The disposable income of younger Americans is suffering. Today an average two income family takes home less money in adjusted-dollar terms than a traditional single wage-earner family of 1973. Many churches are beginning to recognize that reliance solely upon the collection plate cannot continue indefinitely. Sound planning must include new avenues for funding if local churches are to continue to have the financial resources to carry out their mission.
Planned giving can be defined as the donation of major capital gifts, given out of assets according to a carefully designed plan, either during one’s life or through one’s estate. Many people would make such gifts to their church if approached properly, but the process is technical and often complex. It is personal, touching the very core of people’s plans for their life and death. And it is new to most people, and to most churches as well.
Local churches often lack the knowledge they need to establish an effective planned giving program. These books arose to answer that need. Written by an ordained minister with specialized training in charitable financial resource development, these valuable reference materials should be on every church library shelf.
In these two volumes, the author draws upon his extensive expertise and experience to provide everything a local church needs to know for an effective planned giving program, as well as including examples drawn from church members’ lives and identifying potential pitfalls.
By J. Donald Elam.
1997. 120 pages. 5.5 x 8.5 inch hardcover.
ISBN 1-888499-02-8.
$29.95
Implementation Manual Table of Contents
Intended for members of the Planned Gifts Committee of the local church, this volume addresses benefits of planned giving from the perspective of Christian stewardship. Methods of planned charitable giving are discussed with examples. The ten steps for successful implementation are presented in detail. Sample letters, seminar topics, and forms are included.
By J. Donald Elam.
1997. 82 pages. 5.5 x 8.5 inch hardcover.
ISBN 1-888499-03-6.
$29.95.
Pastor’s Manual Table of Contents
This inspirational volume, designed for the local pastor, explains how planned giving fits into the larger picture of Christian stewardship, including its Biblical and historical contexts. Suggestions are included for a 3-year cycle of annual planned giving sermons.
Order both volumes for only $39.95 — a savings of over $20! — and we’ll ship them FREE when you mention that you saw this offer at Riverviewpress.com.