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The Coming Revolution in Church Economics: Why Tithes and Offerings Are No Longer Enough, and What You Can Do about It
Our entire understanding of funding and sustainability must change.
Tithes and offerings alone are no longer enough to provide for the needs of the local church, enable pastors to pursue opportunities, or sustain long-term ministry impact. Growing financial burdens on the middle class, marginal increases in contributions to religious organizations, shifting generational attitudes toward giving, and changing demographics are having a negative impact on church budgets. Given that someday local churches may be required to pay taxes on the property they own and/or lose the benefit of soliciting tax-deductible gifts, the time to pivot is now. What's needed is disruptive innovation in church economics.
For churches to not only survive but thrive in the future, leaders must learn to leverage assets, bless the community, empower entrepreneurs, and create multiple streams of income to effectively fund mission. You'll learn why you should and how to do so in The Coming Revolution in Church Economics .
Tithes and offerings alone are no longer enough to provide for the needs of the local church, enable pastors to pursue opportunities, or sustain long-term ministry impact. Growing financial burdens on the middle class, marginal increases in contributions to religious organizations, shifting generational attitudes toward giving, and changing demographics are having a negative impact on church budgets. Given that someday local churches may be required to pay taxes on the property they own and/or lose the benefit of soliciting tax-deductible gifts, the time to pivot is now. What's needed is disruptive innovation in church economics.
For churches to not only survive but thrive in the future, leaders must learn to leverage assets, bless the community, empower entrepreneurs, and create multiple streams of income to effectively fund mission. You'll learn why you should and how to do so in The Coming Revolution in Church Economics .
256 pages, Paperback
Published October 15, 2019
82 people are currently reading
710 people want to read
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November 4, 2019
Tithes and offerings are the standard model for financing a church’s ministry. Sure, a congregation may rent its sanctuary for weddings and funerals or its fellowship hall for community events, but the revenue generated by these rentals is tiny fraction of its income. In the coming years, argue Mark DeYmaz and Harry Li, that tiny fraction will need to grow. That growth is, as the book’s title puts it, The Coming Revolution in Church Economics.
DeYmaz is founding pastor of Mosaic Church of Central Arkansas, cofounder of the Mosaix Global network, and a leader in the multiethnic church movement. Li is senior pastor of Mosaic Church of Central Arkansas. Their church’s budget derives 70 percent of its income from tithes and offering and 30 percent from other sources, including a non-profit charity that receives state and local grants and a for-profit business that rents out a portion of the church’s facilities to businesses.
If you’re like me, you’re probably wondering why the authors think tithes and offerings need to be supplemented. I was raised as a pastor’s kid in what became a megachurch. I worked in several megachurches as a staff pastor. All three churches generated income through the standard model.
Only when I became the senior pastor of a small congregation did I begin to understand the need to cultivate additional revenue streams. We had declined significantly in attendance over the years, but we had the largest evangelical church auditorium in the city. During my years there, we rented our facilities to a much larger congregation without a building, then later to a smaller one in the same predicament. We needed that revenue to pay for much needed, but long deferred improvements to our physical plant.
I mention my personal experience because I was initially skeptical of the book’s proposal until I realized that what I had done out of necessity was something the authors were recommending as sound financial sense. In the coming years, DeYmaz and Li point out, tithes and offerings simply may not be enough to sustain a church’s ministries. The middle class is under increasing financial stress, people are increasingly giving to charitable causes other than religious ones, younger generations give differently than older ones, and the American populace is growing older and more diverse, all of which trends put downward pressure on the amount of money available to churches.
In response to these trends, DeYmaz and Li enumerate seven “directives” to prepare American churches for the future:
1. Free your mind.
2. Stop begging for money.
3. Create multiple streams of income.
4. Leverage church assets.
5. Become a benevolent owner.
6. Monetize existing services.
7. Start new businesses.
The authors have implemented all of these directives at Mosaic Church with some success, as well as a few false starts along the way. Lest you think their advice is coming from a suburban megachurch, you need to know that Mosaic is a mid-size church with approximately 600 in weekly attendance. It was intentionally planted in a multiethnic, economically depressed part of Little Rock, Arkansas. It repurposed an old K-Mart with the idea of providing space for the congregation but also space for start-up businesses. In other words, the church is ministering to both the soul and the body of its community, to its spiritual and economic needs.
I’ll be honest and say I’m not sure that I buy the book’s argument 100 percent. I’m worried that its funding model may drag pastors into businesses for which they have no training or expertise. There are tax implications to churches owning for-profit businesses and receiving government grants for its separate non-profit charities. And the tension between religious liberty on the one hand and employment nondiscrimination and public accommodation laws on the other raise several caution flags in my mind.
DeYmaz and Li are mindful of these worries too and address them in the book. They recommend that your church not do anything without first performing due diligence with regard to the tax and legal implications of its decisions. I second that recommendation. Before you do anything, consult a knowledgeable attorney and accountant.
Still, The Coming Revolution in Church Economics is a worthwhile read, eye-opening in its description of trends and thought-provoking in its recommended responses to those trends. Like me, you may not agree with everything the book says, but it will help your church get ahead of the curve, financially speaking. Of course, the standard model of tithes and offerings must always be the main source of your church’s income. God’s people must support God’s work faithfully. But as economic trends continue to put downward pressure on voluntary giving, good and faithful stewardship requires that we invest our talents with an eye toward a profitable return.
Book Reviewed
Mark DeYmaz with Harry Li, The Coming Revolution in Church Economics: Why Tithes and Offerings Are No Longer Enough, and What You Can Do About It (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2019).
P.S. If you liked my review, please click “Helpful” on my Amazon review page.
P.P.S. Also, check out Mark’s article in the September/October 2019 issue of Influence magazine: “Move Over Generosity,” which is also available in Spanish.
