Which is better: a giving system or a giving model?
Models assume:
1. The variables are the same.
2. The expected outcome is the same.
3. The objective is to reproduce what has already been done somewhere else by someone else.
Systems assume:
1. The variables are NOT the same and are specific to context in which it exists.
2. The expected outcome is NOT the same but dynamic and will need to be adjusted and refined over time.
3. The objective is NOT to reproduce what has already been done somewhere else by someone else but to create a platform for growth that is unique and indigenous to the culture in which the system exists.
When it comes to addressing stewardship and generosity in your church, are you building an organic system or attempting to replicate an existing model?
It’s clear which one leads to long-term, sustainable funding.
(Hint: It’s not a model.)
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About
Ben Stroup recently joined GENERIS, an innovative stewardship consulting firm focused on accelerating generosity and funding the work of the Kingdom, after more than four years of ministry on church staff and five years of ministry with LifeWay Christian Resources.
His primary focus is helping churches maximize their giving capacity and diversify their funding streams while providing the structure needed to build long-term sustainable ministries.
Ben writes and presents at various events on subjects such as leveraging technology to drive funding, understanding the changing rules of church giving, and establishing sustainable funding models for ministry. His writing has been published in magazines such as Church Solutions, Church Executive, The Ledger (NACBA) and other trade and industry publications.
He maintains an ongoing dialogue about stewardship and giving with pastors and church leaders through the Church Giving Matters blog, Twitter (@ben_stroup), and Facebook (Ben Stroup).
Ben calls himself the “Chief Broker of Opportunity” because he helps pastors change the conversation from “What do we have to cut to survive?” to “What does God want us to do next?” He graduated cum laude from Belmont University. Ben and his wife, Brooke, and son, Carter, live near Nashville, Tennessee.
Ben published his first book in 2009 which sold more than 6,100 copies in the first 10 weeks and is currently available in more than 100 retail stores across the country. He is currently working on a second book.
View Ben’s profile for more information.
Nice new look on the blog Ben!
Thanks! Still not exactly what I want, but I needed to increase the width of the left margin, and I needed to soften the type to the eyes. Glad you like it.
Ben:
Perhaps I am stuck on the word “system,” because I think of systems as inorganic and inflexible, and also consider “models” as customizable. Can you give examples of what you mean by each?
Thanks if so,
Howard
Howard,
Great question. Meanings are always couched in experience and assumptions. For me, systems can be designed, evaluated, and re-tooled. Models are already defined and are meant to be recreated as originally intended in any situation and under any and all circumstances. While increasing giving capacity does involve some key principles that serve as a guide along the journey, you always begin with the community or church rather than the principles or objectives. Does that help answer your question?
Blessings, Ben.