By Kirk Petersen In 1985, representatives of a dozen Episcopal congregations with substantial endowments gathered one day at House of the Redeemer on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Despite their affluence, the congregations had financial concerns. Earlier in the decade, the economy had been through the worst recession since World War II, and some churches were spending … [Read more...] about CEEP Rebrands as EPN to Reflect Expanded Mission
finances
Two Useful Guides to Church Finances
Review by James W. Murphy Creating Financially Sustainable Congregations By James L. Elrod Jr. Church Publishing, pp.128, $14.95 James Elrod’s Creating Financially Sustainable Congregations and Mark Elsdon’s We Aren’t Broke are filled with useful guidance, and both pose provocations as churches seek to be effective, sustainable, and relevant in the post-COVID world. Both … [Read more...] about Two Useful Guides to Church Finances
COVID Creates Budget Uncertainty in Virginia
By Kirk Petersen Add one more item to the list of problems created by the pandemic: difficulty passing a budget. On Feb. 5, Bishop Susan Goff of the Diocese of Virginia called for a special convention in April for the sole purpose of passing a budget for the current year. The unusual move comes after the regular annual diocesan convention in November was unable to enact a … [Read more...] about COVID Creates Budget Uncertainty in Virginia
Leaked C of E Paper Warns of Possible Financial Woes
By Mark Michael An internal discussion paper leaked to the press warns of the possibility of major cash shortfalls, significant attendance drops, and “indiscriminate cuts” to paid clergy posts in the post-COVID Church of England. Perspectives on Money, People and Buildings, a document prepared by the vision and strategy group for the church led by Archbishop of York Stephen … [Read more...] about Leaked C of E Paper Warns of Possible Financial Woes
Space-Sharing in a Post-COVID World
Boosting Mission, Saving Money By G. Jeffrey MacDonald Correspondent Space-sharing arrangements with like-minded organizations have been a missional and budgetary boon for Church of the Holy Comforter in Lutherville, Maryland, a suburb close to Baltimore. Leases to a Jewish congregation, three therapists, and a learning camp have closed budgetary deficits and kept the … [Read more...] about Space-Sharing in a Post-COVID World
Pandemic Prompts New Methods for Stewardship
By Neva Rae Fox The pandemic has prompted new and alternative ways for congregations to worship, gather, learn, and continue ministries. Now, as the traditional fall stewardship season nears, some churches are incorporating websites, social media, apps, YouTube, digital dinners, videos, Zoom, and other new tools. The Rev. Diana Wilcox, rector of Christ Church in … [Read more...] about Pandemic Prompts New Methods for Stewardship
Podcast: The Money Question
Many churches struggle to make ends meet financially even in the best of times, and the pandemic has made the situation worse. This recent podcast addresses some of the most pressing financial questions for churches, getting into the nitty-gritty of planning, budgets, the Paycheck Protection Program, and more with Bill Campbell of the Episcopal Church Foundation and business … [Read more...] about Podcast: The Money Question
Clergy: Good on Finances But Need Better Habits
By G. Jeffrey MacDonald, Correspondent Episcopal clergy are more knowledgeable about personal finances and more likely to live within their means than comparable peers in the general population, according to a survey released May 14 by George Washington University and the Church Pension Group (CPG). But researchers also identified disparities among clergy groups and … [Read more...] about Clergy: Good on Finances But Need Better Habits