I’ve visited a few churches recently where it seems that getting through the offering as fast as possible during worship is the name of the game.

The small church has many wonderful qualities. A scarcity mindset is not one of them. By adopting an abundant mindset – and trying some of the ideas here – you might be surprised how much better you’ll view the whole notion of stewardship.

Pastors: Why should you be interested in this – especially if you are nowhere near the age of 70½ - 73?

1. RMDs and QCDs might be a good source of funding.

2. It’s a great tax benefit for the retired people sitting in your pews.

3. It’s super convenient for your parishioners to donate since all the work is done via their IRA custodian.

It’s a given. Stories are important. If you have any doubt, take a look at your Bible and think about all the stories that you remember from the Good Book. Your stories can make your congregation and its mission come alive and inspire others to be generous.

It’s counter-intuitive, but studies – and more importantly, experience – have shown that two-page letters outperform one-page letters. Heck, one study even showed that a three-page letter had a higher success rate (i.e., raised more money) and had more individual responses than a two-page letter.

These simple things can change the focus of your stewardship month from “let’s meet the budget” to “we are helping to fulfill God’s mission in the world.” And unlike my state fair experience, there won’t be any chasing down people or banging them over the head. The pledge will come from a deep well of joy.

We might not have the same level of wealth of Dolly Parton but we can decide what we will do with our money to bring goodness and light into our world.

Speaking of gifts – have you recently thought about all the assets your congregation or organization possesses?…No doubt, you have assets you are not aware of.

Seriously, Hollywood has nothing on the powerful work that is being done every week in your congregation. However, they’re not going to tell your story.
 
That’s up to you.

It’s clear that from the perspective of these three (and me too) that the focus of any stewardship month should be on generosity as a spiritual practice. And…it does not have to be in either September or October.