The Rev. Ted Barbas, the chancellor of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Boston, had built a strong relationship with a quiet, unassuming donor over the years. As parishes in the region closed in response to COVID-19, this donor reached out. After speaking with Father Ted, the donor decided to give a "gift of love."
He sent $5,000 checks to each parish in the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Boston and communicated that he wanted his financial support to give the congregations an opportunity to "catch their breath" while navigating online worship and digital giving.
Father Ted is a past participant in the course I teach, the Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising, and he shared this story with me in April because he wanted to affirm for others the blessing that comes from fundraising that is built in relationship and conversation.
Lake Institute on Faith & Giving encourages religious leaders to embrace relationship-focused fundraising. We believe that fundraising is not about the pitch but about inviting others to join in an organization's mission. In relationship, fundraising becomes a practice of hospitality, honoring the gifts of generosity and helping faithful givers live out their faith.
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?
Our colleagues at Faith & Leadership asked 12 church and ministry leaders in a variety of contexts across the country to share their views of the future.
Breaking the taboo about money talk can be fruitful for congregations, a comprehensive new study shows. The more congregations talk about money, the more likely they are to see a corresponding increase in giving, according to the National Study of Congregations' Economic Practices.
Congregational priorities help focus how church staff spend their time, influencing a substantial part of the budget, writes the executive director of Leadership Education at Duke Divinity.
A constructive theology and ethics of money in the Christian life, Generous Saints is written by James Hudnut-Beumler, former dean at both Vanderbilt Divinity School and Columbia Theological Seminary, and deals with vital questions. "What does the Lord require? what is the true meaning of the term 'commonwealth?' and how does the church build a stable base for its members to live ethical lives?" This book offers a positive approach to forming the basis for new thought and discussion.
