Creating Congregations of Generous People

Asking parishioners for money is very different from creating congregations of generous people. In this provocative book, stewardship consultant Michael Durall argues convincingly that annual pledge drives inadvertently perpetuate low-level and same-level giving in congregations. Written with the voice of experience, this book will help clergy and lay leaders initiate and sustain effective stewardship programs. Durall believes that asking for money eventually becomes routine, even tedious-but creating a congregation of generous people becomes ever more meaningful with passing time.

Michael Durall is principal of the Common Wealth Consulting Group in Belmont, Massachusetts. He is also publisher of the quarterly newsletter Charitable Giving, on the subject of religious philanthropy. His consulting firm assists secular and religious organizations in establishing and sustaining effective stewardship programs.