ECCU Blog

With so many news reports about continued economic trouble in Europe, China, and other parts of the world, public opinion shows deepening economic concern among Americans, which is affecting charitable giving.

According to results of an April 2012 survey published today by the Barna Group, 41 percent of Americans have reduced donations to non-profit organizations. For churches, 34 percent of Americans have reduced donations; 11 percent have stopped giving to their churches altogether.

50 percent of Americans believe the economy will still take more than three years to recover, if it fully recovers.

These are sobering statistics for any of us who work in ministry. While many ministries have seen an uptick in donations over the past year, this survey suggests caution as we consider new expenditures, forecast our future revenues, and consider next year’s budget.

News like this continues to drive me to my knees and remind me of God’s sovereignty. I find great peace and hope knowing that he is in control and not political parties or world powers. At the same time, I am reminded that we have a responsibility to wisely steward the resources he provides.

Devastating wildfires around Colorado Springs have destroyed 300 homes, endangered church and ministry facilities, and displaced thousands of people. Hundreds of ECCU members have been affected, with many still at risk. Please pray as ECCU members and staff respond.

Click here for further details.

_{Colorado wildfires rage on the horizon in this photo taken on Tuesday, June 26, just two blocks from ECCU’s Colorado Regional Office by Vice President Gary Kehr.}

Ministry leaders, church business administrators, and financial decision makers near Sacramento and Livermore have two opportunities to network and learn together in July.

National Association of Church Business Administration (NACBA) Chapter Meeting

Join other Sacramento-area church business administrators and financial decision makers for lunch, a presentation on church financial health, and a roundtable discussion. Here are the details for this month’s meeting: 

July 5 (Thursday) from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Arcade Church
3927 Marconi Avenue
Sacramento, CA 95821

This event is free and geared primarily for executive pastors, bookkeepers, and anyone involved with the business side of church operations. 

You do not have to be a NACBA member to attend. Drinks and dessert will be provided (everyone brings their own lunch).

To reserve your spot, email Ed Jones at ed.jones@eccu.org.

Christian Management Association (CMA) Lunch Seminar

CMA lunch seminars give you an opportunity to hear from experts on topics of interest to ministries and to network with ministry leaders.

At this seminar, David Lee, a ministry development officer with Evangelical Christian Credit Union (ECCU) will share insights on “How to Build and Use a Better Budget.” Here are the details for this seminar:

July 20 (Friday) from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Cornerstone Fellowship
348 North Canyons Parkway
Livermore, CA 94551

This seminar is geared specifically for financial leaders of small to large churches, parachurch ministries, and Christian schools. CMA members attend free; cost for non-members is $40.

Reserve your spot by registering online at www.sjcma.org/events.html. For more information about this seminar, email Pam Boersma at pam.boersma@cmanational.org.

To learn more about these meetings, visit www.eccu.org/resources/events.

Members and staff from Evangelical Christian Credit Union (ECCU) will bring their “Investing in Ministry”^® mindset to the 2012 National Association of Church Business Administration (NACBA) Annual Conference in Houston, Texas, this summer. Networking and educational workshops presented by peers and experts will provide ample opportunity to contribute and grow during the conference, which is being held July 10–14 this year.

Conference attendees who register at ECCU’s booth in the conference exhibit hall will be eligible to win a new iPad^®. (For the complete Official Rules*, visit www.eccu.org/nacba-sweepstakes.)

Are you going to the NACBA conference? You can learn more and register at www.nacba.net.

One of many lessons ministries have learned in recent years is the importance of cash reserves—having funds available when you need them. Without adequate reserves, the pursuit of your ministry’s mission may be in jeopardy.

A free ECCU webinar recording—Cash Reserves: Why you need them. How to build them.—can help.

By watching this webinar, you can expect to learn:

• What constitutes reserves and why they’re so important for every ministry
• About the process a ministry goes through to set a cash reserves target
• About the struggles and benefits ministries have experienced as they worked to achieve their cash reserve goals
• How an ECCU member ministry builds and manages cash reserves

You’ll also have access to a broad range of financial resources, including: A white paper, online tools, articles, book recommendations, and more.

To watch this webinar recording and access the additional resources, click here.