Stewardship

Church Publishing 9781640653801 $22.95 paper | 6 x 9 | 224 pages April 16, 2021

Legacy of a Lifetime

A Planned Giving Implementation Resource Robert Sessum and L. Pendleton Armistead A manual for securing planned gifts for a church of any denomination or size. In order for churches and related religious institutions to advance their strategic growth initiatives, a variety of funding vehicles are required, and a planned gifts program can play an important part. Sessum and Armistead offer a systematic and sustainable program that is formalized, progressive, and— most importantly—volunteer-based and -driven. The twelve-month program is comprehensive and adaptable. ROBERT SESSUM is a retired Episcopal priest with fifty years of ordained ministry in small and large congregations. Bob was instrumental in instituting a variety of stewardship campaigns throughout his career, including a highly successful planned gifts program. L. PENDLETON ARMISTEAD has thirty-five years of resource development experience for not-for-profit organizations. During his career as a consultant, he has raised over $750 million.

Church Publishing 9781640652873 $10.95 paper | 5.5 x 8.5 | 112 pages June 17, 2021

Creating Financially Sustainable Congregations

James L. Elrod Jr. How can growing churches develop a financial framework that will enhance their mission? The declining trends in religious belief and practice in twenty-first century America are well documented, but they mask the vitality and growth experienced by many individual congregations. Unfortunately, leaders of these growing churches sometimes lack a firm grasp on what’s required for their church to maintain financial equilibrium. This is true for newly-formed congregations as well as established churches. This book, which does not assume readers’ familiarity with principles of accounting or finance, will help facilitate constructive conversations between clergy and lay leaders on money matters. By describing in everyday language some of the practical issues that promote (or erode) financial sustainability, this book will remove the mystery and frustration faith communities often experience when discussing their financial challenges. JAMES L. ELROD JR. has enjoyed a thirty-five-year career in finance that includes significant experience in the nonprofit sector. He has served on the boards of a variety of organizations, including Christ Church Greenwich and Berkeley Divinity School at Yale. He serves on the faculty at Yale Divinity School, teaching nonprofit finance. He lives in Riverside, Connecticut.