HELP OTHERS DISCOVER OF GIVING A guide to stewardship campaigns that touch the heart. WHAT'S INSIDE:

HOW ARE WE GOING TO MAKE THIS PROJECT HAPPEN? ...... 0...3.

THE 4 PHASES OF A STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN ...... 0...4....-..0....8.

READINESS REVIEW ...... 0....4.

LEADERSHIP PHASE ...... 0...5.

PUBLIC PHASE ...... 0....6.

FULFILLMENT PHASE ...... 0....7.

SAMPLE STEWARDSHIP LETTERS ...... 0....9...-..1..1

THE GENEROUS DONOR ...... 0....9

THE MID-LEVEL DONOR 10 ......

THE NON-GIVER OR IRREGULAR DONOR ...... 1..1

If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,’ but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit'? (James 2:15-16). HOW ARE WE GOING TO MAKE THIS PROJECT HAPPEN?

Anyone who has gone through a building program understands exactly what Solomon means when he wrote, “The end of a matter is better than its beginning” (Ecclesiastes 7:8). That first Sunday in your new facilities will be worth the effort, but there are many challenges ahead. One of the bigger questions is, “How are we going to pay for this project?”

Whether a church, ministry, or mission, it's good practice to get a start on the right foot, use a combination of funding sources, and allow your supporters to grow in the grace of giving. Encourage them to prayerfully consider making commitments above their regular and current giving.

A successful building project begins with:

Creating a dedicated Taking a look at all Adopting a mindset of prayer team. the funding options. grace and growth. "Unless the Lord builds the Funding sources are plenty in God’s Word, giving is house, the builders labor in and could include a described as a grace in which vain” (Psalm127:1). When combination of the sale of we need to grow (2 Nehemiah heard that the existing property, savings, Corinthians 8:6-7). Give time walls in Jerusalem needed financing options, for others to look at giving as repair his first response was partnership with another an opportunity to examine to fast and pray for four entity, and/or a stewardship their relationship with God. months. campaign. THE 4 PHASES OF A STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN

There is joy to be found in practicing generosity. Take time to employ these steps to learn how financial stewardship can make all the difference in the world. You'll be glad you did. The 4 Phases of a Stewardship Campaign

Readiness Leadership Public Fulfillment Review Phase Phase Phase

Readiness Review Scripture reinforces the wisdom of planning, “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it?” (Luke 14:28).

In the first phase, the following should be top focuses.

Every building project starts by analyzing space needs and estimating construction costs. It is important to get accurate cost estimates and it’s just as important to measure the congregation’s financial capacity and level of interest in the project.

Some stewardship committees and consulting firms only consider giving history when calculating a campaign goal. Make sure to consider this information, but probe deeper with personal interviews and focus groups to discover the enthusiasm for the project.

The readiness review tests your assumptions about the project about the project, helps recommend the size and scope of the campaign, and uncovers any hidden concerns that should be addressed prior to launching a campaign. The 4 Phases of a Stewardship Campaign

2 months 3 years Readiness Leadership Public Fulfillment Review Phase Phase Phase

Leadership Phase When King David gathered resources to build the Temple, he gave, and then asked the elders to give. “The people rejoiced at the willing response of their leaders, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the Lord” (1 Chronicles 29:9).

For the second phase, the campaign should focus on:

sharing the campaign vision to stakeholders and asking for their financial support.

deciding on campaign leadership; should it be staff-led, donor-led, volunteer-led, or a combination of all?

preliminary planning for the congregational phase, collaborate on messaging and creating campaign materials.

of donors reported often feeling unappreciated in a 2019 survey conducted by the Chronicle of Philanthropy and 55% Association of Fundraising. The 4 Phases of a Stewardship Campaign

2 months 3 years Readiness Leadership Public Fulfillment Review Phase Phase Phase

Public Phase The focus of the public phase is to answer everyone’s questions about the project and challenge them to make a generous, sacrificial commitment. Clear communication is the key to success.

