Word on Fire Catholic Ministries’ Post

Last week I attended the launch of Stewardship's Generosity Report and on Sunday, I got to use it in a sermon on giving. Because what an excellent report it is for leaders of Christian charities and churches. Here's my key takeaways - It shows that those who identify as Christian give £8 a month more money than the general public: about 3% of their income - For practicing Christians (those who go to church and read their Bible), it's twice that: 6% - Whilst this is more than others, it seems that the wealthiest generation of Christians in history are giving well below the 10% tithe principle that God seemed to expect of nomadic ancient Jews living in tents - The biggest reasons Christians say they don't give (more) is because they can't afford it, and don't trust charities/churches. My take: it's not that we don't trust charities with our money, it's that we don't trust God - Those who read their Bible seem to trust charities more. Really interesting for me in a work context where 91% of our supporters read their Bible almost every day. - More than half of the 4,000 survey respondents don't remember being asked by their church to give in the last 2 years. Jesus seemed to talk about money more than most things. But churches are silent. - And lots lots more. Check out the report here: https://lnkd.in/eBWwRhVX

**Join Us on #GivingTuesday: Support Pilgrim Outreach Ministries!** As we approach this season of giving, we invite you to partner with Pilgrim Outreach Ministries on this special #GivingTuesday. Your support can make a real difference in the lives of those we serve. Here are five reasons why you should consider helping: 1. **Empower Global Outreach:** Your donation helps us continue our mission of spreading the Gospel and providing spiritual support to communities around the world. Every contribution allows us to reach more people with the message of hope and salvation. 2. **Support Christian Education:** By purchasing Christian books through our ministry, you not only grow in your faith but also help us provide resources for others to deepen their relationship with Christ. Your purchase becomes a seed that can change lives. 3. **Extend a Hand to Those in Need:** Pilgrim Outreach Ministries is committed to helping those who are struggling—whether it’s through food distribution, providing clothing, or offering spiritual counseling. Your generosity directly impacts the lives of families and individuals in need. 4. **Be Part of a Greater Cause:** When you give, you’re not just donating money; you’re joining a community of believers who are passionate about making a difference for the Kingdom of God. Together, we can accomplish much more than we could alone. 5. **Trust in God’s Multiplication:** Remember, it’s not about the size of the gift but the heart behind it. As you give, trust that God will multiply your offering, using it to bring about His purposes. Do your best, and let God do the rest. You can donate today at [https://lnkd.in/eKSvW_k7) or support our ministry by purchasing Christian books at [https://lnkd.in/evvSrXex). Every little bit helps, and we are deeply grateful for your partnership. Thank you for standing with us as we continue to serve and uplift others in the name of Jesus Christ. #Christians #ChristianTikTok #GoViral #GivingTuesday #HelpUsHelpThem #ThankYou

The $700 Million Pastor: Unpacking the Financial Phenomenon of Mega Churches Kenneth Copeland, founder of Eagle Mountain Church, stands as one of the wealthiest pastors globally, a status that raises intriguing questions about wealth and faith. With a $60 million private jet and a $10 million ranch, Copeland's opulence is undeniable. Yet, what's truly fascinating is his ability to continue attracting substantial donations from his followers, despite openly sharing his lavish lifestyle. Pastors like Copeland, Benny Hinn, and Creflo Dollar employ a method that taps into the vulnerabilities and hopes of their congregation. Mega churches, brimming with unified, emotionally charged energy, become fertile grounds for suggestion. These pastors use charisma and carefully chosen language to persuade their audience that donating money is a divine investment, promising worldly and spiritual returns. This approach is shockingly effective. Followers, driven by faith and the desire for prosperity, generously contribute through "harvest" donations and ongoing "seed" funding, believing in the church's power to bless them with heavenly returns. For instance, even after purchasing his jet in 2008, Copeland appealed to his congregation for an additional $17 million, citing divine purpose and an unfinished mission. The phenomenon of wealth accumulation in mega churches highlights the complex interplay between faith, persuasion, and financial commitment. It underscores the power of belief and the responsibility of religious leaders in managing their followers' hopes and contributions.

