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July 15, 2009
Church Giving Matters - Book Review
Bill Townes is a friend and peer. We both share the mission of helping churches navigate the waters of ministry and money. He recently reviewed my book, Church Giving Matters, in his e-mail blast to church leaders. If you don't currently subscribe to his Understanding the Times: NAMB Periodic Nonprofit Tax/Accounting Update e-newsletter, you can do so via e-mail. I would encourage you to do so. He not only points out important information, he offers commentary that explains its implications on church ministry. I'm grateful for his kind words.
Ben's book provides a timely and relevant analysis of the challenges related to sustaining effective and vibrant ministry in light of the current economic realities facing our churches. This thought provoking book will challenge church leaders to evaluate the effectiveness of their ministry in relation to other community nonprofit groups which are competing for church member's tithes and offerings.
Ben explores the impact of social networking and web-based appeals for donations that offer donors a cafeteria of choices (beyond the local church) for their charitable gifts. Stroup also encourages a balanced scorecard approach to sharing the story of the measurable impact of church ministry in order to develop and encourage givers. He suggests churches are now in the position where they must justify, through transparent and accountable financial practices, why they deserve each individual's charitable donations. In fact, the IRS tells us that over the last three years, 182 new nonprofit organizations were created every day in the U.S. and they are all competing for the same constantly shrinking donor base!
Ben challenges the common misperception that stewardship education is only a one Sunday a year emphasis. He encourages a biblical, lifestyle approach to stewardship that sees everything we have as a gift from God. Perhaps the most important question Ben asks church leaders to consider in the life of their ministry is:
SOURCE: Bill Townes, CPA, MBA serves churches through the North American Mission Board. Bill's ministry is made possible through your gifts to the Cooperative Program and the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering.
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Preview new book Church Giving Matters by Ben Stroup
"Church Giving Matters" strikes balance between money and ministry
Posted by bstroup at July 15, 2009 6:12 AM
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