DeYmaz is founding pastor of Mosaic Church of Central Arkansas, cofounder of the Mosaix Global network, and a leader in the multiethnic church movement. Li is senior pastor of Mosaic Church of Central Arkansas. Their church’s budget derives 70 percent of its income from tithes and offering and 30 percent from other sources, including a non-profit charity that receives state and local grants and a for-profit business that rents out a portion of the church’s facilities to businesses.
If you’re like me, you’re probably wondering why the authors think tithes and offerings need to be supplemented. I was raised as a pastor’s kid in what became a megachurch. I worked in several megachurches as a staff pastor. All three churches generated income through the standard model.
Only when I became the senior pastor of a small congregation did I begin to understand the need to cultivate additional revenue streams. We had declined significantly in attendance over the years, but we had the largest evangelical church auditorium in the city. During my years there, we rented our facilities to a much larger congregation without a building, then later to a smaller one in the same predicament. We needed that revenue to pay for much needed, but long deferred improvements to our physical plant.
I mention my personal experience because I was initially skeptical of the book’s proposal until I realized that what I had done out of necessity was something the authors were recommending as sound financial sense. In the coming years, DeYmaz and Li point out, tithes and offerings simply may not be enough to sustain a church’s ministries. The middle class is under increasing financial stress, people are increasingly giving to charitable causes other than religious ones, younger generations give differently than older ones, and the American populace is growing older and more diverse, all of which trends put downward pressure on the amount of money available to churches.
In response to these trends, DeYmaz and Li enumerate seven “directives” to prepare American churches for the future:
1. Free your mind.
2. Stop begging for money.
3. Create multiple streams of income.
4. Leverage church assets.
5. Become a benevolent owner.
6. Monetize existing services.
7. Start new businesses.
The authors have implemented all of these directives at Mosaic Church with some success, as well as a few false starts along the way. Lest you think their advice is coming from a suburban megachurch, you need to know that Mosaic is a mid-size church with approximately 600 in weekly attendance. It was intentionally planted in a multiethnic, economically depressed part of Little Rock, Arkansas. It repurposed an old K-Mart with the idea of providing space for the congregation but also space for start-up businesses. In other words, the church is ministering to both the soul and the body of its community, to its spiritual and economic needs.
I’ll be honest and say I’m not sure that I buy the book’s argument 100 percent. I’m worried that its funding model may drag pastors into businesses for which they have no training or expertise. There are tax implications to churches owning for-profit businesses and receiving government grants for its separate non-profit charities. And the tension between religious liberty on the one hand and employment nondiscrimination and public accommodation laws on the other raise several caution flags in my mind.
DeYmaz and Li are mindful of these worries too and address them in the book. They recommend that your church not do anything without first performing due diligence with regard to the tax and legal implications of its decisions. I second that recommendation. Before you do anything, consult a knowledgeable attorney and accountant.
Still, The Coming Revolution in Church Economics is a worthwhile read, eye-opening in its description of trends and thought-provoking in its recommended responses to those trends. Like me, you may not agree with everything the book says, but it will help your church get ahead of the curve, financially speaking. Of course, the standard model of tithes and offerings must always be the main source of your church’s income. God’s people must support God’s work faithfully. But as economic trends continue to put downward pressure on voluntary giving, good and faithful stewardship requires that we invest our talents with an eye toward a profitable return.
Book Reviewed
Mark DeYmaz with Harry Li, The Coming Revolution in Church Economics: Why Tithes and Offerings Are No Longer Enough, and What You Can Do About It (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2019).
P.S. If you liked my review, please click “Helpful” on my Amazon review page.
P.P.S. Also, check out Mark’s article in the September/October 2019 issue of Influence magazine: “Move Over Generosity,” which is also available in Spanish.
October 20, 2022
This was a useful read in that it distinguishes itself from other books like this by taking an honest look at how wider economics impact church economics (what I call “The Hard Math”). Their assessment of the current economic reality was refreshing.
Good points: the authors encourage creativity in church revenue generation. They recognize that church ministry and community impact can be partners in revenue generation. They offer concrete examples of successful revenue generating projects and show the reader the process by which the success was achieved.
Other Areas: An American evangelical perspective. They’re unabashedly pro-capitalism, a system in which they seek to harness in churches that are gathering multiple streams of income to sustain themselves. There’s no tension between the biblical calls to economic justice and unrestrained capitalism. Further, I found the insistent call to “win people for Christ” off putting.
Also, they often use church plants as successful examples which function quite differently from established churches.
It is a useful supplement to other liberal or mainline church perspectives that use similar ideas, but with a recognition that tension exists between the the biblical call to economic justice and equality and how revenue is generated in churches and ministries.
Good points: the authors encourage creativity in church revenue generation. They recognize that church ministry and community impact can be partners in revenue generation. They offer concrete examples of successful revenue generating projects and show the reader the process by which the success was achieved.
Other Areas: An American evangelical perspective. They’re unabashedly pro-capitalism, a system in which they seek to harness in churches that are gathering multiple streams of income to sustain themselves. There’s no tension between the biblical calls to economic justice and unrestrained capitalism. Further, I found the insistent call to “win people for Christ” off putting.
Also, they often use church plants as successful examples which function quite differently from established churches.
It is a useful supplement to other liberal or mainline church perspectives that use similar ideas, but with a recognition that tension exists between the the biblical call to economic justice and equality and how revenue is generated in churches and ministries.
February 5, 2021
The book is a solid 3.5 stars. The book raises a lot of good questions that the church has to grapple with and give an answer to. I would treat this book as an introductory book on one possible solution to the coming problems that churches will have to reckon with.
While I don't agree with all the solutions and some of the exegetical conclusions he comes to, I do think it's essential for all church leaders to at least entertain the problem/question that Pastor DeYmaz presents. They should hear out a pastor who put his money where his mouth is and succeeds. It's not a difficult read, but it does present a difficult dilemma!
