How are some churches creating an atmosphere of generosity?  Some are doing that work by preaching, teaching, and modeling generosity as a way of life that truely honors God.

Benefit marketing addresses customer needs rather than the attributes of products or services. Attributes and features are merely characteristics of something.

In 2006 the research company English & Associates interviews 101 pastors across the United Methodist Church who had a history of consistently raising 100 percent of their apportionments.  Their research showed that the single most important reason people support apportionments is because they know their gifts are being used to make a difference in the lives of people in their communities and around the world.  The people in our congregations want to hear how the United Methodist Church is making a difference in the lives of people locally and around the world.  They want to hear how their financial support can make a difference in the number of lives touched by their generosity.

One of the most important steps in starting a new church is gaining clarity around your vision and mission. In the book I wrote, Roadmap to Renewal, I emphasized the importance of two key words when articulating a Mission Statement for the church. The words are “so that.” Lovett Weems and Tom Berlin agree. In their book, Bearing Fruit:  Ministry with Real Results (Abingdon, 2011), they dedicate an entire chapter to the same two words: so that.