The Greatest Hits of 2025: Did Yours Make the List?
Well friends – Epiphany has come and gone. Baby Jesus’ creche has been retired for another year. The Light (meaning you through Jesus) is still shining in the darkness – and (hallelujah!) the darkness will not overcome it.
But hey. We’re not ready to put 2025 all the way in the rearview mirror just yet.
There are old blog posts to review. It’s a good thing too – maybe you missed one. Maybe you deleted the post – by mistake, of course. Maybe, in the re-reading, you’ll be inspired to try something new this year.
The suspense is killing me. What were the top five Inspiring Generosity posts of 2025? Which one made top billing? Dear readers not to be overly verbose (but why not?), I give you: The Greatest Hits of 2025.
#5 When Burning it Down Isn’t an Option: An Interview with Rev. Greg Allen-Pickett
This interview discussed the idea of a “Purple Church” – whether it’s possible (it is), how it might be done (faithfully), and why you can still be prophetic and love your Red and Blue church members equally.
Favorite quote:
In polarized times, stewardship can be one of the few shared languages left. We may disagree about immigration or the economy, but we can still come together to feed the hungry, support our youth, and sustain the ministries that make Christ’s love visible in our community. Stewardship reminds us that we’re all caretakers of something bigger than ourselves.
#4 The Third Grade Bible
This post found me reflecting on one of the traditions that binds generations together. It was about “Mary” receiving her third-grade Bible, five years late.
Favorite quote:
The church is a place where we make meaning. It gives us a home base. It can bring all ages together to go forth into the world and make a difference. That Third Grade Bible can be transformational.
#3 Keep Track of the Good Stuff
This post is especially timely. In this post, there’s an example from a church that made a video of their accomplishments during the previous year. Not bragging, just stating the facts and celebrating…which is something all of us should be doing. What things did your church do in 2025 that you’re most proud of?
Favorite quote:
Now, more than ever, it’s time to document all the good you are doing in the world to uplift your people and to remind them why they exist.
#2 Offering Plate a Little Empty? Try Funding Forward
This was a book review of Grace Duddy Pomroy’s book, Funding Forward: A Pathway to More Sustainable Models of Ministry. Pomroy asserts that through looking at our building(s) in different ways, new sources of income may become available. Bonus – the book is designed for small-group use.
Favorite quote:
How you use your building to meet your ministry goals may be far different than the church down the road. What makes this so exciting – and yet a little unnerving – is that one size doesn’t fit all. It will be up to you and your congregation to determine how best to utilize the physical resources God has entrusted to your care.
And drum roll please…
#1 Pledge Cards that Inspire Generosity
Clearly, this implies that many pledge cards out there don’t inspire generosity. I’m glad we could shift the perspective. The pledge card can either be serviceable - all business (you know the drill: name, address, email, how much will be given) - or it can also remind people about why they are giving and to whom they are giving (hint: it’s to God).
Favorite quote:
The pledge card is an important piece in helping your people make a generous commitment to support your mission and ministry. Be sure to utilize it to its fullest. Don’t make it an afterthought.
Friends – there you have it…your biggest hits of 2025. Was there one blog post missing that you particularly liked or resonated with? Let me know. And, let me know if there are any topics you have a hankering to read about in 2026. I value your input.
Now go forth and bring Light into this world. We need all the Light we can get.
Photo credit: Pexels.com
#####
Cesie Delve Scheuermann (pronounced “CC Delv Sherman,” yes, really) is a Stewardship Consultant for the OR-ID Annual Conference. She is also a Senior Ministry Strategist with Horizons Stewardship – helping with capital campaigns and encouraging more generosity. For 25 years, while working as a volunteer and part-time consultant, she has helped raise millions of dollars for numerous churches and non-profit organizations. If you are (ahem) of a certain age and want to feel even older, Cesie wants you to check out the 10 Best Songs of 2025.
You can reach Cesie at inspiringgenerosity@gmail.com, at CesieScheuermann.com, or at cesieds@horizons.net. Want to schedule a meeting? She’s got you covered!
Schedule a meeting now.
If someone has forwarded this to you and you would like to subscribe to "Inspiring Generosity," click here. Miss an issue? Click here.