While I don't agree with all the solutions and some of the exegetical conclusions he comes to, I do think it's essential for all church leaders to at least entertain the problem/question that Pastor DeYmaz presents. They should hear out a pastor who put his money where his mouth is and succeeds. It's not a difficult read, but it does present a difficult dilemma!
December 18, 2019
I can tell the author put a lot of thought and work into writing this book. He did an excellent job of that. Past that I cannot agree with him. First his approach of tithing in the New Testament is not biblically accurate. We live not under the law now but by grace. It still applies.
The concept of the church becoming involved as a worldly business to support itself is a sacrilege to me. The focus will be on money and possessions, not its true calling. The church is not building and assets, it is the people. Is it possible that some churches like individuals have stepped over the boundaries of what they can afford and now cannot maintain it? Yes the church needs an adequate building, classrooms, lights, heating, the basics but beyond that no. It is there to spread God’s Word and Christ’s sacrifice, not have all the latest technology, impressive decorations, etc. To say that God will not provide for the church’s NEEDS is offensive. Yes “needs”, not wants. God does and He will. My husband pastored a small church for 21 ½ years before he died and I still attend there. In number we are on the small side still, and no not all our member’s tithe, but the church has been functioning a alive for 36 years now. The miracles we have seen in God’s provision is nothing short of amazing. When I great need arises God has always miraculously provided, many times to the exact cent. It grieves me to think that God’s church would turn away from complete faith in His promises to take things into their own hands.
I received this book from Baker Publishing in exchange for an honest review. The opinions stated are my own.
The concept of the church becoming involved as a worldly business to support itself is a sacrilege to me. The focus will be on money and possessions, not its true calling. The church is not building and assets, it is the people. Is it possible that some churches like individuals have stepped over the boundaries of what they can afford and now cannot maintain it? Yes the church needs an adequate building, classrooms, lights, heating, the basics but beyond that no. It is there to spread God’s Word and Christ’s sacrifice, not have all the latest technology, impressive decorations, etc. To say that God will not provide for the church’s NEEDS is offensive. Yes “needs”, not wants. God does and He will. My husband pastored a small church for 21 ½ years before he died and I still attend there. In number we are on the small side still, and no not all our member’s tithe, but the church has been functioning a alive for 36 years now. The miracles we have seen in God’s provision is nothing short of amazing. When I great need arises God has always miraculously provided, many times to the exact cent. It grieves me to think that God’s church would turn away from complete faith in His promises to take things into their own hands.
I received this book from Baker Publishing in exchange for an honest review. The opinions stated are my own.
August 30, 2020
We're at a moment in western history where the conventional church model is increasingly unsustainable. The paradigm for how to fund and function as a local church is shifting. Mark DeYmaz has written an important book to help leaders "imagine what your church could do if it generated 30 percent of its revenue through for-profit enterprise." After an overview of current demographics, giving patterns, and cultural challenges influencing local churches, DeYmaz offers a framework for developing for-profit, non-profit, and churches in tandem with one another. The for-profit businesses provide economic development for the community and revenue for the local church. The non-profit addresses community needs. The local church gathers people for worship, teaches God's word, and integrates business into the mission of the Body.
These are important things for a local church to pursue, not merely for its survival, but for its mission. This is church planting and church growth with the community in mind. DeYmaz writes, "Whatever decisions are good for the church should be good for the community."
Drawing from the experiences of Mosaic, the church he leads, he addresses not only the nuts and bolts of a church starting a for-profit business, but he also identifies the change in leadership style that is necessary to utilise a the human resources that God has already provided in a local church. Rather than viewing church members as those who can simply give to support ministries, church members can be entrepreneurs who initiate ministries and businesses for the kingdom. At the same time, cultivating a generous mindset should be part of the discipleship process.
DeYmaz delves into both the structural and staffing changes that a local church needs to make to develop for-profit businesses. It's an intensely practical book, and the model he suggests is worth considering as local churches move into a season where less people giving less will be the norm. However, there are a few other important aspects of this transition that he fails to mention, and some dangers of which we should be aware.
First, while developing for-profit business is a new concept for most churches, DeYmaz focuses exclusively on developing income streams for the conventional church. Though this is important, its also possible to develop other ways of being the church that are less dependent on revenue. DeYmaz acknowledges that the largest expenditures of the local church are facilities and staff. Would these have been the largest expenditures of the local church in the first century? Though we don't live in the first century, wrestling with this question may provide additional insights into how a church can function and be funded.
Second, DeYmaz mentions 3 traditional paths for pastors: vocational (paid by the church), bi-vocational (earning income through secular employment), and co-vocational (earning some money for the church with part-time or side gigs as a revenue supplement). Each of these is valid, though there's a fourth option as well. In addition to pastors and church planters engaging in business, why not consider training business people to make disciples and plant churches? This requires a different way of thinking about church and leadership, but I've found it's easier to train business people to make disciples than to train pastors to do business.
Third, there are parts of the world where national churches are sustained by large business interests such as hotels, real estate, and large-scale food/beverage distribution. What I've noticed is that when a church is no longer dependent on it's people for survival, it can quickly lose its missional purpose. I've been in plenty of churches that can survive with 10-15 showing up each week because they have external sources of revenue. Making profit becomes a more dominant metric than making disciples.
Fourth, the western evangelical church has already been deeply formed by the corporate, for-profit model. Church buildings are "campuses," the pastor functions as a CEO, growth is the result of programming and marketing, and the dominant metrics mimic return on investment. We need to be careful where this model takes us. Acts 3:6 illustrates that much - maybe more - can be done by a church with few resources than a church with plenty. While finances are a blessing from God to be stewarded for his glory and the good of others, our ministries shouldn't be limited to what we can afford. Our greatest need isn't for more funds, but for more faith. For every conversation about increasing funding, we need 5 conversations about increasing faith.
