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Sustainability
Recently published
Stained glass, steeples and financial sustainability
An effort to preserve Black churches is entering its next cycle under the direction of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund.
Link to author Cynthia R. Greenlee
By
Cynthia R. Greenlee
Journalist
Mark Elsdon: The church is not broke
Yes, the church is in decline in some ways -- but religious institutions control billions of dollars of assets. What if we invested that money in mission?
Dave Odom: What does financial sustainability mean in the midst of inequity?
How we measure the investment in organizations can shortchange commitments that different racial, ethnic and cultural communities make to their ministries, writes the executive director of Leadership Education at Duke Divinity.
Link to author David L. Odom
By
David L. Odom
Executive director, Leadership Education at Duke Divinity
Will the church financially survive the COVID-19 pandemic?
Twelve Christian leaders share their thoughts on how the coronavirus pandemic might affect the financial health and sustainability of American churches.
Link to author Ken Garfield
By
Ken Garfield
Journalist
Dave Odom: How do I make my program sustainable?
Planning for the future is not primarily about trimming costs or adding a bit of revenue. A strategic sustainability plan involves regularly revisiting foundational questions about your program’s purpose and impact.
Link to author David L. Odom
By
David L. Odom
Executive director, Leadership Education at Duke Divinity
Nathan Kirkpatrick: Tangier Island, the church and living on the edge
Tangier Island is losing up to 16 feet of coastline every year and will be uninhabitable within 50 years. How many congregations find themselves similarly watching the sea rise, and why aren’t we doing more for them?
Link to author Nathan Kirkpatrick
By
Nathan Kirkpatrick
Principal, Saison Consulting, LLC
A downtown church forges a new path when it decides to tear down two decaying buildings
The 146-year-old Baptist congregation hopes a smaller footprint will allow the church to redefine its mission and identity while saving its historic sanctuary.
Link to author Yonat Shimron
By
Yonat Shimron
Journalist
Legacy ministries to dying churches give congregations a way to end well
A creative new ministry is underway in various UMC conferences to help declining congregations chart their end and leave behind a lasting gift.
Link to author Yonat Shimron
By
Yonat Shimron
Journalist
Ministry Accelerator helps organizations grow
Virginia United Methodists are helping established ministries expand by teaching them new skills in a two-day “accelerator” program.
Link to author Edie Gross
By
Edie Gross
Journalist
Dave Odom: For the future of congregations, we must discuss economics
Many congregations dream of being places of radical welcome, but that vision is not sustainable through tithing alone. It’s time to think differently about how to accomplish such work, writes the executive director of Leadership Education at Duke Divinity.
Link to author David L. Odom
By
David L. Odom
Executive director, Leadership Education at Duke Divinity
