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December 23, 2008
Stewardship principles encourage celebration in tough times
While everyone is rushing to complete the final steps of preparation for Christmas and make sure all the gifts are wrapped and make it under the tree before the "big day," churches aren't sure what to anticipate with respect to giving and the new year. In fact, some church leaders may find little to celebrate this holiday season.
I'd like to offer you a few good things to keep in mind that may make it easier to find something to celebrate this season.
1. Church attendance increases in tough times. History demonstrates that people find their way to places of worship when life throws them into unexpected and overwhelming circumstances. Capitalize on the opportunity to inspire new or less-than-regular-attenders with compelling stories that connect with people on a personal, emotional level.
2. Celebrate your success. In Wealthy donors say they don't make a difference?, Jeff Brooks writes:
But really, a strong, smart, donor-centered nonprofit should make it so abundantly clear to its donors that they matter that it would be impossible for them to say they don't.
Keeping people connected to the cause or organization they support is absolutely essential to building long-term, sustainable funding. It's a good reminder that not everyone "touches" your church as much as you do. Find ways to encourage your membership and thank them for their support.
3. Name your strengths and use them to your advantage. When it comes to funding models, the church makes the rest of the non-profit world jealous. Every week, churches are able to get in front of their membership which reminds people of the work they are supporting and why they chose your church in the first place. The church also offers giving opportunities more consistently because you are in front of your people more regularly than traditional non-profits. Monthly Giving is an undervalued habit to encourage with simple tools like offering envelopes.
4. Use technology to your advantage. Begin exploring ways to connect with your membership using social media tools and through devices such as cell phones. The revolution is coming: either you will roll with it or be left behind. It's time to begin cultivating relationships with a new generation of donors - a generation that is ready to give but doesn't assume the church is the best place for their dollar. It's your responsibility to demonstrate why the church is.
5. Remember, what goes down must come up. Most investors are expecting a slow start to 2009 but do anticipate a rebound by the end of 2009. Remember that phrase from the KJV version of the Bible: "This too shall pass"? Well, it's true. Just because you may see a temporary drop in giving doesn't mean you need to panic. Use it as an opportunity to evaluate every area of your ministry, and make the steps necessary to bring your ministry and budget in harmony with one another. (This is what you're asking your membership to do. Don't find yourself in the trap of All Talk and No Action?.
Stewardship may be the most unusual place for church leaders to look for encouragement this Christmas season. But these 5 things demonstrate that we have a lot to celebrate and every reason to believe the Church will continue to survive and thrive just as it has for thousands of years.
As the Advent becomes the Incarnation, may we be reminded that God is with us.
Posted by bstroup at December 23, 2008 9:56 AM
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Comments
Another great post! Keep preaching bro and Merry Christmas!
Posted by: Mark Brooks at December 23, 2008 1:03 PM
Thanks Mark. Keep reading. And keep fighting the good fight with The Charis Group. Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Blessings, Ben.
Posted by: Ben Stroup 
at December 23, 2008 2:09 PM