Referencing the classic stewardship book Grower’s Givers Hearts: Treating Fundraising as Ministry, a post on setting the church budget realistically and faithfully.

A church budget names the things so important that the congregation will put money there. It’s a deeply theological document. Think “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also…”

This post includes a short video on the Circle of Grace model of giving.

Do not trust empty! Reflection on gas gauges and generosity

December is winter where I am, yet it’s a sweaty month for many church treasurers and finance people with a December fiscal year end. They are anxiously wondering: will the organization meet the budget, that is to say will donations match ministry goals?

Let’s imagine your charity is behind budget. You’ll be cutting programs and laying off staff next year if more money doesn’t come in. What to do?

Don’t be afraid to ask for what you need. Be specific, like the man asking for three loaves of bread in Luke 11. Here’s my suggested steps to take before sending the email, and a template that might be a helpful starting point.