HELP OTHERS DISCOVER THE GRACE 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 11 ........................................................................................................................................ 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 key 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