The Pew Research Center has published new findings on the shrinking middle class in America. American’s have probably already felt this to some degree, but the article cites some helpful information related to the diminishing middle class. What does this mean for churches and their stewardship ministries? How should church leadership address this?
Author: Tim Deatrick
Pastors and Plagiarism
The digital age has made information accessible to the masses. This advent has also revealed a subsequent issue in America’s pulpits: plagiarism. The Oxford Dictionary defines plagiarism as “the practice of taking someone else’s work or ideas and passing them off as one’s own.” The practice of plagiarism in the pulpit is definitely not new,…
How to Connect with Younger Givers
As the Silent Generation and the Baby Boomers begin to age out of the American church, so will their financial support. One of the worst assumptions church leaders can make is that Generation X and the Millennials will pick up the giving dollar for dollar. Here’s a great article from Christianity Today on how churches…
Playing Favorites (James 2:1-13)
My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others? For example, suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in dirty clothes. If you give special attention…
Easter Facts and Stats
Here’s a fun infographic on Easter provided by Wallet Hub.
Do the Word (James 1:21-27)
So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls. But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For if you listen to…
Anger Management (James 1:19-20)
Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. (James 1:19-20, NLT) One of the characteristics of the Book of James is its simplicity. It can be read and understood without much of a trained eye….
The Top 10 Things to Know About the Generosity of Women
Here are 10 things you need to know about the generosity of women, thanks to Mary Jovanovich of Schwab Charitable: 62% of women are the primary sources of household wealth 40% of women out earn their husbands 47% of all businesses are owned by women Women will inherit over $28 Trillion in the next four…
Stay Steady (James 1:12-18)
God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. Temptation comes from our own…
The Unstuck Group’s Quarterly Findings
Tony Morgan and The Unstuck Group released their quarterly report last week with the following data, some of which is expected and some you’ll find to be a pleasant surprise. What I Expected: In Person Worship Attendance is down 30% Online Worship is up 152% General Fund Giving is down 1.6% Giving Units/Households that Give…