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August 11, 2009
Guest Post: Trade Tithing - $100 Million For America's Churches
Ira e-mailed me after reading my recent article for Church Solutions, Beyond the Offering Plate. He shared with me what he calls a "wide net" concept that he believes in an undervalued revenue stream for churches. I think he has revealed an entirely new economy that could build bridges to professionals outside the church as well as significantly benefit those leading local congregations. I always enjoy hearing from readers, and I especially enjoy entertaining creative funding options for churches.
Churches could gain $100 million of new spending power over the next three years by cultivating business owners and self-employed individuals in new ways. Many of these owners are committed congregants who donate what they can to support the ministry and wish they could do more. Now they can.
Most businesses have surplus goods or unsold services--even more so in a recession. These idle resources aren't contributing any profit to the business. Churches can tap this vast potential.
The necessary infrastructure, called a trade exchange or barter club, is already in place. It's an organization of businesses that sell their surplus for "Trade Dollars" instead of cash--then use Trade Dollars to buy what they need from the exchange's trade marketplace.
The church can access this remarkable abundance by joining a trade exchange and inviting business-owning congregants to do likewise. These owners will earn Trade Dollars and, as a bonus, capture new customers. (Most trade exchanges charge fees for their services.)
Business owners can afford to be generous with Trade Dollars because these earnings come from selling unproductive surplus. Spending or donating Trade Dollars doesn't dent anyone's regular budget, making it even easier to be generous. Instead of 10%, committed congregants may tithe 30%, 60% or even 100% of their trade earnings.
Further, donated Trade Dollars are tax deductible. And a trade exchange can deposit "Trade Tithes" automatically into the church's trade account the moment they are earned. Instant access!
A church can accomplish many things with donated Trade Dollars; available goods and services vary by place and time. In Houston, mid-2009, a church could spend Trade Dollars on window washing services, concrete poured for a new driveway or several thousand other things.
In a given year, the US economy has an estimated $1 trillion in surplus goods and excess service capacity. I don't believe God intends these resources to lie idle while the church struggles with budget gaps. Do you?
A trade exchange is the catalyst to make things happen. Explore its creative possibilities.
Ira Dember co-founded National Trade Banc, one of America's largest privately-held trade exchanges. National has participants from coast to coast and can make special arrangements with churches interested in Trade Tithing. He can be reached via e-mail or phone 713-983-8244.
Special Note: If you call or e-mail this week, give him a break. He's on vacation! But he'll get back with you next week.
Posted by bstroup at August 11, 2009 9:56 AM
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