Here are some key questions to consider for your legacy: 1️⃣ Do you want to support your parish when you're gone? 2️⃣ Is there a Catholic school you, your children, or grandchildren attended you want to consider in your legacy? 3️⃣ Have you supported the Bishop's Appeal? If so, would you like to support the Bishop and his ministries forever through the Bishop's Appeal Endowment? 4️⃣ Or are there Catholic causes, like the local homeless shelter, you'd like to think of in your plan? And, one final question remains: What legacy will YOU leave? The Catholic Foundation is here to help! Email catholicfoundation@cfgbwi.org to start your legacy today.

Our ministries are not the heroes of the story; we are not the heroes of the story. Rather, we are the guides. Ministry leaders, we are the guides. Christians, we are the guides. We’ve been in the hole before, and Christ, often through the help of another disciple, jumped in to help us out. Watch the full video: https://vist.ly/3b4y8 #churchmarketing #nonprofitmarketing #christiannonprofit #churchcommunications #storiesmobilize #endstorypoverty

I want to introduce Mission15 — a worldwide movement dedicated to delivering one billion gospel invitations by the end of 2030 through social media platforms, radio, television, and print. You can be a part of this global mission in three simple ways: Pray15: Dedicate 15 minutes to pray for those who haven’t heard about Jesus. Use our video prayer guide, your Bible, or even a list on your fridge. Whether it’s daily, weekly, or monthly—just pray. Give15: Contribute $15, whether it’s a one-time donation, weekly, or monthly, to support media efforts that share the gospel globally. Share15: Invite 15 people to join you. They can download the video prayer guide, pray for 15 minutes, give $15, and then invite 15 more friends. It’s that simple! Will you join the Mission15 movement? Visit https://lnkd.in/gRBpYhiW to learn more and get involved. Mission15—together, we can reach a billion souls. #mission15 #GNPI

More than 3 billion people in the world today live without the light of the gospel. Without someone to bring this light to them, they will remain in perpetual spiritual darkness. This global issue requires a God-sized solution. Jesus’ command to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:18-20) was not just for His original disciples but for the entire Church. At East-West, we aim to rally believers to utilize their unique gifts so that the global Church can move as a unified front to reach the unreached. Together, we can see people from every tribe, nation, and tongue come to know and follow Jesus. Together, we can unite as one Church to reach all people. Will you join us? #eastwest #nonprofit #ministry #GreatCommission #missions

"David Peter has written the definite resource on board governance for congregations. Organizing for Mission and Ministry adroitly acknowledges that each church is unique in culture, history, size, and programmatic complexity and as such, one governance model does not fit all. Peter combines a theological framework with a practical approach that allows a congregation’s governance model to be a value add to its mission as opposed to an exercise in frustration. A “how to” guide for every seminarian and a must read for all of us who are lay leaders and pastors in our churches." —Dr. Kurt Senske, Author, The CEO and the Board: The Art of Non-profit Governance as a Competitive Advantage; Founder and Principal, CEO-Board Services Get your copy of Organizing for Ministry and Mission: Options for Church Structure by Dr. David Peter ➡ https://myc.ph/4aW5apg

Be one of the 100, and become a Strategic Partner today. As an added incentive, we’ll send you two special gifts: the entire 2022-23 Reality Conference, Seek and You Will Find (via video on demand) AND a Reality conference t-shirt. Both are yours in warm thanks when you become a Strategic Partner in August, giving $25 or more each month. Visit the link in the comments to learn more. #BeOneofthe100 #StandtoReason #Apologetics #Christianity #NonProfit

Service is one of the great ways we can actively show the love of Christ in our community. In 1 Peter 4, we are encouraged to love one another and use our abilities to serve others. When you think about the natural abilities that we all have, remember that these are gifts given to us by God for His glory. For instance, if you love math, you can use that skill to glorify God by tutoring kids or college students, joining a planning team to design a play area, or helping to create budgets. The list goes on and on. Whether your skills are in singing, dancing, or business, all of these gifts can be used in the service of others. When we consider the time we are given in our lives, we must understand that this time is given to us by God for His glory. How do we use our abilities to serve others? What opportunities do you have in your community to serve? You can serve in your church, volunteer organizations, or even help local nonprofit organizations like Love Washtenaw by donating your time and skills. By doing so, you help accelerate growth and address true needs within the community. Take a moment to reflect on how you can use your God-given talents to make a difference. Service is not just about fulfilling a duty - it's about showing the love of Christ and bringing His light into the world. Make sure to always use your gifts to serve others and glorify God in all that you do.❤️ #servantleadership #faithatwork #God #kingdom