Preaching and teaching are key strategies during the third phase. After coming together, supporters should be given room to :

understand and work through how the campaign will enhance the organization’s mission.

find adequate time to pray and seek God’s direction for how much they should commit to the campaign. The 4 Phases of a Stewardship Campaign

2 months 3 years Readiness Leadership Public Fulfillment Review Phase Phase Phase

Fulfillment Phase

The final step in a stewardship campaign is the longest phase. During this length of time, it is important to actively keep the process going and continue with key follow-through.

During the fourth phase, consistently and regularly continue to:

keep people updated about their individual commitments and the campaign’s progress.

encourage new supporters to actively participate in the campaign.

GREAT TIP

People sometimes hesitate when they aren’t sure if they can fulfill the commitment. We remind everyone that one can always adjust a pledge if one’s circumstances change. And we encourage everyone to set themselves a goal to reach for (it’s about stretching in faith, you know). Old First Church, Philadelphia, PA 2018 Stewardship Campaign SAMPLE STEWARDSHIP LETTERS

The G enerous Don Dear______or

I want to begin by simply saying thank you. Your leadership in generosity contributes to the long standing success of our community of faith. Because of your commitment to the ministry of this congregation, we are an ever-increasing effective witness to Jesus Christ. We are so grateful for you, and for the example you set for each of us on what it means to be a faithful steward.

Giving to others is such a joy. Being a partner in movements that change the lives of individuals and enrich our community is so satisfying. That is a secret I wish more people could discover for themselves! Our financial gifts do remarkable things when they are transformed into ministry and mission. I am especially proud of (list a vital ministry here – something that is new or has grown stronger in the last year).

Our God is a generous God – A God who has been revealed in Jesus as the One who deeply and passionately loves us. Our God is a God of transformation – who changes us, and through us, changes the world. (Name of campaign) is an invitation to share the love and power of God with others.

In the coming weeks you will be hearing stories as to how we are engaged in the mission transformation. Each of us will be challenged to take even bolder steps to invest our whole life into becoming the church God is urging and encouraging us to become. I want to invite you to join me (us, my family) in our decision to increase the size of our financial gift in the coming year. It is a time of great possibility for us and the future of our mission.

Again, I thank you for your support. Giving in the manner that you do does not simply happen – it is the result of faith, trust, intentional choices, and a life of discipline. We join you in the hope of creating a culture of generosity that touches every person in our church. Giving is where we find the true meaning and purpose for our lives, a discovery you had already made.

Please plan to be with us for Commitment (Sunday/Event) on ______(list date). Not only will we offer our estimates of giving for next year, but we will join together to celebrate the abundance of our God.

Generously, {Signature of the campaign chair}{Official title}

RESOURCE: https://centerforfaithandgiving.org/largegenerous-donors/ SAMPLE STEWARDSHIP LETTERS

The Mi d-Level Do Dear ______nor

(Name a vital ministry) is just one of the many ways that we are engaging our community and answering God’s call in (name town). The result of this ministry and (name specifically what the ministry does) is significant, and it is a privilege to be involved in something with such positive impact. (The letter will be more powerful if you have a personal story from/about someone impacted by your mission as a starting place – but it has to be brief and be sure you receive their permission if you mention them by name.)

As you know, this is not the only way in which we are doing creative ministry and mission. (List some other ministries/mission efforts here). We are transforming lives and being transformed by the love of God at the same time. (Name of campaign) is inviting us to share the Good News of Jesus through our giving and proclaiming the abundance of our God! I want to thank you for being a partner in the ministry and mission of (name). Your ongoing financial contributions are making a difference in the lives of many people. You know what matters in life, and through your giving, you are sharing that with others and reaching them with the Good News of Jesus Christ.

In the next few weeks you will be hearing more about how we as a (ministry/mission/congregation) are seeking to grow and answer God’s call. As you know, that will require our investment with both our spiritual and financial gifts. Because you already contribute, you know the difference your gift makes. I invite you to find your place on the enclosed “step chart” which shows the range of weekly giving for our campaign. I am asking that you pray about how you want to answer the challenge to grow and I invite you consider joining me in taking a step up by increasing your financial gift for the coming year.

