The COVID-19 pandemic will surely have a long-term impact on the financial life of congregations, regardless of their denomination, size or makeup. How can churches survive and even thrive in a post-pandemic landscape? Faith & Leadership asked 12 leaders to weigh in. (Photo: Joshua Smith, Creative Commons)
When a congregation decides to close its doors, it doesn’t have to fade away. A United Methodist plan helps closing congregations enrich the continuing ministry of God by leaving a gift. The Church Legacy program is offering a graceful and a grace-full way for congregations to end their life. From Faith & Leadership. (Photo: Winston […]
Bivocational ministry is increasingly the norm, and while it is a challenge, it also presents an opportunity to understand God’s work in us in new and exciting ways,” writes Jessica Young Brown, assistant professor of counseling and practical theology at Virginia Union University. “As we adjust to this new way of doing ministry, it’s helpful […]
Alfred Street Baptist Church in Alexandria, VA, practices “irrational generosity” each year through an annual fast and give program to benefit ministries outside the congregation. This year’s fast made a difference in the lives of several students at Howard University, whose student debt was cancelled. This article from Faith & Leadership includes questions for use […]
Author and expert in global philanthropy and member of the Lumbee Tribe, Edgar Villanueva believes it is time for churches to reimagine their relationship with money and step out in faith for the sake of the gospel. “Sunday is the most segregated day of the week, [but] by being mindful about money, the church can […]
Author and Christian Education Director Heather High-Kennedy ponders the importance of teaching children and youth to be generous without the fanfare and hashtags of social media. “Children and youth today are growing up without a way to envision the concept of Matthew 6:1,” she said. (Photo: Carolyn Clement, Social Media Sunday)
“To know, or not to know?” That is the question that Hamlet surely never had to ask, but church leaders wrestle with it as they ponder whether to look at the donation records for their church. Faith & Leadership explores the “common assumptions” with the “actual facts.” (Photo: Edith Soto, Creative Commons)
Many churches and church leaders mistakenly avoid talking about money. In fact, a theology of money is central to our individual spiritual formation, the health of our institutions and the way we participate in God’s mission in the world, writes David P. King, director of Lake Institute on Faith & Giving. He explains why and […]
Noted architect David Greusel believes that Christians should care about built environments that allow all people to flourish where they work, pray, play, and gather, and that this care is part of our stewardship of creation. “The church had a central role in the discussion about what is good architecture but basically abandoned it,” he said. Read this interview from […]
Is it possible to cultivate a mindset within our congregations and institutions that would reframe the stresses of the budgeting and fundraising season? Could a “sharing” mindset open up more creativity and decrease the feeling of fighting for scarce resources? The mindset I have in mind is “generosity,” writes David Odom, executive director, Leadership Education at Duke Divinity School.
