Vital Signs: 2025 Annual Statistical Report pt. 2
Part 2 of the Vital Signs 2025 Annual Statistical Report covers ministers’ retirement confidence, multisite ministry trends, and what churches reported about giving, staffing, and mission investment.
Stewardship & Generosity
Stewardship & Generosity gathers Christian Standard articles focused on honoring God with the resources he has entrusted to us—time, money, abilities, and influence. Here you’ll find biblical teaching and practical wisdom on giving, generosity, contentment, budgeting, debt, church finances, fundraising, and supporting ministry and missions. These articles encourage faithful management, joyful generosity, and a gospel-shaped view of possessions that serves others and advances God’s work.
SCHOLARSHIPS CAN HELP PAY FOR A CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Outside scholarships can significantly reduce college costs—especially when students use scholarship databases, ask guidance counselors about local awards, and explore community, employer, and church-based opportunities that often have smaller applicant pools.
Beyond the Budget: Navigating Church Giving and Finances
While a minister may not want to know what individuals in their church give, it’s wise for them to know about the annual budget, the average weekly or monthly giving, how much debt, if any, the church has, and what percentage of the budget is being spent to service the debt.
Borrowed by the Lord
The Lord has given us far more blessings than we deserve. So let’s hold our possessions loosely and cheerfully hand over anything the Lord can use to expand his kingdom.
January 13, 2025
Debt Free
God’s new covenant includes this welcome promise: “I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more” (Hebrews 8:12).
October 31, 2024
The Science Behind Giving and Receiving Gifts
The act of giving elicits positive feelings and emotions for both the giver and the receiver, making it one of the most important exchanges you can have with someone.
October 31, 2024
The Laws of Giving and Receiving
John 4 tells the story of a divine appointment that began with a woman far from God, but ended with many coming to know Jesus as the Savior of the world.
October 31, 2024
Novel Generosity: Churches and Individuals Who Creatively Share Their Blessings with Others
Christians and churches are called by Christ to share their blessings with those around them. Giving often is pretty straight-forward. See a need and meet it. But some givers go a little further with their generosity—not perhaps in what they give, but in how they go about doing it.
July 1, 2024
A Financial Deep Dive
In 2023, 57 percent of churches reported that giving exceeded their budget, with 21 percent saying giving met their budgeted needs. . . .
The Solomon Foundation’s Impact
A bottom line measured in outreach, church attendance, and baptisms . . .
October 25, 2023
FPM Reaches $2.5 Billion in Charitable Gift Designations (Plus News Briefs)
Financial Planning Ministry recently reached a milestone of having helped clients direct $2.5 billion to the ministries they support through estate planning. . . . Jessie Harden and Dr. Walter Zorn presented talks last week during Restoration Appreciation Week at Great Lakes Christian College. . . . And more.
Scary Faith
God led us to reach thousands more for Christ through a capital campaign for a new building. This is our story of walking with God through whirlwinds of uncertainty.
December 19, 2022
Giving vs. Exchanging
As much fun as it is to receive a gift, please consider that Jesus taught that giving a gift is even better, Jeff Stone writes in our second of eight daily Christmas essays. Giving is greater than exchanging.
November 1, 2022
A Macro View on Generosity
By Kent E. Fillinger Giving USA 2022: The Annual Report on Philanthropy for 2021 reported charitable giving rose for its fourth consecutive year, reaching its highest level in history, $484.8 billion. Total giving increased 4 percent in current dollars but decreased 0.7 percent in inflation-adjusted dollars. About two-thirds (67 percent) of total giving came from individuals, the fourth straight year individual giving totaled less than 70 percent. The wealthiest 1.4 percent of the country accounted for 86 percent of charitable donations, according to the Philanthropy Roundtable. Giving is highest among those in their 60s and 70s. Charitable giving since World
November 1, 2022
How to Be a ‘Cheerful Giver’ (and How to Develop More of Them at Your Church)
By Megan Rawlings I first heard of Chuck Lane from my husband’s time at Alliance Defending Freedom, where they worked together. Chuck mentored me in development (sometimes referred to as fundraising). He taught me everything I know. Fundraising is all about relationships and not being afraid to ask. It is a ministry to teach people how to be cheerful givers. Chuck’s insight was unrivaled, and his warmth was immeasurable. We talked a couple of times a month until his untimely death last year. So, to honor his legacy, I want to share with you several thoughts about giving that have
October 17, 2022
Generosity Action Steps for Church Leaders
Kent Fillinger shares four action steps your church’s leaders can take to help prompt people to take the next step in their generosity journey.
September 1, 2022
Allies
By Renee Little with Marshall Mead and Daryl Reed I sit through long meetings to review and approve loans twice each month. We review financials, discuss property location and value, and debate ratios of risk in order to decide whether to approve funding. As a lending institution, due diligence is required, but as lovers of Jesus, we have an even larger responsibility to review and discuss doctrine, leadership, and church direction. We are more than a lender; we are, in fact, a ministry partner. Our mission is to honor God, and the best way to honor him is not just
Compass Christian’s ‘Unstoppable’ Campaign Aptly Named
Compass Christian Church's "Unstoppable" campaign, launched just as COVID-19 was sweeping the nation, has proven to be just that. Almost $50 million has been raised for local ministry, outreach, and campus construction and renovation.
November 23, 2021
When You Have Enough Stuff: Donations for the Kingdom This Christmas
As you look over your Black Friday list, consider these ideas for giving a meaningful and tangible donation to a mission organization this year.
Church Finances: 3 Questions to Consider Now
From a financial standpoint, most churches performed amazingly well during the course of COVID-19. Now, with unprecedented levels of cash on hand, church leaders must strategize how best to steward these resources.
