When people give their money to your congregation, it is a sign of hope. A sign that they believe in the communal power of giving to a community that feeds the soul and nurtures people both within and beyond its doors and into the world.

Over thousands of years, people have been using these four steps to motivate people to be more moral, to live better lives, and to support important causes. It’s not complicated. It just takes a little time and imagination.

Presenting facts and figures to convince people of your worthiness does not inspire them to get out their check book or their credit card. Sharing a story about how your congregation or organization changed a person’s life? Now that moves people.

We're all different. You wouldn’t write the same letter to me that you’d write to your boss. It’s the same with stewardship letters.

By looking behind and looking forward, individuals might feel called through faith (as Jesus nudges them) to actively support your church financially.

There is no one right way to create a pledge card. There may, however, be better ways to both get the information you need and convey the message you want to communicate.

Data shows impact. It can mean that you’re making a difference. And if you’re not? Next gen says that you should change what you’re doing and innovate more.

Have you empowered your front-line people to be in ministry? Have you given them training on how to be a welcoming presence? As evidenced above, for some people it does not come naturally. It may take coaching. But what a difference it can make.

It’s hard and time consuming and (probably) few people in your sphere have the skills to manage a website. But just know that for new people, your website is important. Figure out a way to update it on a regular basis…Your website needs to post information that’s up to date. See it as a way to begin building trust.

How can you combine joy and fun into your Stewardship Season?
 Pull together a Generosity Team.
This is the group who can take a load off your shoulders and find new ways to encourage giving that makes a difference not only for your church but for the giver as well.