Economic realities will force local churches to rethink their funding models. Many churches would be wise to consider how to develop multiple revenue streams as DeYmaz suggests, and to integrate this into the mission of the church. They should do this while exploring other models of church and carefully monitoring how they spend the money they make and the tithes and offerings they receive. The ultimate metrics reflect the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations.
These are important things for a local church to pursue, not merely for its survival, but for its mission. This is church planting and church growth with the community in mind. DeYmaz writes, "Whatever decisions are good for the church should be good for the community."
Drawing from the experiences of Mosaic, the church he leads, he addresses not only the nuts and bolts of a church starting a for-profit business, but he also identifies the change in leadership style that is necessary to utilise a the human resources that God has already provided in a local church. Rather than viewing church members as those who can simply give to support ministries, church members can be entrepreneurs who initiate ministries and businesses for the kingdom. At the same time, cultivating a generous mindset should be part of the discipleship process.
DeYmaz delves into both the structural and staffing changes that a local church needs to make to develop for-profit businesses. It's an intensely practical book, and the model he suggests is worth considering as local churches move into a season where less people giving less will be the norm. However, there are a few other important aspects of this transition that he fails to mention, and some dangers of which we should be aware.
First, while developing for-profit business is a new concept for most churches, DeYmaz focuses exclusively on developing income streams for the conventional church. Though this is important, its also possible to develop other ways of being the church that are less dependent on revenue. DeYmaz acknowledges that the largest expenditures of the local church are facilities and staff. Would these have been the largest expenditures of the local church in the first century? Though we don't live in the first century, wrestling with this question may provide additional insights into how a church can function and be funded.
Second, DeYmaz mentions 3 traditional paths for pastors: vocational (paid by the church), bi-vocational (earning income through secular employment), and co-vocational (earning some money for the church with part-time or side gigs as a revenue supplement). Each of these is valid, though there's a fourth option as well. In addition to pastors and church planters engaging in business, why not consider training business people to make disciples and plant churches? This requires a different way of thinking about church and leadership, but I've found it's easier to train business people to make disciples than to train pastors to do business.
Third, there are parts of the world where national churches are sustained by large business interests such as hotels, real estate, and large-scale food/beverage distribution. What I've noticed is that when a church is no longer dependent on it's people for survival, it can quickly lose its missional purpose. I've been in plenty of churches that can survive with 10-15 showing up each week because they have external sources of revenue. Making profit becomes a more dominant metric than making disciples.
Fourth, the western evangelical church has already been deeply formed by the corporate, for-profit model. Church buildings are "campuses," the pastor functions as a CEO, growth is the result of programming and marketing, and the dominant metrics mimic return on investment. We need to be careful where this model takes us. Acts 3:6 illustrates that much - maybe more - can be done by a church with few resources than a church with plenty. While finances are a blessing from God to be stewarded for his glory and the good of others, our ministries shouldn't be limited to what we can afford. Our greatest need isn't for more funds, but for more faith. For every conversation about increasing funding, we need 5 conversations about increasing faith.
Economic realities will force local churches to rethink their funding models. Many churches would be wise to consider how to develop multiple revenue streams as DeYmaz suggests, and to integrate this into the mission of the church. They should do this while exploring other models of church and carefully monitoring how they spend the money they make and the tithes and offerings they receive. The ultimate metrics reflect the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations.
July 9, 2024
In The Coming Revolution, Mark DeYmaz starts by going through the demographics of American society, the economy, and spending habits of each age based demographic. The statistics he cites show that the population is aging, and that a majority of population will ge older adults as opposed to children. He discusses current demographic trends facing the US. That there will be a further rise in dual income households, an increase in housing prices, and inflation.
According to DeYmaz’s statistical citations, millennials have different spending habits from the previous generations and also prefer volunteering over donations, and only giving money to causes they believe are trustworthy. The book covers both the topic of church economics from various angles, the biblical angle where he quotes a few bible passages to reinforce the perceived scriptural importance of financial literacy; the anecdotal angle where he discusses his own successful experiences and others’ experiences in religious entrepreneurship; the practical angle where he gives advice to the reader on how to engage in religious entrepreneurship, leadership, financial literacy, good stewardship and so on; and the statistical angle where he explains what is happening to the US’ economy and how religious organisations could be taxed in the future.
His theology is one of works combined with faith, and not that of a sola fide theology. Some intriguing examples of advice he gives to maximising church economics includes renting out the church space to other businesses and people, having dentists, building cafes, gyms, wellness studios and embedding church spaces inside shopping malls. DeYmaz highlights the importance on the revitalization of low-socioeconomic neighbourhoods, having multiethnic churches and positive community development.
Another concept of his is splitting the church off into various wings such as the mission wing, which focuses on preaching; the financial wing, which deals with church assets, including property or facilities, money, and people, revitalizing abandoned spaces, creating jobs, establishing rent roles, reducing the likelihood of crime, generating taxes for the city, and advancing the common good; and the social wing which distributes food and clothing to those in need, mentors at-risk children, provides low-cost legal services to immigrants, assists families who have adopted or foster children, works with teen mothers of preschoolers, and teaches English as a second language (ESL), and the like.
My favourite chapter is chapter 7, Monetizing Existing Services, in which DeYmaz goes through various case studies on monetizing pre-existing services in his church as well as advice on how to monetize church services. Examples of case studies include DeYmaz hiring staff and selling coffee, sausages biscuits, waffles and juice in the church café; and subsequently renting out the church café for a profit to a company called River City Nutrition (RCN), a smoothie and juice bar offering meal replacement shakes, nutritional counselling, and calorie-burning teas; and renting out the church parking lot to food trucks and carnivals/festivals. The ideas for monetization that he gives to the reader in this chapter, that are not case studies, include: At Risk Youth programs, graphics design and printing departments, and nursing homes.
