As we come to the close of one of the more difficult economic years, how do we approach year-end stewardship interpretation? Consider this three-step approach:

Keep message of your ministry positive. Tell the story of what your ministry has accomplished. Two primary motives for giving are compassion and community. People are motivated to give by compassion. They want their giving to make a difference - to be helpful. Be positive with your message and demonstrate the accomplishments made possible because of their giving. Talk about successes in the children and youth programs - stronger congregational ties - specific mission efforts accomplished - lives touched and changed. Then thank people and tell them: "Your giving has made this possible. You have made a difference." Let them know how important they are to this community of faith and let them know they are appreciated.

Outline ministry needs. Let people know the present and future needs of your church's ministry - again in specific ways in which they can feel their giving is making a difference. "We are striving to finish our financial year strong, so we can fund . . ." Your gifts now will reap great benefits for our programs and services. Let people know, in a positive way, this ministry depends on them and their generosity.
Ask people to give! We can do a wonderful job in sharing our story - telling about our ministry priorities. But then we fail to do a very basic thing: we forget to ask specifically for gifts. Give members clear opportunities to make their gifts before the end of they year. Challenge them with a goal - "I will seek to meet my pledge in 2009 and in addition will contribute a year-end gift." More than this, suggest how they can give: stocks and other assets. Inform people of the potential tax savings if they give before the end of the year.

Send out statements in December and be sure to include in those statements "thank you" notes for their on-going financial stewardship support.