Essential Elements of a Financial Stewardship Campaign

1.    Prayer
2.    A firm grounding in scripture

• If possible include a Bible study and/or sermons based on scriptural teachings of stewardship and the “right” use of money

3.    Clear objectives around which the budget is based

• If possible a narrative budget is helpful, also stories about the impact of our gifts on a personal level (ex. A mission story, a story on the impact vbs has made on a life, etc.)

4.    Clear presentation of the budget
5.    Clear teaching on giving as the privilege of the disciple for the work of God
6.    A clear request for a financial commitment

• Pledge cards are a common method for this
• Returning cards during morning worship reinforces the commitment we are making as Christ’s disciples
• Many churches also receive commitments of time and talent at this time

7. A written thank you acknowledging each individual’s pledge

• State the pledged amount within the letter so there will be no misunderstanding as to the intent of the giver

8. A written report on the success of the campaign to the congregation as a whole

There are many different designs for campaigns accomplishing these objectives.  It should be noted that Consecration Sunday campaigns follow a different model that prepares the church budget only after the commitment cards are received.

Types of Campaigns (The Stewardship Manual PDS #72530-94-001)

1.  Every-Member Visitation

Strengths:  materials are available; face-to-face discussions allow questions, answers, interaction; effective in allowing personal growth  and acceptance; good starting point for stewardship education; updates membership roles; follow-up is usually included

Limitations:  requires lots of time, leadership and training; challenging to recruit enough visitors; follow-up is difficult to complete; calls are interpreted as asking for money

2.  Small Group Meetings

Strengths:  allows for dialogue and discussion; organize members by areas, interests or availability; strengthens fellowship; creates high level of interest; allows personal input in program; provides setting for stewardship education

Limitations:  time consuming; needs telephone callers to set up and remind members; requires host/hostess training; requires careful organization; doesn’t reach uncommitted; difficult for large congregation; negative voices can dominate; reaches only those who attend; requires extensive follow-up

3.  Sunday Worship

Strengths:  places stewardship commitment in context of worship; emphasizes spiritual dimension of commitment; requires less time or training; low cost; can be combined with other approaches; single, focused presentation; requires little calling

Limitations:  may rise or fall on strength of sermon; offers no opportunity for dialogue; doesn’t reach shut-ins, nonresidents, or uncommitted; reaches only those attending; requires much follow-up; offers minimal opportunity for involvement

4.  Direct Mail

Strengths:  allows for creativity in writing; requires little time; includes all members; easy to manage; efficient use of effort; consistency in message; requires little leadership; non-confrontational; updates membership rolls

Limitations:  lacks face-to-face dialogue; materials must be top quality; ineffective if discontent present in congregation; resembles secular appeals; requires efficient way to receive commitments; follow-up is difficult

5.  Congregational Dinner

Strengths:  can have several dinners to reach more members; requires less time; everyone hears same presentation; good use of audiovisuals; often low cost; strengthens fellowship; face-to-face contact; can distribute materials easily

Limitations:  doesn’t reach shut-ins, nonresidents or uncommitted; large crowd can inhibit sharing; reaches only those in attendance; requires extensive follow-up

6.  Telephone Approach

Strengths:  requires less time; low cost; allows for questions, answers and interaction; easier to enlist callers than visitors

Limitations:  lacks face-to-face dialogue; materials being mailed must be top quality; often ineffective if discontent in congregation; resembles secular appeals; requires efficient way to receive commitments; follow-up is difficult

7.  Consecration Day

Strengths:  requires little time or training; distribute materials easily; low cost; can be combined with other approaches; single-effective presentation; can use guest speaker; little calling; involves celebration

Limitations:  rise or fall on strength of speaker; no opportunity for dialogue; minimal involvement; doesn’t reach shut-ins, nonresidents or uncommitted; reaches only those in attendance; may require extensive follow-up; effective guest speakers are difficult to find

8.  Personal Delivery

Strengths:  cuts down on travel time; little training; highlights confidentiality; involves large number of people; requires little time; fun—can stimulate creative, playful spirit; reaches uncommitted members

Limitations:  can encounter delays/breakdowns in delivery system; process can be more important than objective; difficult for shut-ins to participate; needs trained “trail bosses” or leaders; encourages little dialogue about work of church; includes no training for “riders”; little opportunity for stewardship education.

Download Annual Campaigns That Really Work! by Dave Crittenden, Synod of Lincoln Trails