Marlon Tilghman

Rev. Dr. Tilghman offers a well-needed resource for an oft-neglected leadership challenge--legacy planning. His scholarship is solid, with excellent nuance. He's adept at honoring what can be honored in others' work while challenging and extending such work with his own contributions. This work offers biblical, historical, theological, interdisciplinary and integrative foundations for congregational leadership to face the internal and external challenges of building a legacy within which congregations can not only survive, but thrive, in the years to come. Tilghman is a force to be reckoned with, offering a gentle hand for churches and leaders in challenging times.

Lisa Magdalena Hess
PhD, Professor of Practical Theology, United Seminary (OH)

This book is a “must read” for any pastor who truly cares about the financial health and longevity of the most important institution in society today…the church (mosque, synagogue, temple, etc). The concept of legacy giving no doubt is foreign to many Blacks because we concentrate on our financial deficits and don’t see the “acres of diamonds” we can sow into our churches (and make a financial difference “beyond our years of life! ) Who wouldn’t want to be a part of a mission like that?

For a religious leader to render passionate sermons and do impressive community work without imparting a schematic program for legacy giving is short-sighted and narrow-minded. This is not a book to be read and put on the shelf. It is a powerful game changer for religious institutions… a financial road map to be followed with rigor, intensity, and commitment. Following the edicts of this book will dramatically change the financial position of the church/synagogue, and temple, for future generations.

Do not rob your congregants of the intrinsic satisfaction of making such a difference! This is a “must read” and “must implement” publication. Thank you Rev. Dr. Tilghman for this clarion financial wake-up call.

Rev. Gayle Briscoe
Wayland Baptist Church, Baltimore, Maryland

While Rev. Dr. Tilghman writes about building the "Black Church," his approach and direction can bring inspiration and guidance to the leadership of all churches. As he writes in his introduction, he has "a passion to liberate everyone from the hindrances to their potential." His style is conversational and accessible to clergy and laypeople alike. Rooted in Biblical sources, Reimagining Discipleship challenges us to use self- examination to create the commitment to build financial capacity and stability in our faith institutions. The questions provided provoke in-depth discussions that inspire action. Rev. Dr. Tilghman takes "stewardship" beyond "fund-raising" into a crucial component of Christian discipleship that can invigorate and sustain religious organizations and the people in them.

Betsy F. Amey
Ascension Lutheran Church, Towson MD

One of the greatest fears in most African American churches is, "will we have enough money to fulfill God's vision for our faith community?" Through this seminal work, Rev. Dr. Marlon Tilghman shares a blueprint that will enable churches to overcome F.E.A.R. and flourish by building generational wealth. This book will serve as an important guide for pastors and church leaders who are serious about leaving a legacy of discipleship.

Rev. Dr. Paul W. Johnson
Lead Pastor, Hughes Memorial UMC Washington, DC