In this edition of Insights, we take a closer look at the language and practice of stewardship in congregational life. Mark Sampson challenges churches to move beyond stewardship’s focus on ownership and ask deeper questions about the purpose of their resources, while David King reflects on whether “stewardship” has become too broad or too narrow to remain useful.

This Insights explores the deeper meaning of charity and stewardship within faith communities, highlighting how giving is not just humanitarian action but an extension of worship and love. Plus, learn about Lake Institute’s newly announced 2026 ECRF schedule and meet our 2025 Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship recipient.

Drawing on insights from Meredith McNabb and Tiffany Bennett-Cornelous, Ph.D., this edition highlights the Constituency Model as a practical tool for identifying and engaging donors based on their relationship to your mission. From building trust with new supporters to mobilizing internal and external networks for shared goals, both articles remind us that effective fundraising is rooted in cultivating meaningful, purpose-driven relationships.

What does the lifecycle of a donor look like? In this issue, Rachel Perten explores how faith-based organizations can accompany donors through each stage of their philanthropic journey—from their first gift to a lasting legacy. An Expanded Perspective by Rev. Dave Sigmund shares a moving story of lifelong generosity, illustrating how planned giving can be both a reflection of the legacy we hope to leave and the values we choose to live out today.

In this issue, Erica Dollhopf, Ph.D., explores key insights on the Giving USA 2025 report, detailing the state of religious giving in America. Erica unpacks current trends, challenges, and explores generational shifts that are shaping the future of religious giving and philanthropy. Rickey Letson also reflects on the value of data when making decisions in religious contexts. These pieces offer a forward-looking view of the faith and giving landscape.

The Center for the Church and the Black Experience and Lake Institute on Faith & Giving were proud to co-host the 2025 Symposium on Philanthropy and the Black Church. Focused on faith communities in the Black Church, the event united leaders across sectors to build trust, foster strategic partnerships, and reimagine philanthropy through the lens of faith, legacy, and mutual respect.

As Special Projects Director, Elizabeth Lynn Ph.D., prepares to retire at the end of the month, she explores the power of reflective conversation for faith and giving. Reflective conversation is core to Lake's own DNA, as it has been to her lifelong vocation as a facilitator and program leader. Elizabeth concludes that, as faith and giving shift and change today, there is an even more pressing need to connect community leaders on the ground of good conversation, and Lake Institute is actively innovating to help meet that need.

Do you ever wonder how virtual worship impacts giving? Or, do you know what percentage of congregations offer a QR code during religious services for members to contribute? Wave II of the National Study of Congregations’ Economic Practices (NSCEP) seeks to answer these questions and more, as it explores how congregational life and financial practices have changed in the seven years, since our first study was conducted in 2018.

Students from the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy share their reflections on the intersections of faith, philanthropy, and the future. Kathi Badertscher celebrates the achievements of this year's graduates, recognizing their dedication to making a positive impact in the world through philanthropy.