Posts Tagged ‘Generosity Monk’
Three Lessons for Steward Leaders by Gary G. Hoag, Ph.D.
by Gary G. Hoag, Ph.D. ~ What should we say to constituents when the ministry we serve has financial needs? Recently a ministry leader emailed me and asked for advice before sending a message to board members and ministry supporters. While I will keep the identity of this steward leader confidential, I want to share…
Read More4 Sound Instructions for a Steward Leader by Gary G. Hoag, Ph.D.
By Gary G. Hoag, Ph.D. In 1 Timothy 6:3, the “sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ” are set in contrast to false teaching linked to money. In other words, bad teaching related to handling riches was present in the community of faith and Paul wanted Timothy to teach only what was “sound” or…
Read MoreMinistry Leaders and Metrics by Gary G. Hoag, Ph.D.
By Gary G. Hoag, Ph.D. Governing boards often require ministry leaders to use a variety of “metrics” to report results. These “metrics” often reflect the desired outcomes of ministry activity. Consider some examples of this practice: a Christian school might report enrollment figures, a medical ministry might tabulate the number of patients served, and a…
Read MoreWatch Your Language by Gary G. Hoag, Ph.D.
by Gary G. Hoag, Ph.D. Almost daily in December my mailbox received a stack of direct mail appeals inviting us to participate with various ministries in their work through giving. One evening my wife neatly left a stack of them for me on the counter. The assortment included organizations we have supported and others that…
Read MoreShould Christians Save for Retirement?
by Gary G. Hoag, Ph.D. This is one of those “elephant in the room” questions. Before I try to tackle it in a blog post I want to share three statements that reveal the basis for my thinking: I will approach this question from a biblical perspective. Should you grapple with my comments, please search…
Read MoreHow Do You Define Success?
by Gary G. Hoag, Ph.D. How do you define success in your church or ministry setting? In The Choice: The Christ-Centered Pursuit of Kingdom Outcomes, R. Scott Rodin, Wesley K. Willmer, and I suggest that most people define success in one of two ways, and this decision charts a predictable course that sends us down…
Read MoreMinistries Don’t Need Money! By Dr. Gary G. Hoag
Now that I have your attention allow me to explain my statement. The New Testament presents at least three things ministries (groups of Christ-followers working together on mission) need, and money is not one of them. 1. Ministries need leaders who are free of the love of money and full of the love of God…
Read MoreTop 10 List of New Testament Givers and their Gifts By Dr. Gary G. Hoag
The context for my post today is the Christmas season when our thoughts focus on gift giving. Rather than direct your attention to purchasing a home entertainment system, the latest name brand clothing or the newest toys for girls and boys, I want to shift our gaze from this century to real gifts and the givers who…
Read MoreRaising Up Stewards By Dr. Gary G. Hoag
Most people think that the job of development professionals is to “raise money” for the ministries they serve. Others go a step further and express that they “build relationships with people” who already support or may be interested in supporting God’s work there. Both of these comments are byproducts or results that may flow from…
Read More3 Gifts from God By Dr. Gary G. Hoag
It was probably the worst scenario for my wife, Jenni, to find out that she had breast cancer. It was January 19, 2011 and she was alone. I was in England fulfilling my PhD residency requirement. Sammy and Sophie, our two teenagers, were at school. She got a phone call. It was the doctor saying…
Read More