filtered by Vestry, Discernment, Planned Giving + 3 other(s)
By Donald Romanik
Lay leaders have been involved in church governance and finances for decades, but until recently, have had a more limited role in broader matters of mission and ministry. Thanks to the work of ECF, and enlightened bishops and priests, that traditional role is no longer the norm. ECF President Donald Romanik explains in his latest blog post.
By Bryan Clontz, Greg Rousos and Jim Murphy
Have you only given gifts of cash or marketable securities to your parish? Did you know you may also give portions of privately held interests you may own and many other complex gifts to your congregation or religious non-profit by creating a Donor Advised Fund?
By Bryan Clontz, Greg Rousos and Jim Murphy
Do you only ask for gifts of cash or marketable securities from your donors? Did you know there are billions of dollars in privately held interests owned by very philanthropically-minded individuals? Do you know how to encourage your donors to consider those gifts or how to spot donors who may hold these more complex assets?
By Charis Bhagianathan
June is Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ+) Pride Month. In this, our second Pride issue honoring the LGBTQ+ community (find the previous issue here), we embark on a journey of understanding, inclusion and acceptance through Christ’s eyes, honoring the sacred worth of every individual.
By Keith Voets
In Do We Actually Want to Be Inclusive? Keith Voets leans on personal experience to describe why it is easier to place marginalized groups into neat boxes for the sake of comfort, rather than celebrating and inviting unique differences in individuals, all of whom are created in God’s image.
By Bishop Deon Johnson
In the video presentation, Begin with Love, Bishop Deon Johnson calls us as followers of Christ to be visible, intentional and unequivocal in our support and love of all beloved children of God, and always to widen the circle of who is invited and included. This video is available with Spanish subtitles.
By Carsten Sierck
In our latest blog, Carsten W. Sierck, Director of Endowment Management at ECF, reviews fiduciary responsibilities and explains how to carry them out at a church.
By Haley Bankey
Tragically, active shooter preparedness is something all residents of the United States would benefit to learn about. In Gentle as a Dove, Wise as a Serpent, Haley Bankey shares resources to help you navigate the difficult conversations that need to take place in order for your community of faith to be as prepared as possible, while still extending grace-filled hospitality to all who seek God’s...
By Lorenzo Lebrija
What does a certified futurist believe about the future of our church? In How to See the Church of the Future Today, Lorenzo Lebrija reveals how to think like a futurist – focusing on drivers and signals of change.
By Charis Bhagianathan
In our final issue of the year, we raise up our young leaders. Their collective wisdom and experience teach us incredibly important lessons about our church today and tomorrow. I invite you to listen to their powerful stories and learn from them. They represent the best and most hopeful part of our beloved Church.