregations, McSwain shows you how to use your church's potential for conveying the power of God in the lives you touch. The Calling of Congregational Leadership is for those who seek to enlarge the understanding of their leadership to make their communities of faith more vital and more reflective of the mission of God in the world.