Download Annual Campaigns That Really
Work!
by Dave Crittenden, Synod of Lincoln Trails
1.
We are inviting people into a new way of relating to their
resources – their gift is good for the ministry, and for their spiritual
journey and spiritual health. “You will be enriched in every good way
for your great generosity …” (2 Corinthians 9:11)
2.
Fund raising is a concrete way to help the Kingdom of God come
about
3.
Gratitude flows from the recognition that who we are and what we
have are gifts to be received and shared
4.
Fund raising in the church assumes abundance, is always grounded
in prayer, and is undertaken in gratitude
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
|
Intentional
Mission
