Get revved up: Top 7 blog posts of 2023

Maybe you’ve heard this already? I hope you’re not too shocked, but let me tell you something: we’re firmly into 2024. Happy New Year!
 
Before we head into uncharted inspiring generosity territory, we’re going to look back at the Top Seven Posts of 2023.
 
Why seven? I think it’s obvious.
2+0+2+3 = 7.
(Note to self: 2024 math goal…check!)
 
So, without further ado - not adieu - (note to self: 2024 foreign language goal…check!) here we go:
 
#7        Overhead is NOT a Dirty Word "Overhead" and "administrative costs" almost sound like swear words in certain circles. It's time to reclaim and re-frame their importance in what you do.
 
#6        Is the Offering Plate Relevant?  What do you think? Pass the plate or not? Here are a few pros and cons (and some history to boot!). This was the first of a four-part series which also included…The offering plate “pros”;  The offering plate “cons”; and More insights: the wrap-up.
 
#5        Two Annual Pledge Campaigns?  Two generosity campaigns in one year? Sound crazy? But it's not. You may spur more generosity by giving folks an additional opportunity to give at another time during the year.
 
#4        “You Can’t Tell me God’s Not Real”: Interview with Bishop Cedrick Bridgeforth  There are so many great nuggets from this conversation with Bishop Bridgeforth. Read about the impact his sweet grandmother had on his understanding of generosity.
 
#3        4 Things About the Generational Report from Giving USA  Find out how you can up your game to make it easier for Millennials (and others in your congregation) to give in order to impact ministry.
 
#2        Do You want to Venmo?  Venmo has been around for a while. But now your church can access this additional way of giving. Check it out and see if it's a fit.
 
And (drum roll please*)…
 
#1        Best Practices for Handling Your Church Offering  It's great that people are giving on Sunday morning! But what are you doing with that money once you receive it? Check out these best practices.
 
There you have it, friends. Take a read or re-read one or two of these and see if you’re inspired to

a. Try something new (like Venmo)

b. Update something old (like those policies)

c. Feel better about the wonderful work you are doing to make this world a better place.
 
Is there something you’re interested in knowing about in 2024? Something I could research and let you know about in a future blog post? Drop me a New Year’s email and let me know what you’d like to learn about.
 
It’s gonna be a great year!
 
* 2024 instrument goal…check!
 
Photo credit: Mohamed_hassen @ pixabay.com

Cesie Delve Scheuermann (pronounced “CC Delv Sherman,” yes, really) is a Stewardship Consultant for the OR-ID Annual Conference. She is also a Senior Ministry Strategist with Horizons Stewardship. For 25 years, while working as a volunteer and part-time consultant, she has helped raise over three million dollars for numerous churches and non-profit organizations. Is learning more history part of your 2024 goals? You’re in luck. Discover the history of new year’s resolutions. (Note to Cesie: 2024 history goal…check!)
 
You can reach Cesie at inspiringgenerosity@gmail.com, at CesieScheuermann.com, or at cesieds@horizons.net. Want to schedule a meeting? She’s got you covered!
 
Schedule a meeting now.
 
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