Includes bibliographical references (p. [143]-144.
"The author addresses such issues as how church giving patterns have changed; the inconsistent ways in which congregations keep financial records; their lack of coordination between short-range and long-range planning; their lack of knowledge of sound financial techniques such as accounting for inflation; an over-reliance on `restructuring' to fix any problem; and lack of defensive planning for operational costs." -- inside front cover.
Contents: Foreword / James P. Wind, President, The Alban Institute -- Acknowledgements / Loren B. Mead -- Why the "Nuclear" Alarm ? -- What's Visible to the Naked Eye -- Uncertainties in Our Future -- How Did We Get Here ? -- Doubletalk about a Double Problem -- What, Then, Can We Do ? -- The Heart of the Matter -- Money and Churches: Crisis or Opportunity -- Appendix A: Guidelines for Endowed Parishes -- Appendix B: Caught in the Financial Bind: Reflections on Clergy and Money -- Notes -- Bibliography.
Author is an Episcopal priest and former president of the Alban Institute.
"How ? By asking. Giving is a responsive activity. People give when they are asked. You and I are the ones who must ask. Announce that you are a giver. Tell when and how you give. You do not ask another to do what you yourself have not already done. But then, ask. Ask others to join you. They will. People give because they are asked and to people with whom they have much in common. You are that person" (p. 3).
Contents: Contents: Five Basic Steps -- 1. Why ? -- 2. How ? -- 3. Who ? -- 4. When ? -- 5. Where ? -- There are three steps to raising money for the parish.
"The author, Edward S. Gleason, is [an Episcopal priest] and the former director of development a Virginia Theological Seminary, Alexandria, Virginia". -- p. [6].
Author describes a film he saw recently entitled "Millions" about two brothers who find a huge suitcase of money and then decide, quite differently how to spend it. Money is an ever-present issue for everyone, including the Church. "Our Communion work needs money to complete our vision for St. Andrew's House and our programmes for the global family entrusted to our care. Employees at the Anglican Communion Office can't live in Central London because we can't afford it. ACC's, Primates, Lambeth Conferences cost money -- how can we do it ? The spirit of young Damian in `Millions' could well be a model for us all. `Give till you give it all' or `until it hurts' -- was his theme".