Creating Congregations of Generous People

by Michael Durall

Asking parishioners for money is very different from creating congregations of generous people. In this provocative book, stewardship consultant Michael Durall argues convincingly that annual pledge drives inadvertently perpetuate low-level and same-level giving in congregations. Written with the voice of experience, this book will help clergy and lay leaders initiate and sustain effective stewardship programs. Durall believes that asking for money eventually becomes routine, even tedious-but creating a congregation of generous people becomes ever more meaningful with passing time.

Genres: Nonfiction

124 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1999

Reviews

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good reminders:
page ixv"Religious organizations have . . . a moral authority to challenge people to lead generous lives." and "Churches should not be viewed as just another special interest group that asks for money."
page 5 "What kind of people are we, and what kind of people do we wish to become over the course of our lives?"

I'm interested in generosity, not because God requires it of me, or out of a sense of obligation. This book helps us think about being generous because that's the kind of person we want to be.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good and clear, as well as realistic, which makes it somewhat depressing (at least at the beginning). The year long plan for finding out what you can expect from your congregation and increase generosity is practical and easy to use.

[Laurie-Ann Curry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little book has earned a permanent place on my bookshelf. Worth every penny and I think it every Pastor, board member, and financial committee member should have a copy and read it together.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for helping congregations think about stewardship in terms of the spiritual discipline of generosity, for the whole congregation and not just individuals. It's got level-headed advice on campaigns, but no one-size-fits-all template. My board read the book together over the course of about four months and got a lot out of it. They're excited to recharge our campaign this fall, using many of the tools and inspirations we found in this book.

[Kerrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent resource for church leaders.
"Charitable giving in a religious context is not merely a financial matter. It is an emotional and spiritual commitment that helps define our relationship with God over the course of our lives."

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent resource on stewardship.

[Halcyon Westall · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick guide to changing the approach to stewardship.