In communities worldwide, church leaders explore innovative ways to sustain both their income and the ministry of their local congregations. As church leaders, it’s crucial to examine methods for increasing the financial capacity of the churches we lead.
Stewardship System
Churches demonstrate tithing by giving a portion of their general offerings to district and international missions. Pastors and church staff must also set an example by practicing what they ask their congregations to follow, establishing a strong foundation for church finances.
Growing churches often adopt a deliberate, multi-layered approach to discipling their members in financial stewardship. For instance, some churches connect their members with job centers and debt consolidation services. Others offer financial literacy courses or provide opportunities for high-net-worth individuals to contribute to impactful projects.
Church giving software helps streamline both online and in-person giving and integrates donor management with church accounting systems.
To build a robust stewardship system, begin by researching resources and ministries that can guide you in discipling your congregation in this area. Helpful resources include sites like www.rivervalleynetwork.org and churchfuel.com/giving-course/.
Teaching Financial Stewardship
Church members are encouraged to fund their church’s ministry through tithes and offerings. As leaders, we can foster growth in their giving by teaching biblical principles of investing, saving, spending, and giving.
This teaching can take place during services, classes, or small groups. Ministries like Crown Financial and Ramsey Solutions offer excellent resources to support financial education. Additionally, some churches collaborate with Christian credit counseling services like Christian Against Poverty to assist members in managing and eliminating debt.
As individuals eliminate debt, build financial stability, and commit to tithing, the church ministry will grow. For new believers, it may take a few years to fully understand, obey, and embrace the practice of generosity, especially with a targeted discipleship focus on this area.
Utilizing Church Facilities
An effective way to be good stewards of church finances is to utilize the church’s facilities to expand ministry efforts and generate additional income. Churches can rent out their buildings to other congregations meeting at different times, para-church ministries, counselors, event organizers, local clubs, or even summer camps and sports programs. Churches with outdoor spaces can also consider renting portions of their parking lots or land.
To ensure success, it’s essential to have clear facility usage policies, insurance coverage, and rental agreements in place. Resources like the WOD office and CCCC.org can provide templates to help manage these arrangements effectively.
Non-Profit Organizations
Running parallel non-profits is another way to generate funding for the local church’s ministry. Non-profits can share the burden of building, administrative, and equipment costs as tenants in the church’s facilities.
Non-profit funding can come through individual donations, government grants, foundation grants, and corporate sponsorships. More information on this can be found in our church practices on local outreach.
A parallel non-profit could focus on daycare services, sports ministries, poverty alleviation, Christian education, mentoring programs, senior care, low-income housing, or social enterprises. It’s recommended that the non-profit aligns with the church’s existing ministry activities and vision.
However, it’s important to consult legal and financial professionals and consider the church’s leadership capacity before starting a parallel non-profit.
Business / Social Enterprise
Some churches have begun establishing businesses that align with their mission and vision. These businesses, which could range from coffee shops to thrift stores, may provide jobs and meet local community needs.
Before pursuing this option, seek independent legal and accounting advice. Consider the financial investment required and who will manage the business both short- and long-term. Additionally, such decisions should be approved by the church board and congregation, as they may impact current ministry staffing.
Legacy Giving
Through legacy-giving programs, church members can leave charitable bequests to the church in their wills, potentially reducing estate taxes while securing the church’s future. Professional legacy services can help churches build long-term financial sustainability.
Capital Campaigns
Churches raising funds for expansion or renovation projects may want to consider hiring a professional fundraiser. As each situation varies, the district office can provide guidance on fundraising strategies. Before committing to long-term capital campaigns, it’s important to forecast your capacity and ensure proper planning for permits, vendor management, and ministry continuity.
Development Opportunities
Churches with additional land may benefit from partnering with developers to create commercial, residential, educational, or senior care facilities. These projects require significant expertise, so it’s essential to consult with professionals who can guide you through the process. As a district, we are happy to connect you with the right experts to help bring your vision to fruition.
Hiring Practices
While church leaders are primarily called to equip believers for ministry, as churches grow, there may be a need for part-time or full-time staff. A practical approach is to hire part-time, bi-vocational workers with relevant professional backgrounds. For example, daycare workers or teachers might serve in children’s ministry, while social workers or high school teachers could be a good fit for youth ministry. Retired ministers could be ideal for visitation roles. As the church grows, consider expanding the staff to include full-time positions or dual-role staff, such as a youth and worship leader.
By thoughtfully considering these financial strategies, church leaders can help ensure the continued growth and sustainability of their ministries while empowering their congregations to participate in the work of the church.