The James Company                   February 2010

In This Issue
Ministry Gems
 

Generosity Gems

 Monthly Stewardship Mailing & Envelopes
 

Having assisted many congregations in their stewardship efforts, I have seen a variety a ways to provide member financial statements.  The timing of the statements has varied, ranging from a monthly statement to just one statement at the end of the year.  I have also seen varied content and style, ranging from statements that look like utility bills, to statements that promote mission and ministry.

 

Of all the approaches I have seen, my preferred approach is a monthly mailing with two parts.  The first part contains a brief message from the pastor, staff member, or some other ministry leader expressing thanks, and sharing a story about how people's lives are being touched by the ministries of the church.  These stories remind members why their financial stewardship is important to God's ministry.  

 

The second part of the mailing is a financial update indicating the member's annual pledge and their giving year-to-date.    If the congregation is in the midst of a capital campaign, the member's campaign pledge and campaign giving to-date is included.  A "Thank You" should be part of this section.

 

A tear-off section can be provided whereby members can write in the amount of their next contribution.  They place the tear-off and bank check, inside an enclosed envelope and mail it to the church or drop it into the collection basket. 

 

The key is to take every opportunity to promote ways financial stewardship results in positive results for God's ministry and to take every opportunity to say "Thank You!"

 
Written by Fred Stoltz - Program Director, The James Company
 
 

 
 
Ministry Gems
Here are some characteristics of a successful stewardship ministry that can get you started planning.
·    Stewardship is a year-round ministry function
·    Stewardship teams pray often, individually, and collectively
·    Steward leaders (pastors, team members, governing boards) lead by example
·    Talking about money is expected, even though it is sometimes difficult
·    Telling the "story" is one of the stewardship ministry's primary tasks.  It begins with God's
     story and proceeds to the personal stories of members
·    The Stewardship Ministry Teams meets at least monthly
·    The line item General Budget of the congregation includes at least 3% of expected pledge
     income to be used to fund the stewardship ministry
·    The Stewardship Ministry Team has a three year strategy and a yearly detailed plan
 
Stewardship assumptions include:
1.   Stewardship involves joyous acts of thanksgiving in response to all that God has given us
2.   Stewardship is about growing in faith and generosity
3.   Stewardship is about the need of the giver to give, not the need of the congregation to
      receive financial support
4.   Stewardship programs are guided by grace, not guilt
5.   Stewardship is fun!
About The James Company
The James Company  partners with churches in a wide variety of stewardship services including: Strategic Planning and Visioning, Planning and Assessment (Feasibility) Studies, Consensus Building Processes, Capital Appeals, Annual Stewardship Response Programs, Leadership Development, Faith-based Institutional and School Campaigns, and Judicatory Mission Appeals.  For more information, please contact us at 800.472.0535 or visit us online at www.jamescompany.com.
 

 Sincerely,
 
John V. Clark, President
The James Company

Please visit us a
www.jamescompany.com 
Phone:  800.472.0535