The Columbia Partnership

How Can You Know?

When Is It Time to Move Ahead with Your Capital Campaign?
A Travel Free Learning Article

By Ruben Swint, Ministry Colleague with The Columbia Partnership
Voice: 404.314.7273, E-mail: RSwint@TheColumbiaPartnership.org, Web Site: www.TheColumbiaPartnership.org 

Download Swint, How Can You Know, 4.10.12 Edition

Recently I presented the Funding Ministry services of The Columbia Partnership by way of Skype; an internet-based video conference call service. Skype is a more convenient way for me to interact with prospective clients and it does take some advance preparation on both ends of the free video call. Churches find it convenient as well because they can easily schedule multiple presentations one after another, they can dismiss a presenter with a click of the mouse, and they do not need to worry about the travel costs incurred by the presenters who are not chosen.

Last month I interviewed via Skype and was chosen by two churches to assist with a campaign. To one of these churches I said, “I don’t think you need a full campaign to raise the amount you need. I think you can raise that amount with less energy, less calendar, a few meetings and less of me which will lower your cost for raising the money.” The other potential consultants had stayed with a full campaign as their only and proven option.

Ten Principles in Salary and Benefit Consideration

A Travel Free Learning Article

By Dick Hamm, Ministry Colleague with The Columbia Partnership

Voice: 317.490.1968, E-mail: DHamm@TheColumiaPartnership.org, Web Site: www.TheColumbiaPartnership.org

Download Hamm, Ten Principles in Salary and Benefit Considerations, 2.28.12

TFL Dialogue, Dick Hamm on Principles for Salary and Benefits

Recently I was asked if I had any guidelines regarding how much congregations should pay their pastors. There are many factors, of course, including what part of the country is involved, experience, etc. But there are more subtle factors that should also be considered as well. The following are some principles I have developed over the years.

1. There cannot be too big a difference between what pastors are earning and the average compensation of congregational members, or there will be resentment. Members may feel their pastor is paid way beyond their own incomes. Pastors may be resentful if their income is far below the average member.

What Would Jesus Say . . . to a One Percenter?

A Travel Free Learning Article

By Ruben Swint, Ministry Colleague with The Columbia Partnership

Voice: 404.314.7273, E-mail: RSwint@TheColumbiaPartnership.org, Web Site: www.TheColumbiaPartnership.org

Download Swint, What Would Jesus Say, 2.7.12 Edition

Listen to the Travel Free Learning Dialogue on this article as presented by Ruben:

TFL Dialogue, Ruben Swint on What Would Jesus Say

For about 14 months a global conversation has focused on the effectiveness of current economic policies and political structures in creating societies of well-being for the most number of people. From the Arab Spring through the European riots and Chinese protests to the Wall Street “occupiers”, an American version of the conversation has become passionate and somewhat controversial. A common slogan of the American version is “We are the 99 percent.”

Convictions

For Growing Generosity in Your Congregation

A Travel Free Learning Article

By Ruben Swint, Ministry Colleague with The Columbia Partnership

Voice: 404.314.7273, E-mail: RSwint@TheColumbiaPartnership.org, Web Site: www.TheColumbiaPartnership.org

Download Swint, Convictions for Growing Generosity, 12.13.11 Edition

Listen to and/or download Travel Free Learning Dialogue on this Article:

TFL Dialogue, Ruben Swint on Convictions

Conviction is a fixed or firm belief. Success in growing generosity in your congregation is limited by or empowered by your fixed or firm beliefs; by your convictions. Convictions have great influence on whether a congregation will reduce ministry, struggle to maintain ministry, or expand ministry in times when the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of people are soaring.

A congregation’s ministers and lay leaders are the stewards of congregational convictions. How leaders teach, write, listen, preach, plan and act portrays the convictions that they hold. And it is their acted upon, convictions that result in reducing, maintaining or expanding ministry.

The Generosity Letter

Ruben Swint, a Ministry Colleague with TCP, and Team Leader for the Funding MInistry Team, distributes a monthly digital publication known as The Generosity Letter. Here is the October 2011 edition: http://mim.io/dbdea1?fe=1&pact=5559567732. 

If you would like to receive this monthly, please send an e-mail to RSwint@TheColumbiaPartnership.org. 

Also, view the Funding Ministry Team web site at www.FundingMinstry.org. Ruben would be pleased to talk with you about generosity issues you congregation, denomination, or other Christian organization needs to address.