The Columbia Partnership

Timely Information for Your Congregation on Funding Ministry in 2011

Download Funding Ministry Bulletin 12 29 10

IRA CHARITABLE ROLLOVER REINSTATED

On December 15, 2010 the U.S. Senate passed a bill to extend the Bush era tax cuts as well as extend unemployment benefits. This new legislation also extends the IRA Charitable Rollover provision that expired at the end of 2009. The legislation reinstates the Rollover for 2010 and will allow any eligible gifts made by January 31, 2011 to be treated as a 2010 donation. The legislation also sets the new expiration date for the Rollover as December 31, 2011, meaning that eligible gifts made throughout all of 2011 will qualify for favorable tax treatment.

The IRA Charitable Rollover allows individuals age 70½ and older to donate up to $100,000 directly from their Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) to public charities without having to count the distributions as taxable income. Since these charitable transfers are not subject to income tax there is no charitable deduction allowed.

Suggested Action: Communicate this information to your church family early in January with the recommendation for them to consult with their own financial and tax professionals for more details.

2% TAX SAVINGS = GIVING INCREASE

Churches are experiencing the loss of a generation that includes a large number of tithers—persons who give ten percent of their income to the church. This generation more than any other gives a fixed percentage of their income to the church. This discipline has been the foundation of church stewardship for decades.

In 2011 the U. S. government is giving its citizens a payroll tax holiday. This action presents a unique opportunity for church members to increase the percentage of their annual giving. Beginning with the first paycheck of 2011, many people will receive 2% more money in their take-home pay. A person can calculate their own tax savings at: http://www.kiplinger.com/tools/2011_Social_Security_payroll_tax_cut_calculator/

Suggested Action: Early in January, communicate to your church family that if they are receiving a tax break in 2011, this is a good opportunity to increase their percentage of income giving to the church. Encourage members to increase their giving by at least half (1% of their income) and hopefully all (2% of their income) of their tax savings in 2011.

To learn more about the services of the Funding Ministry Team with The Columbia Partnership contact Ruben Swint at RSwint@TheColumbiaPartnership.org.

Posted via email from The Columbia Partnership

Shaped: My Reading Life

 

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Kessler,_Shaped_My_Reading_Life,_12.14.10_Edition.pdf (39 KB) 

A Travel Free Learning Article

by Ken Kessler, Ministry Colleague with The Columbia Partnership

Voice: 804.338.5058, E-mail: KKessler@TheColumbiaPartnership.org, Web Site: www.TheColumbiaPartnership.org

What has shaped you? I am not talking about your physical shape or even your SHAPE as Rick Warren talks about in The Purpose Driven Life. What has shaped your view of life and ministry? What has shaped your ministry outlook? Or take another step. What has shaped the church where you serve? What has shaped their culture? Many different forces shape us: history, traditions, families, past successes, etc. Beyond these, let me introduce one additional way to think about our shape.

One of my latest reading adventures is a book by the Southern author, Pat Conroy. Many of you will know him for writing the book, The Great Santini. This is a fictional account that chronicles some of his life story as the son of an Air Force pilot. I was re-introduced to him this summer when I picked up the book, South of Broad. For some reason, this Southern author has my attention.

Two weeks ago, I downloaded a new book by Conroy onto my electronic reader. The name of the book is My Reading Life. Conroy tells the stories of the people who influenced his life as a writer and a reader. He recalls teachers and books that have impacted his own journey. I have been enthralled with the stories of Conroy’s journey.

Take The Columbia Partnership's Survey on Possible New Seminary Degrees and Certificates

The Columbia Partnership is in negotiation with an outstanding and innovative North American seminary about offering some degrees and certificates of study under their sponsorship. We would like to cast the ideas to you and discover any initial interest. We will be in a position to make formal announcements soon after the first of 2011 concerning which seminary and which degrees/certificates.

We anticipate that these degrees and certificates will make maximum appropriate use of distance learning vehicles and minimum use of having to travel to a certain campus and sit in a classroom. Please realize that at this point we cannot share details. However, we would like to know how the ideas might strike you.

http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07e36ozd5aghdsyv8l/start

Thank you, in advance, for taking time to take our survey. This is one more way The Columbia Partnership is seeking to fulfill its focus on Sharing Knowledge.

Posted via email from The Columbia Partnership

Taking the Next Step: A Funding Ministry Service of The Columbia Partnership

Download TNS Promo Flyer, March 2011

Taking the Next Step 

A Funding Ministry Service 
of The Columbia Partnership   

View Flyer on Taking the Next Step by clicking HERE.

What is Taking the Next Step? 

Taking the Next Step (TNS) is a proven and effective stewardship program for congregations. It is designed to increase the annual giving of a congregation so that sufficient funds are available for annual programs and ministries. A consultant-led program, TNS works well in the spring or the fall.   

What Results Can Congregations Expect from Taking the Next Step?

During 2008, 2009 and 2010, the smallest increase in annual giving that has been gained using TNS is 22 percent. The largest increase is 64 percent. These giving increases have even been experienced during a time when congregations are anxious about money and staff and leaders are reluctant to ask for financial commitments to the spiritual and strategic direction of the church.   

What Principles Guide the Taking the Next Step Program?

1. People will give from their desire to advance the mission of God's Kingdom in the world, not to meet a budget.

2. People prayerfully consider what percentage of their annual income that God is calling them to give.

3. Progress in people’s spiritual journey is reflected in the steps they take along a giving path.  

For additional information or a conversation about Taking the Next Step, call or send an e-mail to Ruben Swint, Team Leader for the Funding Ministry Team at 404. 314.7273 or RSwint@TheColumbiaPartnership.org.

Look for a Forthcoming Announcement on a Doctor of Ministry Degree

In the near future The Columbia Partnership may be announcing that we are sponsoring with a seminary a fully accredited Doctor of Ministry degree in Transforming Denominations. If you would be interested in having more information about this as it is available, send a message to Client.Care@TheColumbiaPartnership.org.