This book will probably not be popular with those believe purely in the theology of sola fide. That they believe a pastor should rely on faith over works, or that a pastor should live in poverty. That money is the root of all evil, etc. The book challenges the notion of relying just on tithes, or that faith is opposed to financial literacy. It’s a very practical and pragmatic book, and it is a “pro-capitalism” look into how to promote Christianity in a financially sustainable way in a modern society. DeYmaz’s sees financial literacy, real estate, economic growth, entrepreneurship, community building, and faith in Christ as harmonious and not something that is diametrically opposed.
A quote from the final chapter neatly summarises what to do for pastors:
“Therefore, whether you are a creative and intuitive entrepreneur or not at all business-minded, we encourage you to do the following:
Embrace the concepts.
Establish strategic plans.
Enlist others to the cause.
Empower them to lead.
Enjoy seeing God produce spiritual, social, and financial ROI through you and your church in the years ahead.
Toward that end, we remain one in Christ with you.”
The book ends with the afterword written by Doctor Christopher Benek, discussing the rise of automation and the necessity for church leaders to prepare for the huge technological change that will disrupt jobs, lead to increased unemployment, and social instability etc.
According to DeYmaz’s statistical citations, millennials have different spending habits from the previous generations and also prefer volunteering over donations, and only giving money to causes they believe are trustworthy. The book covers both the topic of church economics from various angles, the biblical angle where he quotes a few bible passages to reinforce the perceived scriptural importance of financial literacy; the anecdotal angle where he discusses his own successful experiences and others’ experiences in religious entrepreneurship; the practical angle where he gives advice to the reader on how to engage in religious entrepreneurship, leadership, financial literacy, good stewardship and so on; and the statistical angle where he explains what is happening to the US’ economy and how religious organisations could be taxed in the future.
His theology is one of works combined with faith, and not that of a sola fide theology. Some intriguing examples of advice he gives to maximising church economics includes renting out the church space to other businesses and people, having dentists, building cafes, gyms, wellness studios and embedding church spaces inside shopping malls. DeYmaz highlights the importance on the revitalization of low-socioeconomic neighbourhoods, having multiethnic churches and positive community development.
Another concept of his is splitting the church off into various wings such as the mission wing, which focuses on preaching; the financial wing, which deals with church assets, including property or facilities, money, and people, revitalizing abandoned spaces, creating jobs, establishing rent roles, reducing the likelihood of crime, generating taxes for the city, and advancing the common good; and the social wing which distributes food and clothing to those in need, mentors at-risk children, provides low-cost legal services to immigrants, assists families who have adopted or foster children, works with teen mothers of preschoolers, and teaches English as a second language (ESL), and the like.
My favourite chapter is chapter 7, Monetizing Existing Services, in which DeYmaz goes through various case studies on monetizing pre-existing services in his church as well as advice on how to monetize church services. Examples of case studies include DeYmaz hiring staff and selling coffee, sausages biscuits, waffles and juice in the church café; and subsequently renting out the church café for a profit to a company called River City Nutrition (RCN), a smoothie and juice bar offering meal replacement shakes, nutritional counselling, and calorie-burning teas; and renting out the church parking lot to food trucks and carnivals/festivals. The ideas for monetization that he gives to the reader in this chapter, that are not case studies, include: At Risk Youth programs, graphics design and printing departments, and nursing homes.
This book will probably not be popular with those believe purely in the theology of sola fide. That they believe a pastor should rely on faith over works, or that a pastor should live in poverty. That money is the root of all evil, etc. The book challenges the notion of relying just on tithes, or that faith is opposed to financial literacy. It’s a very practical and pragmatic book, and it is a “pro-capitalism” look into how to promote Christianity in a financially sustainable way in a modern society. DeYmaz’s sees financial literacy, real estate, economic growth, entrepreneurship, community building, and faith in Christ as harmonious and not something that is diametrically opposed.
A quote from the final chapter neatly summarises what to do for pastors:
“Therefore, whether you are a creative and intuitive entrepreneur or not at all business-minded, we encourage you to do the following:
Embrace the concepts.
Establish strategic plans.
Enlist others to the cause.
Empower them to lead.
Enjoy seeing God produce spiritual, social, and financial ROI through you and your church in the years ahead.
Toward that end, we remain one in Christ with you.”
The book ends with the afterword written by Doctor Christopher Benek, discussing the rise of automation and the necessity for church leaders to prepare for the huge technological change that will disrupt jobs, lead to increased unemployment, and social instability etc.
October 21, 2020
This is a "be like me" book. I (my church, business, book club) did something, it worked, you (your church, business, book club) should do it too. There's nothing wrong with that. It seems every successful businessman, athlete and megachurch pastor seems to have one or is working on one.
There's much to learn from these kind of books. The caveat of course is whether their example is indicative of a greater truth or, for lack of a better word, they were lucky. Mr DeYmaz does give four examples at the end of the book that illustrate other churches that are following similar concepts. However, one of the examples makes it clear that the particular church in question was started in a very wealthy neighborhood which goes against what was talked about earlier in the book. That's a minor quibble.
The big idea is suggested by the title. Churches need to think beyond tithes and offerings and they need to do it intentionally. You will find no argument with me here. Churches and pastors have long been absolutely paranoid about doing anything that involves paying taxes. I have often wondered how local church ministry would be different if the church were fully taxable. Like Mr DeYmaz, I believe that the tax exemptions currently allowed to churches and pastors are going to end, probably sooner rather than later. Better to be prepared now.
I have two problems with the book although they don't really affect my agreement with the overall point. First, Mr DeYmaz seems to follow the long held belief among pastors and churches that all of them are essentially sacred and deserve to exist. The author gives several reasons why giving is down (income availability, generational differences, etc). He doesn't suggest that the local church shouldn't be in business in the first place. I'm not anti-local church by any means. It just seems to me that another reason that at least should be considered as to why giving doesn't support ministry is that the person running the show shouldn't be there in the first place.
