So sure, S.U.R.E. (simple, urgent, repetitive, and emotional) has guided much of my writing when I compose appeal letters or any other kind of “ask” that’s on paper. It’s true. S.U.R.E. has served a lot of the churches and clients I’ve worked with well over the years. I commend it to you too.

What if instead we reframed our thinking and started viewing fundraising and stewardship as ministry?

We are the oldest Methodist church west of the Rockies. We know that the church is built on the ancestral lands of the Kalapuyan tribe who made their home in the mid-Willamette Valley. We have a strong connection with Willamette University, founded by Rev. Jason Lee.

Every now and again, a piece of history that you didn’t know pops up and changes everything.

While there are some parents out there rejoicing that white shoes are going back in the closet and kids are returning to school…for those in the church world, it generally means that things are getting back to normal.

Which then usually signals that it’s time to think about stewardship commitment season. Here are a few ideas to get you ready…

Stop being defensive about your overhead costs.

You, if you are clergy, are not an “add on.”
Your Administrative Assistant is not an annoying extra.
Your utilities are not boring.
You, your clerical help, and utilities are all part of ministry.

…stewardship means acknowledging that the concept of “private property” is problematic. When I think of the land I live on, I feel a responsibility to increase its biodiversity, build topsoil, and grow food and flowers, because I’m only borrowing it for a minute.

We are stewards, not owners.

No doubt there are those in your congregation or nonprofit who have established a Donor Advised Fund. Because they may be advising that some of those funds go to your organization, that’s why you should be interested.

[Richie] learned that the experience of being in service to one another is not transactional, it’s transformational – not only for the person being served but for the person serving as well.

The thank you letter you send to people in your congregation or organization can either leave them saying, “Meh” or “Wow.”
Let’s hope that your thankfulness always elicits a loud and enthusiastic, “Wow!”

Being new is hard. It really is.
But it’s also a time for innovation, revitalization, and boldness. May God give you the strength to step out of your comfort zone to talk about money to further the Kin-dom right here on earth.