Premise of the book:
Churches can become vital by developing intentional financial structures driven by mission/ministry, while recognizing generational generosity motivations and preferences.

What this book does:
Creating Financially Sustainable Congregations is a unique resource for clergy and laity, which introduces accounting principles and practices, statistical data, along with strategies for encouraging sustainable funding for ministry. Also, the author addresses general differences in giving with different generational age groups. Further, budgeting, financial transparency, and missional communications are discussed. Each chapter starts with scripture and ends with questions to consider.

Contents:

1- An Introduction
2- Terminologies and Typologies
3- Church Financial Statements
4- Capital, Capitalization, Capital Formation, and Endowments
5- Budgets and Budgeting
6- The Philanthropic Landscape
7- Generational Consideration
8- Managing Crisis
9- Sustainable Church
Bibliography

What are some important insights:
The author provides numerous insights for clergy and laity who want to maintain or develop a sustainable ministry, which embraces transparency. “A budget describes in financial terms how the church plans to realize its mission, the connection between budget, mission, and stewardship becomes apparent.” (p.57) “A church that wants to ensure it has a sustainable revenue base must take into account not only the capacity to give, but generational factors that influence a donor’s inclination to give.” (p. 77)

Possibilities as a resource for churches:
This is a sound resource for clergy and Finance Committees who want lead and develop sustainable funding for ministry during changing times.