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September 2, 2009
A note of thanks
I received this e-mail from a church I worked with recently:
"Thank you so much for giving of yourself to help us with our stewardship drive. We were looking at it as if to say, 'Here we go again. Hope we raise enough money. Got any ideas?' Now, after reading your book, proposal, and being with you in person, there is excitement in the air. We are encouraged to go forward in a positive way. Many, many thanks."
First, I'm grateful that I was able to be a catalyst for forward momentum with this group of church leaders. Words fail to describe the energy of this group by end of our time together. I fully expect them to meet and exceed their goals. I think they will realize that passion and excitement add a dimension to a campaign that is sometimes called an "x" factor. It's hard to measure, but you know when it's present and when it's missing.
Second, it reminded me how underutilized a "thank you" can be in affirming the act of giving in the giver. After the ask has been made and the gift given - whether that be time, talent, and/or treasure - the final act should be for the church leader to say "thank you."
This can be done on multiple levels and in multiple ways. Most of the time a phone call, e-mail, or even - dare I suggest such an archaic act - a hand-written note is all that's necessary to acknowledge and affirm those who have freely given of what God has given them.
More than one people-management expert has said, "People perform to the level they are incented to perform to." I believe this is true. I also believe that people perform again and again and again when, in the midst of the reward earned for their efforts, a simple note of thanks is made.
Sustainable funding means not just a one time effort but an ongoing support that fuels and accelerates the ministry of your church. Perhaps the easiest, and arguably the best, fuel to propel the ministry of your church forward is to show gratitude or thanks for all that the people in the pew have done.
Don't forget to offer a note of thanks to God and to those who make it possible for you to have a church to lead.
Posted by bstroup at September 2, 2009 2:30 PM
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