Behind the Stained Glass Windows: Money Dynamics in the Church [Hardcover]

John Ronsvalle (Author), Sylvia Ronsvalle (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: 1996

Authors John and Sylvia Ronsvalle present the results of a three-year Lilly Endowment Study which shows that both church membership and giving-as-a-percentage-of-income are declining. The study focused on many Protestant denominations and the Roman Catholic Church. Advice for Christian leaders on reversing this trend is given as well as a thorough diagnosis of the problem.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Authors who write books based on survey data always run the risk of telling audiences what they already know. The results of this study of church-member giving patterns and Christian attitudes toward money will not come as a surprise to the church members and church officials most likely to read it. On the other hand, a systematic presentation of what an audience already knows can be an aid in strategic planning, and that is the niche where this book is most likely to settle: it will be of interest and value to clergy, laity, and church officials at local, regional, and national levels faced with the task of financing the institutions to which they belong and for which they work. Steve Schroeder

Product Details

• Hardcover: 384 pages
• Publisher: Baker Pub Group (1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0801090113
• ISBN-13: 978-0801090110
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,835,726 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The last stewardship book you'll buy!, February 12, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Behind the Stained Glass Windows: Money Dynamics in the Church (Hardcover)

Without a doubt, this is THE best stewardship book I've ever read! Like you, I've endured many a stewardship campaign, technique, and gimmick--only to find it unsatisfying, ultimately. This book examines everything that has been done under the sun in stewardship (be it mainline Protestant, evangelical Protestant, or Roman Catholic), and discusses, rationally, why it is counterproductive in the long run. While it is a big book and does discuss research, it is easily accessible to all. Interestingly enough, I found it hard to put down--it is that good! Buy this one now.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must for people who want to understand stewardship, June 12, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Behind the Stained Glass Windows: Money Dynamics in the Church (Hardcover)

A very good and comprehensive review of where stewardship in the church is in the last ten years. This will take you through motivation, understanding, and give you insights into how to resolve your stewardship dilemas. People who are strugling with stewardship will find this book most informative and helpful. You may not like all that is said but all needs to be said and thought about. Most thought provoking and insightful.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding reference, January 13, 2002

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Behind the Stained Glass Windows: Money Dynamics in the Church (Hardcover)

An outstanding reference for stewardship work. This book explores the role of money in the parish, why it's so difficult to talk about, and what needs to change.