When in-person worship came to a screeching halt in 2020, many church leaders lamented, "What are we going to do if we can't pass the plate/basket for the offering?" Creative pivoting happened for many who sought to navigate the unexpected pandemic and post-pandemic path. The result—funding for ministry and mission that exceeded pre-pandemic projections. Many lamenters were … Learn More about About the Book
Foreword by J. Clif Christopher
Over a decade ago, I wrote a book titled Not Your Parents’ Offering Plate that challenged all the norms around Christian financial stewardship at that time. The bottom-line premise was that leaders within the Christian community—primarily the church—must make significant changes if they want to succeed in their mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ. Now, in this excellent new book, A Better Offering: 5 Unmistakable Habits of Generous Churches, Don Smith has taken seriously the … READ MORE
“Don is spot on as he offers practical insight into how and why churches need to change the way they receive the offering. More than that, it is clear that these changes are actually emblematic of a deeper change needed in the church today. He has done every pastor and finance team a favor with this treasure of a book!”
LISA GREENWOOD
V. P. of Leadership Ministry,
Texas Methodist Foundation
“A Better Offering could not have come at a more opportune time. Don does more than offer the theoretical—he provides numerous examples from churches of various sizes, and conversation starters that work. This is the book for this moment in church leadership!”
KEN SLOANE
Director of Stewardship & Generosity,
Discipleship Ministries, The United Methodist Church
“A Better Offering is very timely. And while I may not like Don’s idea of saying goodbye to passing the plates, I know I must adapt. It is imperative that we modify to new ways of behaving. This is a must-read for pastors, finance committees, leadership teams, and laity in our churches.”
BISHOP BOB FARR
Missouri Conference,
The United Methodist Church

About the Author
DONALD A. SMITH is a generosity strategist who partners with pastors and church leaders to support them in discerning and funding their vision for the future. Through the years, Don has been an invaluable resource to churches. A successful lead pastor for more than two decades, Don has planted new churches, turned around struggling … Read More about About the Author