Facts and Observations about Giving and Christian Stewardship in Europe Redina Kolaneci Christian Fundraising Consultant, Trainer & Coach

Why do people give money to their church? Shared values & beliefs: More than half of participants in a recent research project for a denominational charity said that they gave to their church because the church stands for the same things as they do. Effective use of money: Increasing numbers of church donors are beginning to ask questions about church finances and are expecting the church to use its money wisely.

Why do people give money to their church? To influence: to make a lasting mark on their local community and the wider world that reflects their Christian values and to invest in causes they believe in. To respond to an urgent need: the majority of church givers I have interviewed in the last two years admitted that they are more likely to give or give more in response to an urgent need.

Why do people give money to their church? Gratitude: for what the church has done in their lives or the lives of the people they care about. Two key words: Gratitude and responsibility. Relationships and belonging: church donors are likely to give when they are directly involved in, the donor has strong ties with other church donors, friends of the donors have benefited from the church’s work.

Institutional survival vs. transforming lives

Today’s donors need to be both inspired and persuaded to keep giving generously

Prague ICF: The story of the church on the boat. They focused on ministry impact and the congregation gave $800,000 in 3 years!

Inspiring people to be good stewards is helping them to see themselves as ministers of God’s love

Serbia: Building relationships in the church and learning the art of giving together

is the ultimate outcome of Christian generosity. Giving like Jesus did is the ultimate outcome of Christian generosity.

Challenges for today’s church How can we help donors to have a heart connection with their church? How can we persuade donors that the church is an effective steward? How can a church show it is worthy of support by the mark it leaves on the community and the wider world? What can a church do to describe the many ongoing needs for resources in terms of the urgency of those needs? In what ways can a church encourage its members to show their gratitude to God by serving others? What can church communities do to forge good relationships that inspire people to belong and to give generously?