Church Executive Best Practices Forum: Fundraising & Generosity | Page 8

ABOUT
Since its founding in 1992, the Horizons team has worked with
churches and nonprofits to achieve their God-inspired visions.
Our purpose is to partner with clients to increase giving,
achieve mission objectives, and, ultimately, transform lives.
Today, Horizons’ clients span all denominations and budget sizes from
all corners of the country. Horizons’ clients recognize God is calling
them to larger and more expansive ministry objectives. Big visions
require faithful responses and profound commitments. Horizons’ team
of 30 Ministry Strategists works closely with their clients to enable them
to achieve God’s vision for their ministry.
Horizons offers a full range of generosity consulting services,
including capital campaigns, annual campaigns, best practices coaching,
data analytics, and year-round generosity programs. From the initial
client contact, Horizons’ strategists work to understand the culture
and challenges facing each church. Knowing their clients well enables
Horizons to handcraft a program specific to every client’s needs and
context. Recently, a capital campaign co-chair from Clarkston, Mich., put
it this way: “Horizons stood out because of their customized approach.
They took the time to understand us and develop a personalized
program.” Every Horizons client receives a unique program and process
adapted specifically for their circumstances.
When the church was facing significant financial concerns and
struggling to pay its mortgage, Rev. Paxton, Fort Worth, Texas, contacted
Horizons for counsel. Horizons provided guidance and support through
a Taking the Next Step generosity program. As a result, Rev. Paxton’s
church saw an increase in giving of 34.5% and a significant change in
the stewardship culture.
“The Taking the Next Step program allowed our church to radically
shift our thinking from a 35-year-old attitude of scarcity to an attitude
of generosity,” Rev. Paxton said. “We have quit living in the problem
(a disastrous financial situation) and begun living in the solution
(congregation-wide generosity).”
The Horizons Taking the Next Step generosity program has had
similar results in other churches across the country.
Horizons’ Ministry Strategists are committed to sharing the Christian
stewardship principles of gratitude, prayer and faith to grow givers and
create disciples. Horizons’ team includes a diverse blend of pastors,
business leaders, nationally recognized speakers, worship leaders,
former foundations chairs, church leaders, and published authors from
various denominational and geographical backgrounds. In selecting
your Ministry Strategist, Horizons works with each client to find the
best fit for their circumstances and select the person(s) who will be
most effective in their context. The Horizons team views their work as a
profound ministry that inspires generosity and grows disciples.
To schedule a free, 20-minute strategy session — or for more
information about the assortment of Horizons’ generosity services —
visit horizons.net.
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