2 days ago
176| How Pastors Can Talk About Money with Confidence
Talking about money can feel uncomfortable for pastors and parish leaders. But what if the goal isn’t simply to raise more money, but to help people grow in generosity?
In this episode of the Rebuilt Parish Podcast, Melissa Wilkinson and Tom Corcoran sit down with philanthropy expert and Church of the Nativity parishioner Michelle Glennon to explore a more relational approach to giving.
Drawing on more than 25 years of experience in philanthropy, Michelle encourages parish leaders to move away from transactional fundraising and instead begin with curiosity, relationships, vision, and impact. She shares practical ways pastors can become more comfortable talking about generosity, build relationships with people who have significant giving capacity, and invite parishioners to use not only their income, but also their assets and wealth to support the mission of the Church.
Michelle also explains why storytelling is such an important part of inspiring generosity, how transparency builds trust with givers, and why philanthropy should never be the responsibility of just one person.
For parish leaders who know generosity needs to grow but aren’t sure where to begin, this conversation offers a practical and encouraging place to start.
In This Episode
- Why philanthropy should be relational rather than transactional
- How curiosity can change conversations with prospective givers
- Why pastors should feel confident talking about money and generosity
- How to approach parishioners with significant wealth without intimidation
- Using stories and testimonies to demonstrate the impact of the parish
- Building trust through financial transparency and donor communication
- Helping people think beyond giving from income to giving from wealth
- Appreciated securities, donor-advised funds, retirement assets, and legacy giving
- Why raising givers is a team effort
- How parish staff and leaders can recognize natural opportunities to invite greater generosity
- Where pastors can begin if they want to strengthen a culture of giving
Looking Ahead: Rebuilt Conference 2027
The Rebuilt Conference returns to Church of the Nativity May 3–4, 2027, with the theme Go Forward, inspired by Exodus 14.
This is a conference for parishes, by parishes, created to give pastors and parish leaders practical tools, encouragement, and the opportunity to learn alongside others who understand the realities of parish ministry. Get on the insiders list for our best pricing: rebuiltparish.com/conference
Come early on Sunday, May 2, to experience Mass at Nativity, tour the building, and see ministries in action before the conference begins.
Free Book Resources
Explore Jesus, the Rich Young Man, and the Meaning of Life with a free first chapter and practical resources designed to help your whole parish reflect, discuss, and grow together. rebuiltparish.com/richyoungman
Timestamps
00:02 Meet Michelle Glennon
01:54 Michelle’s Faith and Professional Background
06:25 From Law to Philanthropy
07:44 Fundraising vs. Philanthropy
09:52 Putting the Giver First
12:24 Helping Pastors Talk About Money
19:11 Engaging People with Significant Wealth
23:09 Storytelling and the Impact of Generosity
28:59 Building Trust Through Transparency
33:18 Giving from Income vs. Giving from Wealth
34:25 Helping Parishioners Give Through Their Assets
39:19 Building a Long-Term Culture of Generosity
42:57 Making Philanthropy a Team Effort
46:00 Inviting Parishioners to Help Raise Givers
48:50 Where Should a Parish Begin?
Resources Mentioned
Church Money: Rebuilding the Way We Fund Our Mission
Learn from the principles Church of the Nativity has used to grow generosity and support its mission.
Giving USA
Michelle references Giving USA research on charitable giving in the United States and the significant amount Americans continue to give each year.
Russell James III
Michelle recommends the work of Russell James III and his research on charitable giving and biblical generosity.
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