Episode 52: Talking About Money Without Wearing Out Your Welcome
Feb 26, 2020
Show notes
In this episode of the Generosity Podcast, Todd McMichen is joined by Gary Montgomery, Executive Director of Compass-Kentucky. During their conversation, they discuss the tension of needing resources to accomplish vision and the fear of wearing out the conversation.
Best Quotes
“On the surface, the tension is there because we don’t want to raise funds.”
“The church may feel it’s not very spiritual to talk about money, but it is something that needs to be talked about.”
“Whether it is real or perceived, fear can paralyze the church.”
“We can’t be a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ if we aren’t handling money God’s way.”
“Sixteen of the 38 parables were about money and possessions and Jesus talked about it more than He talked about any topic other than the kingdom of God.”
“Develop a culture of financial discipleship and generosity and that looks like weaving it in to everything you are already doing.”
“We need to be able to celebrate our gratitude in celebration when people give.”
Gary Montgomery is the Executive Director of Compass-Kentucky, Inc. where he teaches people what the Bible says about handling money and how to apply it in their personal lives. Over the last 17 years, Gary has invested himself in full-time financial discipleship ministry working with individuals, churches and businesses across Kentucky and nearby states. He has a passion for helping churches and businesses develop a culture of financial discipleship and generosity.
Gary joined Crown Financial Ministries staff in 2002 as KY State Director and formed Compass-Kentucky as a 501(C)3 non-profit ministry in 2010, as an affiliate of Compass-finances God’s way. Gary holds a Business Management degree from West Virginia Wesleyan College. He and his wife, Teresa, have been married for 34 years, have two grown children and reside in London, KY.
Episode 51: Naming Easily Overlooked Generosity Fails
Feb 19, 2020
Show notes
In this episode of the Generosity Podcast, Todd McMichen is joined by Gunnar Johnson, founder of Learn Generosity. During their conversation, they discuss the most common missteps church leaders unknowingly make when it comes to generosity.
Best Quotes
“The most effective way to preach on money is to sprinkle it in just like Jesus did.”
“Another failure I see is only mentioning generosity around capital campaigns.”
“There is so much we can do for the upcoming generation with current year planned giving.”
“Find a mentor in your church and stick with that one source to help you get going in generosity.”
“When we throw out a panic alert, our people aren’t growing in a full expression of biblical generosity they are just putting out fires.”
“You don’t have to know exactly what an individual person gives, but pull back some of the layers and don’t just look at the top number.”
“In America, there are $50 Billion in unused giftcards, at Generosity by Lifeway we liquidate unusual things like that.”
Before founding Generosity and Stewardship Strategies and co-founding Financial Freedom International, Gunnar Johnson was a local church Pastor and business owner. He had the privilege of serving as an Executive Stewardship Pastor at Gateway Church in Southlake Texas for 11 years. Prior to Gateway Church, Gunnar served for 2 years as a Stewardship Minister at the The Hills Church in North Richland Hills, Texas. Prior to 13 years of vocational ministry he owned a Drywall business in Florida, and a Chem-Dry carpet cleaning company in Texas while serving on staff with Howard Dayton and Larry Burkett at Crown Financial Ministry.
Gunnar has a passion for teaching Biblical Generosity and Financial Stewardship to individuals, churches, non-profits and businesses. He loves watching how they grow through the power of God’s Word.
Podcast Episode 50: Uncovering the Hidden Treasure of Generosity Events
Feb 12, 2020
Show notes
In this episode of the Generosity Podcast, Todd McMichen is joined by Ray Gary, founder and CEO of iDonate. During their conversation, they uncover the hidden power that events hold to unleash giving in the local church.
Best Quotes
“When we think about the church we understand the value of corporate fellowship probably better than anyone and the need to do life together.”
“Events can reinforce and illustrate the value of your tithe.”
“I think we take for granted what the members really know happens in the operating budget.”
“The church could be involved in hundreds of activities that people don’t really have any context for understanding.”
“People are inspired when they hear how other people are generous.”
“There is a community aspect to events where you are getting face-to-face with people who share a passion for the cause.”
“You get to hear from people who not only have a passion for something, but whose lives have been changed.”
“An event is an easy way for a beginning giver to give their first gift to the local church.”
