Funding Forward

As religious participation shifts in the United States, the economic model for churches is changing rapidly and significantly. In this moment of massive change and incredible opportunity, Grace Pomroy provides both inspiration and practical guidance for churches and denominations. Her research and insights are both appropriately realistic and deeply hopeful. This book is an essential read for church leaders who are finding their way forward. --Mark Elsdon, editor of Gone for Good? Negotiating the Coming Wave of Church Property Transition, and author of We Aren't Broke: Uncovering Hidden Resources for Mission and Ministry

It is refreshing to see a book that operates from an abundance mentality. Grace Duddy Pomroy's Funding Forward inspires readers to reimagine how God is calling them to be innovative stewards of resources that go beyond traditional congregation functions. --Rev. Martin Otto-Zimmann, PhD, senior director of Kindling Faith Ministry, United Lutheran Seminary

Facing the narrative of declining attendance, aging congregations, and budget shortfalls, in Funding Forward Grace Pomroy offers a transformative roadmap for congregations seeking to align with God's mission, revitalize community connections, and achieve sustainable ministry practices. This insightful guide navigates readers through the funding-forward process, equipping them with practical tools and strategies to discern their purpose, engage with their neighborhood, and embrace economic sustainability. With keen attention to leadership challenges and potential pitfalls, this book empowers ministries to embark on a journey of renewal and growth. A must-read for any congregation ready to embark on a path of purposeful transformation. --Dave Harder, principal consultant, Trinity Centres Foundation, Montreal

Dire predictions for the future of congregations abound. Grace Pomroy describes a different, more hopeful pathway forward--one that grows from the congregation's mission, builds on its strengths, and serves its community. This is a book that provides pastors and lay leaders in every context with practical suggestions for faithfully and creatively funding the congregation into the future. --Pastor Charles Lane, author of Ask, Thank, Tell and Reflections on Faith and Finances

The pandemic brought questions of alternative funding models and unused assets to the front of many clergy's minds. Funding Forward comprehensively addresses such issues and offers research, models, and examples of churches who have embraced both what God is calling them to do and innovative ways to fund that mission. While this isn't a path for all churches, every leadership team should read this book and consider this challenge of creating a sustainable model for ministry. --Scott Thumma, director, Hartford Institute for Religion Research

Congregations are in uncharted waters right now, and their clergy have not been equipped to navigate them. Grace Pomeroy doesn't provide a life preserver, but more of a map for faith communities facing the challenges of dwindling numbers of people and dollars. She reframes the narrative from one of decline to one brimming with possibility and hope, and not through magical thinking. Rather, the myriad stories presented here are drawn from Pomeroy's research in real congregations who are creatively developing mission strategies that are contextual, faithful, and effective. Readers will find case studies with which they identify and action plans that resonate with their own situations. In surveying the assets in community and congregation to reimagine their future, church leaders can certainly count this book as an asset in that journey. --Katie Day, Charles A. Schieren Professor Emerita of Church and Society, United Lutheran Seminary, Philadelphia