The practice of generosity is a faith discipline. Growing in generosity is the mark of a developing faith and deeper walk with Christ. I (joined/support) (name) because I believe that it's committed to being genuine disciples of Christ. I want to be involved with something that really matters in this community. As a (ministry/mission/congregation), we are seeking to be fed spiritually and to actively engage the world where its deepest needs meet our abilities, and with God’s help, to be a difference for good.

Our campaign theme this year “______,” gets to the heart of the issue. God is working through us and the things we do to accomplish positive change in the world. Every time we give, that gift becomes ministry and mission. Please keep in prayer as we move together toward discerning what gifts we will make in the coming year. Also, be sure to make plans now to join us on Commitment (Sunday/Dinner) (Date) when we will not only offer our intentions, but join together to celebrate.

Again, thank you for your part in the life changing work of this (ministry/mission/congregation).

Generously yours,{Signature of campaign chair}{Official title}

RESOURCE: https://centerforfaithandgiving.org/2017/04/mid-range-donors SAMPLE STEWARDSHIP LETTERS

No n-Giver or I rregular Do Dear______nor

Believe it or not, there is more to (Name) than just what you see on (Sunday morning/day of the week)! (List several mission/ministry activities, including at least one that happens on your property between Sundays/when not involved.)

All of these things are planned and prepared by leadership and staff who are deeply committed to our becoming who it is God is calling us to be. The ministry and mission of our (ministry/mission/church) take place because of the spiritual and financial gifts our (supporters/members) and friends choose to offer. These are the resources that fuel our mission; and yes, it does cost real money to provide these spiritual things!

The decision to give a gift is a choice, but as a follower of Jesus, it really isn’t an option! Based on what we have received, we are encouraged to give something – out of thanksgiving for what God has done, and as a sign of faithfulness and commitment to be a part of the good things that God is continuing to do in our world. We have the gift of Jesus and we are invited to respond to what God has given us with generosity of our own.

To make that gift means making a decision to give something away that you might use for something else. To do that may require choosing to not buy a fancy coffee, or deciding to carry a sack lunch into the office once a week instead of buying lunch. The amount may seem insignificant, but did you know that gift of just $5 every week can (list something here that a gift of $260 can make happen at your ministry/mission/church – perhaps half scholarship for young person to go to camp; feed x number of families through the food bank; etc.). Your gift matters – it matters to you as the giver, and to the church which utilizes it as a resource for mission.

Together, we are entering a time of discerning what we will contribute monetarily in the coming year. The practice of exercising financial stewardship is a spiritual discipline and a way to grow our faith. There is joy to be found in practicing generosity and it begins with a simple step of a commitment to contribute.

My prayer is that you will be with us during the remaining weeks of our (campaign name) campaign, that you are making plans now to attend church on (date of Commitment Sunday/Kick-Off Dinner) and that you will join us for the (dinner/event, time and location). The gifts we bring make good things happen. Thank you for being a part of it. The enclosed chart can give you an idea of how others practice generosity and hopefully help you find a comfortable starting place for yourself. Challenge yourself to give in a regular and disciplined way. I promise you won’t regret it.

Blessings,

{Signature of Campaign Chair}{Name and official title}

RESOURCE: https://centerforfaithandgiving.org/2017/04/non-giversirregular-donors When someone asks, "Why The Timothy Group?" the answer is simple. Just as Paul mentored Timothy, we walk alongside our client in a committed, personal relationship.

We're right beside you. We use our years of experience. We mentor. We coach. We are 'hands on' and show you by example. We invest in your life so that you may excel in the work of donor relationships.

Whether in Christian education, missions, ministries, or nonprofit, our reward is to see you fulfill your vision by connecting people who share in God's dream. We are seeing results all over the world.

The joy of the Lord is literally on our faces when we roll up our sleeves and go to work for you.

And, together we see God change the world.

Learn more about capital campaigns, capacity building, annual fundraising strategies, development team mentoring, and major donor solutions on our website.

Energy, expertise, and engagement have been the hallmarks of our relationship with The Timothy Group. Their Pre-Campaign Study provided excellent data for developing our campaign. Their mentoring has strengthened our team. TTG puts the fun in fundraising.

Dr. Jules Glazer, President Tabor College, Hillsboro, KS