“Regular consistent giving starts with a biblical understanding and it’s reinforced with discipleship in the church.”
“There’s a massive opportunity for the church to tap into the unique gifting and passions of its members to serve things that traditionally may not have been part of their operating budget.”
Ray is the CEO of iDonate, a company that provides nonprofits with technology solutions to do more good in the world. Ray’s experience in launching, building and helping businesses succeed spans nearly three decades, including various leadership positions in technology companies. Previously, he served as President of the Venture Capital group of Koch Industries, one of the nation’s largest private companies, where he oversaw numerous technology investments. Ray currently serves as a Board member of the Highland Park chapter of KLIFE – a faith-based ministry for students and also sits on the Board of the greater Baton Rouge/LSU area Young Life ministry.
Podcast Episode 49: What Does a Stewardship Pastor Do?
Feb 05, 2020
Show notes
In this episode of the Generosity Podcast, Todd McMichen is joined by Rob Taylor, former offensive tackle with the Tampa Bay Bucs and current Stewardship Pastor at Idlewild Baptist Church just outside of Tampa, FL. During their conversation, they discuss what a Stewardship Pastor does all week long.
Best Quotes
“We don’t want our people to think of stewardship as just treasure or money, but it’s obviously time and money and the stewardship of the truth.”
“As the pastor is looking for someone, it may be someone who has some education in the area of money, but is for sure someone who is practicing it in their own life.”
“When it comes to my unique role as Stewardship Pastor, I have key ministry areas which are the detail of what I do with my time on a daily basis.”
“If we are going to establish this culture of Stewardship and Generosity, it should start with kids and students and young adults.”
“I am not a fundraiser. My role is discipleship and teaching people what God says in His Word about handling money.”
“If the stewardship ministry becomes a vehicle designed to raise more money for the church, that’s going to hurt the success of the stewardship ministry.”
“If the only time a pastor talks about giving and stewardship is when the budget is down it gives a bad image to the congregation.”
Rob was saved at the age of 6 through the influence of his parents and the children’s ministry at the local church he attended in Dayton, Ohio. Rob currently serves as the Pastor of Financial Stewardship and Men’s ministry at Idlewild Baptist Church and also serves as the Executive Director of The Idlewild Foundation. His goal is to equip God’s people to learn and apply God’s financial principles and to create a culture of generosity within the Idlewild family. Rob teaches a variety of financial classes to all age groups and also coordinates the Budget Coaching and Benevolence Ministries at Idlewild. Prior to serving at Idlewild, Rob owned and operated Taylor and Williams, Inc., along with his business partner, a practice that specializes in financial planning and investment management. He also played football professionally for 11 years as an offensive tackle where he spent his last 8 years with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Rob also attended Northwestern University where he received his BS degree in electrical engineering. The titles that Rob cherishes the most are Christ-Follower, Susan’s husband and Kelby, Kelley, Kent and Kyle’s dad.
Podcast Episode 48: Generosity Resources Pastors Need on the Ready
Jan 29, 2020
Show notes
In this episode of the Generosity Podcast, Todd McMichen is joined by Gunnar Johnson, noted stewardship expert, author, consultant, and founder of LearnGenerosity.com. During their conversation, they discuss the most effective generosity and stewardship resources.
Best Quotes
“Howard Dayton’s book Your Money Counts is like reading a commentary on money in the Bible.”
“The Generous Life Journey was specifically written to help pastors get a feel for where to start teaching the Bible on money.”
“If you begin to see money, possessions, and generosity in the Word of God, it will become a conviction no one can talk you out of.”
“The real revolution is leading the transformation, not focused on the transaction.”
“Every age group does not need the same content. You do need to have a multi-age approach.”
“I wrote The Generous Life Journey to give people the steps it takes to grow into becoming a generous giver.”
“You can teach all you want on financial practical stuff, but if they don’t get the Lordship issue in their life right then they won’t grow into all the Lord wants them to be.”
“Our culture does not teach Biblical principles of money management.”
Before founding Generosity and Stewardship Strategies and co-founding Financial Freedom International, Gunnar Johnson was a local church Pastor and business owner. He had the privilege of serving as an Executive Stewardship Pastor at Gateway Church in Southlake Texas for 11 years. Prior to Gateway Church, Gunnar served for 2 years as a Stewardship Minister at the The Hills Church in North Richland Hills, Texas. Prior to 13 years of vocational ministry he owned a Drywall business in Florida, and a Chem-Dry carpet cleaning company in Texas while serving on staff with Howard Dayton and Larry Burkett at Crown Financial Ministry.