Second, this is not Mr DeYmaz' first book. That becomes apparent rather quickly because he quotes himself. A lot. As a way of selling his earlier books I suppose it's a good idea. As someone who looks at footnotes and sources a lot it's a bit annoying to see that source for his statement is himself. That doesn't make the point wrong and I suppose if the point was perfectly made in an earlier book why re-write it? And it did work on me in that I went online and found a used copy of one of his earlier books.
There's much to learn from these kind of books. The caveat of course is whether their example is indicative of a greater truth or, for lack of a better word, they were lucky. Mr DeYmaz does give four examples at the end of the book that illustrate other churches that are following similar concepts. However, one of the examples makes it clear that the particular church in question was started in a very wealthy neighborhood which goes against what was talked about earlier in the book. That's a minor quibble.
The big idea is suggested by the title. Churches need to think beyond tithes and offerings and they need to do it intentionally. You will find no argument with me here. Churches and pastors have long been absolutely paranoid about doing anything that involves paying taxes. I have often wondered how local church ministry would be different if the church were fully taxable. Like Mr DeYmaz, I believe that the tax exemptions currently allowed to churches and pastors are going to end, probably sooner rather than later. Better to be prepared now.
I have two problems with the book although they don't really affect my agreement with the overall point. First, Mr DeYmaz seems to follow the long held belief among pastors and churches that all of them are essentially sacred and deserve to exist. The author gives several reasons why giving is down (income availability, generational differences, etc). He doesn't suggest that the local church shouldn't be in business in the first place. I'm not anti-local church by any means. It just seems to me that another reason that at least should be considered as to why giving doesn't support ministry is that the person running the show shouldn't be there in the first place.
Second, this is not Mr DeYmaz' first book. That becomes apparent rather quickly because he quotes himself. A lot. As a way of selling his earlier books I suppose it's a good idea. As someone who looks at footnotes and sources a lot it's a bit annoying to see that source for his statement is himself. That doesn't make the point wrong and I suppose if the point was perfectly made in an earlier book why re-write it? And it did work on me in that I went online and found a used copy of one of his earlier books.
November 26, 2019
This will be a controversial book among churches. Much like a book on small churches perceived as calling large churches bad... this book has many great points and a few jumps in logic.
First I agree as do statistics that the boomer and down are giving less. In fact I recently read that Christians in the Great Depression era out gave current givers. So yes. There is an issue.
Second too often churches and plants put too high of a demand on the budget. This is unsustainable and hinders ministries and often the highest cost is payroll and benefits.
Third churches need to rely less on tithing and more on secondary sources such as facility rentals.
But there are problems.
First do we not seek to educate? But since this book takes the tithe as a non-New testament “law” then we shouldn’t waste our time. Now Jesus mentions the Tithe as the author addressed but what they didn’t address is since we live by the Ten Commandments still (ever try to murder someone) then why would this be removed? Oh and how about that tithe was never called a law in the Old Testament. Yet even if it was Jesus taught a “greater law” that came from the Holy Spirit. (Think of verses about speaking ill as being murder etc). Jesus calls us to a deeper adherence.
Second, the examples of church plants is not always the norm. Not all plants are seeking $200,000 budgets and large payrolls. We have house churches, and small church, and others that are not financial drains.
I appreciate the concept and challenge of the author but had difficulty with some of the comments and leaps which are not peer reviewed or founded on all the facts. It felt as though they had their points and found stats to prove them. Check the same Ed Setzer reports and Lifeway research today and these have already begun to change.
Focus the book on the idea that churches do need to address the lesser giving and do so with sustainable income then you’ve got a great read.
Thank you to the publisher for this free ebook to review. The comments are my own and based on my views and opinions. I was not expect d to review the book in any specific way.
First I agree as do statistics that the boomer and down are giving less. In fact I recently read that Christians in the Great Depression era out gave current givers. So yes. There is an issue.
Second too often churches and plants put too high of a demand on the budget. This is unsustainable and hinders ministries and often the highest cost is payroll and benefits.
Third churches need to rely less on tithing and more on secondary sources such as facility rentals.
But there are problems.
First do we not seek to educate? But since this book takes the tithe as a non-New testament “law” then we shouldn’t waste our time. Now Jesus mentions the Tithe as the author addressed but what they didn’t address is since we live by the Ten Commandments still (ever try to murder someone) then why would this be removed? Oh and how about that tithe was never called a law in the Old Testament. Yet even if it was Jesus taught a “greater law” that came from the Holy Spirit. (Think of verses about speaking ill as being murder etc). Jesus calls us to a deeper adherence.
Second, the examples of church plants is not always the norm. Not all plants are seeking $200,000 budgets and large payrolls. We have house churches, and small church, and others that are not financial drains.
I appreciate the concept and challenge of the author but had difficulty with some of the comments and leaps which are not peer reviewed or founded on all the facts. It felt as though they had their points and found stats to prove them. Check the same Ed Setzer reports and Lifeway research today and these have already begun to change.
Focus the book on the idea that churches do need to address the lesser giving and do so with sustainable income then you’ve got a great read.
Thank you to the publisher for this free ebook to review. The comments are my own and based on my views and opinions. I was not expect d to review the book in any specific way.
July 20, 2023
This is an intriguing book. I think it diagnoses the problem quite well. Churches in general are shrinking in membership, younger generations tend to give less of their money to churches than prior generations, and there is increasing pressure on the government to tax churches (I hope it doesn't happen, but it likely will someday). The authors ask how churches are preparing for the new economic realities they are going to need to survive, and the traditional answer is through the offering plate. The authors believe in the offering plate, and they also believe in God to supply the needs of the congregation. At the same time, they suggest that sometimes God wants us to use what we have and the resources and assets available to us for the advancement of his church.
