“I can almost guarantee that you will feel terrific if you steal (or borrow – which sounds less like you’re breaking one of the Commandments) this year-end letter.”

“ You know what you do is important.
You know what you do is necessary.
You know what you do is life-giving.
And you know it takes money to make it happen.

So, when you write your letter asking for financial assistance for something you feel passionately about, don’t bury the lead.”

“The first sentence of your thank you note can either be ho-hum or it can immediately grab a person’s attention and make them want to continue reading.”

“I’m getting a feel for what you pastors have been going through. And, I’m a nervous wreck.”

If you’re getting ready to send out your quarterly statement, opportunity awaits. Go ahead: send your people the more formal for-tax-purposes-only sheet of paper with all the numbers. But then, on another sheet of paper that they see as soon as they open the envelope:
Thank people for their sacrificial gift.
Tell them a story about your ministry that will make them feel great.
Think like them…what could you say that would make you feel invested in your congregation?

This is why the annual stewardship campaign is essential in so many congregations. It’s your opportunity to ask people to make a formal and important step in their faith journey.

Rather than alienating, “Be curious, not judgmental” can lead us into relationship. It can draw us closer. It can lead us to fellowship, communion, koinonia if we let it.

During this bleak pandemic time, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and discouraged – especially around finances. But let this information about the generations energize you and let the questions embolden you.

Your staff, your congregation, your people need to know that all is not lost. Those small wins are worth celebrating. Worth a “way to go.” Worth smiling about. Worth sharing.

Take the time. Pull your leaders together via Zoom or gather together outside, six feet apart with your masks on. Start the discussion about your new “why.” Doing so can be an exciting and life-giving opportunity to engage in conversation about the future