Gunnar has a passion for teaching Biblical Generosity and Financial Stewardship to individuals, churches, non-profits and businesses. He loves watching how they grow through the power of God’s Word.
Podcast Episode 47: How Can a Pastor Fix His Own Finances, So He Can Lead With More Confidence?
Jan 22, 2020
Show notes
In this episode of the Generosity Podcast, Todd McMichen is joined by Gary Montgomery, Executive Director of Compass-Kentucky. During their conversation, they discuss helping pastors move beyond their own financial issues.
Best Quotes
“The most common thing I hear is that no one ever taught me what it meant to handle money God’s way.”
“We are on a financial journey and we need someone to guide us along the way.”
“God’s Word is always right, it’s always relevant, and it never changes.”
“As we understand God’s way of handling money, we grow in spiritual maturity and we become more effective disciple makers.”
“If He is not Lord of all that I have, is He really Lord of my life?”
“In our Compass groups, while no one is ever asked to reveal their financial situation, there is way the course orchestrates great relationships.”
Gary Montgomery is the Executive Director of Compass-Kentucky, Inc. where he teaches people what the Bible says about handling money and how to apply it in their personal lives. Over the last 17 years, Gary has invested himself in full-time financial discipleship ministry working with individuals, churches and businesses across Kentucky and nearby states. He has a passion for helping churches and businesses develop a culture of financial discipleship and generosity.
Gary joined Crown Financial Ministries staff in 2002 as KY State Director and formed Compass-Kentucky as a 501(C)3 non-profit ministry in 2010, as an affiliate of Compass-finances God’s way. Gary holds a Business Management degree from West Virginia Wesleyan College. He and his wife, Teresa, have been married for 34 years, have two grown children and reside in London, KY.
Podcast Episode 46: When the People Split and So Does Everything Else
Jan 15, 2020
Show notes
In this episode of the Generosity Podcast, Todd McMichen is joined by Kevin Brimner, Lead Pastor at First Christian Church in Newbergh, Indiana. During their conversation, they discuss leading the church and its finances as they recover from a split.
Best Quotes
“We were running 1300 on an average week with a budget of $45,000. Within a year there was a new church established on our old church campus site. Our attendance bottomed out in the mid-500s and giving on the worst days was $11,000.”
“The church family was ripped apart in very profound ways.”
“I recognized that about a third of the people at our leadership gathering were not familiar with our church hurt and God was bringing new people in.”
“In this little corner of the world, God keeps bringing people to us.”
“Numerically, from an invitational standpoint and an evangelistic standpoint we are hitting some good targets.”
“We went through a season where we reassessed our partnerships with mission agencies. We pulled out for a season, but we still set aside 10% of all the offerings so we could engage as God opened doors for us to do that.”
“From a leadership principle, God has designed each of our congregations so that all that we need to grow is there, that just like raising kids it is wise to have outside voices who are moving in the right direction to come alongside.”
“Strategically put yourself in learning partnerships where the expertise that others have can guide you through things that you may not be an expert at.”
Kevin loves the Church and has been in ministry for 30+ years, serving local churches in Illinois, Kentucky, and Indiana. He has served as a Family Minister, Small Groups Pastor, Executive Pastor, and since 2015 as a Lead Pastor. Kevin met his wife, Julianne, while attending Lincoln Christian University. Together they have raised 3 children and recently became grandparents. Aside from serving the church, you will find him riding motorcycles, coaching middle school girls in basketball, and eating out with family and friends.
Podcast Episode 45: How Does a Pastor Grow as a Generosity Leader?
Jan 08, 2020
Show notes
In this episode of the Generosity Podcast, Todd McMichen is joined by Zach Terry, Lead Pastor at First Baptist Church Fernandino Beach, FL. During their conversation, they discuss how a pastor can grow his generosity leadership.
Best Quotes
“Watching how the church engaged with my father as a very poor man all the way through being wealthy was a front row seat in education for learning generosity ministry.”
