Over the next two days, I’m going to be wrapping up my current leadership coaching networks. We’ll hit several topics in this final gathering, but one conversation will be about financial stewardship in churches. To prepare for today’s conversation, I had everyone read Church Giving Matters by Ben Stroup and Joel Mikell. Here are the top ten highlights from my reading.

1. Generosity is a spiritual characteristic and begins with a biblical understanding of the Lordship of Christ.
2. When your long-term funding strategy is hung on the giving habits of a small percentage of your entire congregation, you are tempting fate.
3. There was a time when the institution controlled the message. Now it matters more what others are saying about the organization than what the organization is saying about itself.
4. What you fear talking about the most, the people in your pews already know with certainty. They’re just not sure you understand. And until they know you understand, they will not be as generous as they could be.
5. People want to be inspired and encouraged that their donations—however small or large—are making a measurable impact.
6. Those who volunteer with an organization naturally give at higher levels than those who simply provide donations to the cause.
7. Unengaged church members don’t create engaged church members.
8. People give money when they realize they are part of a cause, entity, or organization that is larger than themselves.
9. If you can’t inspire someone to financially support the work of your church, maybe it’s time to take a look in the mirror to ensure you believe what you’re preaching.
10. Hope is not a strategy.

What trends are you seeing as it relates to generosity in people’s lives? How are these trends impacting the mission of your church? Join the conversation by sharing your comment.