Leaders in Living Rooms
LILR 126 | Jim Sheppard on Why Church Attendance is Up But Giving is Not & Other Generosity Myth-Busting
Feb 11, 2025
Jim Sheppard, CEO of Generis and expert in church generosity, discusses the puzzling trend of rising attendance but stagnant giving within churches. He emphasizes that generosity should be viewed as a vital aspect of discipleship. Jim encourages church leaders to engage congregations on giving with clear communication and education, while highlighting the importance of diverse voices in financial discussions. He also argues for maintaining high standards in volunteer leadership and fostering a culture of generosity driven by faith rather than mere financial transactions.
01:02:57
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Quick takeaways
- Jim Sheppard emphasizes that church attendance is growing, yet giving stagnates due to unchurched individuals unfamiliar with the spiritual significance of generosity.
- Transforming the conversation around giving from a transactional focus to a discipleship approach is essential for fostering a culture of generosity in congregations.
Deep dives
The Impact of Apologizing on Church Leadership
A church leader discussed the possibility of apologizing to their congregation for failing to adequately teach them about generosity over the past decade. This act of humility and repentance is seen as a pivotal moment to reshape the church's approach to giving, emphasizing the importance of personal and communal growth in understanding generosity. The leader recognizes that many congregants are unaware of the spiritual significance of giving and that educating them is vital for fostering a culture of generosity. By openly addressing this issue, leaders can initiate a transformative dialogue within the church that focuses on discipleship and spiritual responsibility.
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