“If you have someone who is wealthy and able to bring their influence to bear on the gospel and the church, let them give.”
“When we approach our ministry as pastors, we have to think like missionaries and look at the culture we are in and reverse engineer how we can best present the gospel to these people.”
“Within the church, I began to think about the church as the Affluent, the Burdened, and the Comfortable.”
“I began to study the affluent as a people group and I realized that they fit every dynamic of a mission field.”
“The people who leverage gospel patrons best are the parachurch organizations.”
“I believe that if the church is doing it right, the church will fund the parachurch organizations or they won’t be necessary.”
“If we don’t have a vision broad enough for their generosity, they will find somebody who does.”
Zach Terry is a generosity catalyst. He is known for his ability to develop strategies that engage, develop and leverage high capacity donors for Christ-centered ministries. He holds a Master’s Degree from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, from which he received the Westminster John Knox Press Award. In 2016, he was honored as one of the Connect Faith’s “Agents of Change”. He has led churches in Kentucky and Alabama prior to his current post as Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church, Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island, FL. Most importantly, Zach enjoys family life with his wife, Julie, son Cole, and two daughters, Carly and Caitlyn.
Podcast Episode 44: Helping Pastors Minister to Successful Business Leaders
Jan 01, 2020
Show notes
In this episode of the Generosity Podcast, Todd McMichen is joined by Bill High, founder and CEO of The Signatry, a Global Christian Foundation. During their conversation, they discuss shepherding and leading the most successful business leaders in your church.
Best Quotes
“A business leader is trying to lead and grow a business. He’s trying to move a group of people along around a particular mission and vision.”
“While the endgame for a pastor and business owner is different, the process to move it along is similar.”
“Pastors, you have a platform that business leaders need in their lives.”
“When a business owner grabs hold of the idea that God owns their business, there is only one response, which is ultimately the outflow of generosity.”
“Sit down with a business owner and ask them some basic questions about how their business works.”
“God called business people before they were prophets.”
“When you read your Bible, try to find business leaders in it and you will start to get some strength in this area to speak to business leaders like you never have before.”
Bill High practiced law for 12 years before becoming the CEO of the The Signatry. As CEO, he has spent over 18 years helping families live simply and give generously. He specializes in coaching families, individual givers, and financial advisers regarding biblical generosity and family legacy. He and his wife Brooke have four children and two grandchildren.
You can learn more about Bill’s ministry here: www.billhigh.com.
Podcast Episode 43: How Do You Build a Generosity Ministry for a Small/Medium Size Church?
Dec 25, 2019
Show notes
In this episode of the Generosity Podcast, Todd McMichen is joined by Gunnar Johnson, former Stewardship Pastor, author, and President of Learn Generosity. During their conversation, they discuss how pastors leading a small or medium size church can start a generosity ministry.
Best Quotes
“The very first thing every pastor has to do is they have to have a conviction from the Lord on why they are going to teach on money.”
“Everyone realizes the church needs money to operate, so you are dealing with a touchy subject to begin with.”
“I would recommend you do not touch this subject until you are walking it out.”
“People that love money, you are going to insult their god, and they are going to get offended.”
“Talk about worshiping the Lord with the use of your resources and generosity.”
“Don’t go at this alone. You don’t need to. There are a lot of people who will support you.”
“Don’t just make this about giving. There are so many other topics in the Scriptures about money.”
“A lot of your top givers give a lot of money outside the church because they don’t feel like your vision is big enough for their investment.”
Before founding Generosity and Stewardship Strategies and co-founding Financial Freedom International, Gunnar Johnson was a local church Pastor and business owner. He had the privilege of serving as an Executive Stewardship Pastor at Gateway Church in Southlake Texas for 11 years. Prior to Gateway Church, Gunnar served for 2 years as a Stewardship Minister at the The Hills Church in North Richland Hills, Texas. Prior to 13 years of vocational ministry he owned a Drywall business in Florida, and a Chem-Dry carpet cleaning company in Texas while serving on staff with Howard Dayton and Larry Burkett at Crown Financial Ministry.
Gunnar has a passion for teaching Biblical Generosity and Financial Stewardship to individuals, churches, non-profits and businesses. He loves watching how they grow through the power of God’s Word.
You can learn more about Gunnar’s ministry here: www.learngenerosity.com.
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