They tell several stories of how this could happen. Some churches may purchase large buildings and lease out the additional space they are not using to help pay for the mortgage. Churches are empty a lot during the week, so could there be an opportunity to lease office space to businesses or nonprofits? Other churches might assist members in the creation of businesses that can serve the church but also serve the community. For example, the church may help create a janitorial service that can clean the church, but also generate income to pay for itself by claiming other places, serve the community and help the church avoid one potential expense.
This is a thought-provoking book. I imagine many people will be uncomfortable. The church is certainly not a business. At the same time, churches need to pay their bills, so there are creative ways in which churches might be able to utilize assets they already have available.
They tell several stories of how this could happen. Some churches may purchase large buildings and lease out the additional space they are not using to help pay for the mortgage. Churches are empty a lot during the week, so could there be an opportunity to lease office space to businesses or nonprofits? Other churches might assist members in the creation of businesses that can serve the church but also serve the community. For example, the church may help create a janitorial service that can clean the church, but also generate income to pay for itself by claiming other places, serve the community and help the church avoid one potential expense.
This is a thought-provoking book. I imagine many people will be uncomfortable. The church is certainly not a business. At the same time, churches need to pay their bills, so there are creative ways in which churches might be able to utilize assets they already have available.
November 4, 2019
If you are a pastor or financial leader in your church, I think this is a must read.
It not only addresses the impact of changes in economics in the future of the church but also calls the church to its original mission of being a good news community to its city and neighbors. I felt a range of emotions in reading this book.
1. Validation - I am not the only leader feeling and sensing that many of our classic methods and communication are not working and the arrival of this economic revolution will impact the church for the foreseeable future. There was comfort in credibility of the sense that there needs to be a greater merger of a healthy partnership with churches and local businesses and city agencies for the sake of the gospel.
2. Urgency - I am called to do something about it now and not wait for the status quo to dictate our direction and our mission. The book is not alarmist or propaganda but it is very realistic and timely in warning of the changes that our demographics and economy are bringing to the non-profit and business world.
3. Hope - I feel encouraged that there is something I can do about this as leader and that there are tools, resources and most of all, wonderfully gifted people all around me who can help guide our ministry into a future that is fruitful, creative, financially sustainable and generous in our city.
This book and Deymaz's previous work "Disruption: Repurposing the church for the sake of the community" are very well written, clear and action-oriented with practical business and economic strategy and strong biblical foundation for the church to be intentional in its mission.
Highly recommend
It not only addresses the impact of changes in economics in the future of the church but also calls the church to its original mission of being a good news community to its city and neighbors. I felt a range of emotions in reading this book.
1. Validation - I am not the only leader feeling and sensing that many of our classic methods and communication are not working and the arrival of this economic revolution will impact the church for the foreseeable future. There was comfort in credibility of the sense that there needs to be a greater merger of a healthy partnership with churches and local businesses and city agencies for the sake of the gospel.
2. Urgency - I am called to do something about it now and not wait for the status quo to dictate our direction and our mission. The book is not alarmist or propaganda but it is very realistic and timely in warning of the changes that our demographics and economy are bringing to the non-profit and business world.
3. Hope - I feel encouraged that there is something I can do about this as leader and that there are tools, resources and most of all, wonderfully gifted people all around me who can help guide our ministry into a future that is fruitful, creative, financially sustainable and generous in our city.
This book and Deymaz's previous work "Disruption: Repurposing the church for the sake of the community" are very well written, clear and action-oriented with practical business and economic strategy and strong biblical foundation for the church to be intentional in its mission.
Highly recommend
April 2, 2020
I have a lot to learn from these guys. We definitely need to move towards more creative, entrepreneurial modes of relating to the world, where not only do insiders to the church see value and invest in the church's activity, but outsiders see value in our common good kingdom endeavors and desire to invest in it as well. If we indeed are loving our community and creating value, people should recognize it and value the work enough to participate in the economy that emerges around our work, whether they follow Jesus and agree with our beliefs yet or not!
This book sparked in me a desire to push deeper to explore and reflect and discipline myself to understand economically models of ministry that are socially just, financially responsible, kingdom minded, racially-reconciling, etc. True kingdom shalom also invites people into economic shalom. Too often we invite people into a scarcity mindset and a call to sacrificial giving without a call to creative, common-good, community-minded, entrepreneurial value-production. Can we call for both? Can participating in a Christian church community be participation in God's value producing work in the world, rather than just participating in mercy/charity work that potentially perpetuates negative power dynamics of dependence rather than empowerment? Questions I will continue to explore as I pursue deeper learning here.
This book sparked in me a desire to push deeper to explore and reflect and discipline myself to understand economically models of ministry that are socially just, financially responsible, kingdom minded, racially-reconciling, etc. True kingdom shalom also invites people into economic shalom. Too often we invite people into a scarcity mindset and a call to sacrificial giving without a call to creative, common-good, community-minded, entrepreneurial value-production. Can we call for both? Can participating in a Christian church community be participation in God's value producing work in the world, rather than just participating in mercy/charity work that potentially perpetuates negative power dynamics of dependence rather than empowerment? Questions I will continue to explore as I pursue deeper learning here.
November 26, 2019
This book offers up a new outlook on tithes and offerings. According to the authors, traditional tithes and offerings are not always enough to keep a church going and help it grow. The authors offer advice on how to generate funds within the church. Some of their ideas include starting businesses, creating multiple sources of income, and changing the way donations are collected. This subject is one that is often considered controversial so not everyone will agree with this book. Personally, I could not really relate to this book because I do not attend a "megachurch." I feel like this is the type of church that would benefit from this type of book. I attend a conservative Southern Baptist church so I cannot fully get on board with the advice given in this book. Furthermore, I found the multiple author viewpoint to be confusing as it varied back and forth. Nevertheless, the right audience may be able to better relate to this book and I am thankful for the opportunity to read and review this book.
June 16, 2023
I saw Mark Deymaz speak at a conference before I read (or had heard of) his book.
I appreciated this book because it really forced me to think in some new and different ways, and to challenge some assumptions I had always had about how churches operate.
