Funding the Local Church

Eighty percent of giving in evangelical churches comes from 20 percent of the people. The remaining 20 percent of giving is from another 30 percent of the people, leaving 50 percent not participating. Published national statistics by Barna, the Southern Baptist Convention, and others suggest that 80 percent of giving in evangelical churches comes from…

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Funding the Local Church: Borrowing for Building with Bonds

No church project I have been involved with has failed when the church followed my conservative guidelines. Now state and federal regulations have added more registry controls that further safeguard the churches and the investors. Why do churches borrow with bonds for building? a. Long-term fixed interest rates are possible with bonds, while most banks…

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Funding the Local Church: The Debt-free Debate

The Continuing Debate I recently read the 1996 Moody Press book by Jeff Berg and Jim Burgess, with foreword by Larry Burkett, titled “The Debt-Free Church”. The distinction is made in the text between “debt” as unsatisfied commitments and “borrowing” money from individuals or lending institutions. The comment is made that perhaps the book should…

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Funding the Local Church: Liabilities of Fund Raising

As I awaited my opportunity to present church development at the church board meeting, the church treasurer presented the financial report. “Since announcing our building fund, we have accumulated $30,000 through designated giving—not nearly enough to launch our building program. However, our giving in the general fund and missions accounts is way down.” I have…

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