I had the chance to sit in during a panel discussion with Brad Leeper, Randy Ongie from Cogun, and THE David Fletcher from Xpastor.org last week. (Just a side note: Brad Leeper is a really cool guy. Maybe one day I will grow up and be as cool as he is.)

Brad offered some great insights. I want to share my notes:

  • Mainline church are suffering the greatest. Innovative churches that are not directly affiliated with a denomination are more likely to have seen giving maintain itself or even increase in 2009.
  • There is a sense that we have hit the new “normal.”
  • More leaders are open to risk as evidenced by an increase in new venue openings, new hires, and staff raises.
  • Lots of conversation about focusing on raising the operating budget instead of just becoming strategic when it’s time to build or reduce debt.
  • Donors or givers are more volatile than ever. They are asking different questions, leaders have to be much more intentional with cultivating funds, and there is much more competition for dollars among those outside the church.
  • Increase in conversation about balance sheet improvement in anticipation of building in the next 12-36 months. Banks are less willing to loan to churches. The numbers have to make sense in a conservative banking environment.
  • Major gifts are back in play.
  • General perception among the person in the pew is that the recession has changed their lifestyle…”sort of, but not really.”
  • Donor or giver is demanding a ministry return on investment.
  • Greater emphasis on a broad base of giving rather than crisis giving.
  • Generosity is more incremental, small increases over time.
  • More attention given to thanking those who give to the church. Average rule of thumb is to thank a donor seven times before asking for the next gift.