New Consecration Sunday Leader Guide

This approach to financing the operational ministries of a congregation teaches stewardship from a spiritual perspective rather than from a fund-raising perspective. New Consecration Sunday is based on a biblical/spiritual theology of the need of the giver to give for his or her own spiritual benefit rather than on the need of the church to receive. Directed toward raising the level of stewardship rather than toward raising the church budget, its no-gimmick approach focuses on the question, "What is God calling me to do?" rather than on the question, "What does the church need in order to pay its bills?"

Perdue Research Group interviewed people in 150 congregations that had used the original Consecration Sunday Stewardship Program. In 31 of those churches, financial giving increased 25 percent or more the first year they used it. Another 37 churches reported a 20 percent increase. Of the 150 churches interviewed, 131 had used Consecration Sunday three or four times. In one congregation, financial giving incrased 25 percent the first year, 18 percent the second year, and 30 percent the third year.

In addition to the latest research, this newly revised version of Consecration Sunday offers tips for announcements, teaching, and sermons; creative ideas for beyond second-year use; and ten-year ABCs for stewardship and finance committees that can dramatically incrase any congregation's giving.