It’s hard and time consuming and (probably) few people in your sphere have the skills to manage a website. But just know that for new people, your website is important. Figure out a way to update it on a regular basis…Your website needs to post information that’s up to date. See it as a way to begin building trust.

How can you combine joy and fun into your Stewardship Season?
 Pull together a Generosity Team.
This is the group who can take a load off your shoulders and find new ways to encourage giving that makes a difference not only for your church but for the giver as well.
 

Grants can be an awesome way to fund ministries that impact people outside of your congregation. But those grants (sadly) won’t just fall in your lap. You need to do quite a bit of research to find the right partner. But don’t let the work discourage you. It’s a critical step in finding a good source of short-term revenue.

Friends, there’s more good news. A recent Washington Post article, Singing is good for you, even if you’re no Beyoncé promoted the health benefits of singing.

Guess who does communal singing at least once a week? Yesiree – every single person who is sitting in a chair or pew during worship.

In the midst of all the doom and gloom, your church just might have “what the world is longing for.” That is the hopeful message you can give to a country and a culture that is flailing about.

One of the primary things that encourages people to be generous is gratitude. I don’t mean some slavish over-the-top-bordering-on-insincere kind of appreciation; I mean the kind of thank you that comes straight from the heart.

Let’s face it. It’s not easy to preach about money. You’re nervous that someone will call you on the carpet for “talking about money all the time” or someone will be offended (yet again) by your message. I get it. Between politics (well, in some congregations) and sex, money is one of the three big taboos in the church.

Here’s the good news:
 
Americans were more generous in 2024.
 
In 2023, giving by individuals, foundations, corporations, and bequests equaled $557 billion.
In 2024, giving by those same groups equaled $590 billion – up 8.2%.

As people who believe all things are sacred – including our history – we must be about telling our whole story, even if it’s unpleasant. Even if we are not proud of it. Even if it causes us embarrassment.
 

Everyone wants their pastor to succeed.
Everyone wants their congregation to be thriving and vibrant.
 
To make this a reality requires generosity of spirit, time, and yes, financial resources…
 
So go ahead, give your pastor permission to talk about the spiritual discipline of giving.