01/05/2022
I was honored to be given the opportunity to participate in a study by Barna and Associates concerning generosity and stewardship among christian churches. The survey went out to two groups. One went to active participating christians in their churches with the results provided. The same survey went to non-active christians and was combined with the active Christians to provide a second chart of survey results (combining active and non-active Christians). Obviously there is not enough space or time to review all 28 questions and results in this blog. However three in particular caught my attention that I would like to share.
The first is, "When making decisions on who / where to donate your money, what is the top motivating factor for you, out of the following items?" Active Christians were asked to choose 3 of the answers. The highest answer, receiving 64% of the responses, was "How passionate I am for the cause". The second highest response was, "How well the organization explains what happens with the donations." Finally, the third highest response was, "How big of a difference my donations will make for the recipients/organization?"
There is much to say and do as a result to this question that time and space will not allow. Having said that I feel compelled to state some. First, your church needs to use a Narrative Budget. Aline item budget is fine for your treasurers but totally not the best for your congregation. The narrative budget rightly changes the payments and usage costs of the facilities and support of your Ministry Team to actual ministries and services. I can't tell you how many times I have heard complaints about these two areas. Narrative budgets provide a clearer and better explanation. Use this in a "Stepping UP" generosity initiative and you will be amazed with the difference and growth.
It should be easy to understand what should be done in regard to the 2nd and 3rd responses. Report what is happening, send thank you's to your contributors with short stories about the results of their generosity. In other words, act like almost all other philanthropic organizations is this regard!!
A second question asked by Barna was, "What would you consider to be the ultimate financial goal in life? Select one." I would like to share the total response from active and non-active Christians, first. The number one response by 37% of ALL responders combined was "To serve God with my money." Compare this answer with the answer by only the Active Christians. Amazingly only 15% of active Christians chose "To serve God with my money"! Eight possible answers were given with the last being "Other". "Other" was the number one response by active Christians at 29% ! The second highest response by active Christians was "Providing for my family at 19%. The third highest response by Active Christians was "To serve God with my money" at 15%. A close 4th response by Active Christians at 13% was "To provide the kind of lifestyle I desire".
Two quick responses. There is a very poor understanding of the use of money as it pertains to discipleship. No responses could be given that would be called "sin" in and of itself. However, all answers must be subject to "To serve God with my money". A second observation is also important. Gone are the days dominated by the "Baby Boomers". Unless we leaders grasp the response I made to question number one as well as this question church contributions will likely lower.
A third question was, "How interested would you be if your church offered preaching and programs to help you achieve financial well-being?" The answer was that 76% of Active Christians would likely be in attendance for these opportunities. I think you know the response to this.
I would be happy to share other questions and answers, review what I have written for better understanding or work with you to make an eternal difference in the lives of your congregants. Email me at [email protected] or call and leave a message at 901-828-0433. God bless.