I don't know how many of my (or my congregation's) practices will change because of what I've read here. Some will. And I really appreciated the emphasis on turning into the deficits to find ways to make them "break even" things...or even things that generate revenue.
And I do think there are times when we do (and should) give things away.
But still this book forced me to think. And I will continue to do so.
I did think the book was thin theologically. It was very practical...and I appreciate that. But I'm also curious about a bit of a deeper dive into the biblical and theological underpinnings of Mark's positions.
This book is worth reading. Especially for larger congregations.
I appreciated this book because it really forced me to think in some new and different ways, and to challenge some assumptions I had always had about how churches operate.
I don't know how many of my (or my congregation's) practices will change because of what I've read here. Some will. And I really appreciated the emphasis on turning into the deficits to find ways to make them "break even" things...or even things that generate revenue.
And I do think there are times when we do (and should) give things away.
But still this book forced me to think. And I will continue to do so.
I did think the book was thin theologically. It was very practical...and I appreciate that. But I'm also curious about a bit of a deeper dive into the biblical and theological underpinnings of Mark's positions.
This book is worth reading. Especially for larger congregations.
December 8, 2019
I suspect the target audience for The Coming Revolution in Church Economics by Mark DeYmas and Harry Li consists of pastors, elders, and those in financial leadership of a church. I am none of those. While someone with a more vested interest in the topic might find the book more engaging, I understood what the authors were saying. I thought the authors did an excellent job of explaining their positions on the statements they made. They addressed common assumptions/arguments made against what they propose. Overall, it’s a thought-provoking read about church economics.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
October 15, 2019
Mark DeYmaz I want to thank you for picking me for t0 me win your book I have found the financial ins and outs of our churches educational. I also noticed the interesting ways you have instituted increases of revenue in the last couple of churches you have been at. I think that all churches should read this book if for no other reason ……. give them ideas that they most likely have not thought of.
GREAT JOB!!!!!!
JOB WELL DONE!!!!
AGAIN THANK YOU FOR LETTING ME WIN THIS BOOK!
GREAT JOB!!!!!!
JOB WELL DONE!!!!
AGAIN THANK YOU FOR LETTING ME WIN THIS BOOK!
February 10, 2020
This book was creatively beautiful writing and compelling to read with that also had challenged everyone, especially for the local church and the community helping them to understand and developing and be able to drive through the socioeconomic, was always changing with the fast world we are all living now. I highly recommend to everyone must to read this book. “ I received complimentary a copy of this book from Baker Books Bloggers for this review”.
December 18, 2021
This was a hard book to finish. I just don’t think that the authors attack the problem in a way that is entirely biblical or that takes into consideration the unique make up and locale of every church. It seems like they have found some great ways to find their church and other plants. But to take was has worked for them and assume it applies or will apply to each situation seems a bit far for me.
January 18, 2020
I’m glad I read it. The title of the book is a good description of what I found inside. I did not find a lot I agreed with in terms of ecclesiology or missiology. The author’s analysis of the issues at hand seems spot on. His answers are interesting and a lot more conventional than appears from the outside. I liked it because it got me thinking about some things I need to think about.
September 8, 2021
Great read for any church leader
Very thought provoking concepts that tackle economic challenges of any church. Any church of any size, region, context, and social setting will benefit from considering some ways to leverage their assets, beyond contributions, to make a greater impact.
Very thought provoking concepts that tackle economic challenges of any church. Any church of any size, region, context, and social setting will benefit from considering some ways to leverage their assets, beyond contributions, to make a greater impact.
August 30, 2022
Key read for pastors and church leaders. Stories and examples throughout.
Suggests the need for entrepreneurial and profitable ways to fund ministry and offset costs. Valuable insights for the changing church world in the west!
If your a pastor read this book.
Suggests the need for entrepreneurial and profitable ways to fund ministry and offset costs. Valuable insights for the changing church world in the west!
If your a pastor read this book.
April 3, 2020
must read for all church leaders - there will be a huge disruption in church funding and we need to be prepared
June 18, 2020
If you are a pastor, or know one, please encourage them to read this book and apply principles in their church ASAP.
November 11, 2021
Highlights in Hoopla
September 3, 2022
“A whole new model and approach to church development and funding is needed, with impact and sustainability in mind. “ pg 212
Innovative, must read for church planting entrepreneurs.
Innovative, must read for church planting entrepreneurs.
February 11, 2023
As a church planter myself in a college town context where we are constantly trying to figure out how to be sustainable, this book is earth shattering. A must read, especially for church planters.
March 16, 2023
Smart and thought provoking.
June 7, 2023
"Twenty-first century effective evangelism will be rooted in economics." Yet another example of the spiritual bankruptcy of the Main-line protestant churches. Save Sheckels not souls.
July 24, 2023
I get it. I understand the problem. But just not connecting with the solutions.
Very evangelically in tone. Was left wanting so much more substance and depth. Almost zero theological content.
Very evangelically in tone. Was left wanting so much more substance and depth. Almost zero theological content.
Read
August 29, 2025Thought provoking. I don't agree with some of the proposals, but it stretches the thinking and has me asking new/different questions.
October 29, 2019
Interesting for for thought
I come from a traditional church background that supports pastors thru offerings. As a pastor, I have felt the tension of motivating people to give for biblical reasons, yet not wanting to manipulate them because it does impact my family. This book breaks the mold of traditional church economics and helps think outside the box. From using the church building to help support local businesses and benefiting the community to understanding what stewardship really means. A great thought provoking read.
I come from a traditional church background that supports pastors thru offerings. As a pastor, I have felt the tension of motivating people to give for biblical reasons, yet not wanting to manipulate them because it does impact my family. This book breaks the mold of traditional church economics and helps think outside the box. From using the church building to help support local businesses and benefiting the community to understanding what stewardship really means. A great thought provoking read.
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