Lanterna Rally

Author: Ben Stroup

Publisher: CrossBooks

Published: 2009-05

Total Pages: 132

ISBN-13: 9781615070268

There is a wide gap between how pastors are trained and what churches expect of them. Pastors are trained to preach, while congregations expect them to manage a complex, non-profit organization, measuring their success by the people in the pews and the dollars in the plate. On top of that, the ever-increasing complexity of local church ministry is demanding more money while the rules of funding ministry are changing, leaving many pastors feeling uncomfortable, unprepared, and overwhelmed. Ben Stroup understands this dilemma well. While serving as pastor of a small, rural congregation that grappled with a changing community and the need to build a more sustainable funding model, he sought in vain for a resource to help manage the tension between balancing money and ministry. Building on his church staff and business experience, Ben has effectually translated non-profit development strategies and techniques into the language and practice of the local church. With practical tools and effective leadership principles that can be immediately implemented, he assists churches in changing the conversation from What do we have to cut to survive? to What does God want us to do next? If you desire to gain a better understanding of how to lead your church through tough and prosperous economic times, and if you believe God will provide all you need to accomplish the ministry he has placed on your heart, this book will be an invaluable resource to help you fund your God-inspired vision. Praise for Church Giving Matters We owe Ben a debt of gratitude for his courageous and helpful approach to a topic that has virtually been a four letter word to the church--"cash." We often pretend that we can effectively advance the kingdom through a great commission strategy without talking about money. Ben strips away all the pretense and tells us that more money translates into more ministry. You will love the emphasis on sustainability. Dr. Ken Hemphill, National Strategist for Empowering Kingdom Growth and author of Making Change: A Transformational Guide to Christian Money Management In a day when budgets are tight and giving is incredibly challenging, this book is worth its weight in gold...if not diamonds. For every pastor, staff member, and committed lay leader, this volume is invaluable. Dr. Jerry Sutton, former President of the Southern Baptist Convention's Pastor's Conference and Professor at the Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary Every decade a stewardship resource comes along that influences positive change in giving. Masterfully crafted advice lies within the pages of this book which if followed, will positively impact what you ll have for what you want to do. Give one to every deacon and elder in your church. I did! Dr. Scott Preissler, Eklund Professor of Steward Leadership, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary This book hits at the heart of what pastors and lay leaders need to know about giving. Ben has thoughtfully and carefully provided practical applications that will help church leaders increase the base of res