Churches and Nonprofits: Creating a Culture of Generosity
Churches and charitable nonprofits have a paradoxical relationship with fund-raising and stewardship.
Often, they desperately need resources. But they either don’t know how to ask for money or aren’t willing to take the risk of doing so. Sometimes houses of worship and nonprofits rise to the occasion for a singular fund-raiser or building campaign, and this is commendable. But what’s needed is a 52-week-per-year strategy that ultimately creates a culture of generosity. This culture looks beyond its own walls and seeks to give toward and partner with nonprofits and the greater community.
“If it is truly more blessed to give than to receive, churches and ministries deprive their members and community if they fail to champion the art of generous giving.”
In this webinar, our expert guest is Scott Harris, Vice President of Church and Global Engagement at Mission Increase, an organization that provides free coaching and consulting to faith-based nonprofits to help them flourish. Mission Increase champions an approach that celebrates the work of churches and nonprofits because of the great potential they have to complement and strengthen one another and their communities. A rising tide of generosity lifts all.
Webinar topic outline
Introduction to Ministry Pacific and Mission Increase
The challenge to generous giving
Identifying and addressing low levels of giving among churchgoers.
The importance of churches modeling generosity and giving.
Examples of churches that have embraced radical generosity.
Partnerships between Churches and Nonprofits
The importance of seeing churches and nonprofits as co-laborers.
Challenges and opportunities in church/nonprofit relationships.
Strategies for building fruitful and enduring partnerships.
Resources and Next Steps
The availability of training and coaching resources from Mission Increase.
Encouragement for churches and nonprofits to connect and collaborate.
Summary
Churches and nonprofits must view each other as collaborators rather than competitors. The historically complex relationship between these entities has sometimes resulted in misunderstandings and conflict. What is needed is a mindset shift recognizing that both congregations and nonprofits are integral parts of the larger "big C" church, which can ultimately enhance their collective mission and outreach. There are compelling examples, such as Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church's radical generosity in donating half of its budget, that illustrate how a culture of giving can drive growth and impact.
The APEST model – representing the roles of apostle, prophet, evangelist, shepherd, and teacher – is a framework for cultivating diverse leadership within churches. By ensuring all five voices are represented, congregations can foster a more outward-focused and generous approach to ministry. Scott Harris, Vice President of Church and Global Engagement at Mission Increase, calls attention to communication disconnects, urging churches to avoid "sophisticated mediocrity" and instead promote genuine acts of giving. Recognizing the shift in interests among younger givers, Scott encourages churches to connect with causes that resonate with this demographic.
To further strengthen the relationship between churches and nonprofits, Scott shares practical strategies, such as tithing a portion of building campaigns to support trustworthy ministries. Regardless of size or resources, churches have the opportunity to bless and uplift the nonprofits in their communities, ultimately creating a more significant and lasting impact.
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