Not Your Parents' Offering Plate

J. Clif Christopher -

"Donors are saying to our churches today that you have to earn our gifts." Not Your Parents' Offering Plate responds to this underlying belief so prevalent in the rapidly changing giving environment. While previous generations may have given most or all of their tithe to local churches, today there are thousands of compelling causes vying for the attention of givers. Christopher contends that congregations have much to learn from nonprofit organizations, which have been much more successful in raising funds because they effectively demonstrate the impact and significance of a gift (rather than appeal to budget deficits).

Key Strengths

Not Your Parents' Offering Plate helps readers understand the reasons people give today, and offers practical guidance to readers interested in growing generosity in their churches. Key themes include:

Get your act together first. Church leaders and lay leaders with a passion for stewardship must pray about their own giving, study the Scriptures carefully, and honestly examine their own lives.

Build a "high expectation" culture. If all members - existing and new - are repeatedly reminded that much is expected of them, the chances are that they will rise to a new level.

Facilitate weekly testimonies. Christopher explains that one of the keys to promoting effective stewardship in the 21st century is telling personal stories of how God is using the church to change lives.

Teach personal stewardship. The church must faithfully help people learn how to handle money God's way. Hosting ongoing classes on biblical financial money management is an important next step.

Regular preaching on money. Christopher explains that a sermon once a year on "stewardship" isn't enough. Giving and spending must be reexamined in light of scripture throughout the year.

Tailor your communications. Non-profit organizations know that what motivates a Baby Boomer is different than what motivates a Senior or Gen Xer. Provide messages appropriate for each life stage.

Spend more time with high-potential donors. Churches spend much time developing educational and musical gifts. They should do the same with people who have the ability to give more.

Say "thank you".  Successful non-profit groups keep in close contact with their donors. Churches could do much to express gratitude via personal notes, emails, phone calls, and even tweets.

Review individual giving. Contrary to the popular notion that giving is between "me and God," Christopher recommends regular reviews of individual giving for a true picture of a person's character.

Never send out a line-item budget again. Most members don't connect with a detailed budget. Instead, talk about the impact and significance of contributories, and explain what more dollars can do.

Things to Be Aware Of
Christopher is a pastor, and as such, his perspective will connect well with pastors who are perhaps in the best position to implement his suggestions. That being said, everyone with a passion for biblical stewardship will find much thought-provoking content here. Readers may not agree with all of Christopher's guidance (i.e. segmenting generations in terms of solicitation), but most will resonate with the overall theme that "people want to be a part of something that changes lives."

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