The general practices related to church funding aren’t producing the same results they have in the past. There is a general acceptance that something has changed but little talk or interest is coming from traditional church leader training sources such as denominational entities and seminaries. Pastors are largely left to their own devices to “figure this out.” They need a lifeline. While some churches are experiencing exponential growth, some churches - despite their best efforts - have been unsuccessful at moving beyond survival mode. Coupled with increased competition from other nonprofits and a decline in the commitment to give to the church first, churches risk losing the funding they need. A growing number of leaders are beginning to discover there is another way and are struggling to understand what makes one church generous and another not. There is a need in the market to offer a simple, working definition of “generosity” and reveal the “secrets” some church leaders seem to have simply stumbled upon which are resulting in unexplainable ministry growth and unprecedented church funding even in the midst of tough economic times. The content of this material was developed and refined by Jim Sheppard and Chris Willard through years of ministry leadership in the local church, consulting with church leaders across a broad spectrum of church settings, and through participation in and leadership of the Generous Church Leadership Community facilitated by Leadership Network. Of particular benefit will be the collection of observations and best practices gleaned during the Generous Church Leadership Community that originated within real-life church leadership situations and scenarios by highlighting specific challenges, methods, and successes.

You Are Created for More. Our hearts are filled with all types of longings--yearnings for contentment, satisfaction, and happiness. We all want to be part of something greater than ourselves. Yet our biggest temptation is to try to satisfy those longings by seeking after more money and more stuff. That is junk food for our souls, full of quickly fading pleasure that leaves us unhealthier than we were before. We deeply desire God and the good gifts that come from him alone. It's the way we're wired. Does your heart long to be a part of something greater than yourself? God's most ambitious mission is ready for you to join. When was the last time you used money in a way that brought about deep, refreshing happiness and satisfaction for yourself and for others? Money in Light of Eternity helps you see money the way God views it. When you follow God's design for your life, you will find what no large bank account, big house, or fast car could ever provide. You will find your true heart. You were created for so much more.

Fundraising for an organization or ministry is not merely an important task, it’s a noble one. Successful leaders must possess the theological vision to recognize the necessity of asking, the joy of giving, and the beautifully collaborative nature of advancing the kingdom. It should come as no surprise that the literal translation of the word philanthropy is “love of mankind”– and Christian philanthropy enables us to love God through loving man. Mark Dillon has spent his career interacting with hundreds of thoughtful Christian stewards, and reframing the discussion on giving. He challenges leaders to ensure their organizations and ministries are worthy of the gifts they receive. Highly practical and refreshingly candid, Giving and Getting in the Kingdom delivers much-needed perspective on the eternal significance of our earthly transactions.

Generosity: The Righteous Path to Divine Blessing answers the question of why so many Christians cheat themselves out of God's blessing on their lives by being so stingy with their money? Why is it that the average Christian gives less than 3% of his income to religious and humanitarian causes? Why is it that the average Jewish person gives more than twice as much of his financial increase to charity as the average Christian does? The answers will probably surprise--and may well shock--you! God has set out a righteous path to divine blessing that anyone can walk. This is the narrow way of generosity, the gift of giving that every Christian should manifest continually. It's really quite simple when you choose to do what Jesus said, "Give and you shall receive." Here are some of the challenging and inspiring truths that Generosity: The Righteous Path to Divine Blessing will confirm for you: The Motive for Generosity, The Medium of Generosity, Treasure in the Bank of Heaven, Wealth and the Kingdom of God, Poverty Gospel/Prosperity Gospel, The Blessing of Health and Prosperity. As you read this volume, you will be reconnected with the Hebraic foundations of the Christian faith as they relate to the subjects of money, giving, health, and prosperity. You will be amazed as you discover the secure, balanced positions that God's Word has always taught on these important subjects. Then you will have the freedom to give joyfully and to receive abundantly God's promised provisions of health and prosperity. Get ready for a revolution in your life--and an amazing blessing when you learn to do God's thing God's way.

The Holy Spirit, being given as a gift in the opening chapters of Acts, initiates and sustains the early Jesus community, empowering their teaching, unity, meals, sharing of possessions and worship.