In March, a group of us attended a Synod sponsored seminar, “Pastor As Stewardship Leader,” led by The James Company. There was a strong pitch that pastors need to take a more proactive role in their stewardship programs rather than leaving everything to their stewardship committees. The Model recommended by The James Company is based on congregations/pastors spending more time:
- Thanking members for their giving
- Explaining how their gifts are being used to impact lives and make a difference in the world.
This is what I learned:
- Members are more excited to give to projects that impact lives, rather than to pay power bills or meet a budget target.
- Per member giving is declining. Also, pledged income is declining as a proportion of the total.
- 71% of pastors in the U.S. believe that church members have changed from stewards into consumers,
- Continuous communication about how churches spend their incomes cannot be understated.
- All communication media should be involved in applying the model, service announcements/sermons, Sunday bulletins, monthly newsletters, web sites, etc.
- Regular financial updates should be provided to members to keep them informed.
- Many successful pastors give the highest priority to worship and stewardship in their ministries.
- Pastors have to set an example by their own actions in stewardship and giving.
- Churches should make it easy for members to give by providing facilities such as EFT’s etc.
The annual stewardship campaign remains the key focal point of this stewardship model. However it should flow naturally from the groudwork laid through the application of the above process.
Finally, it is essential that there is a documented strategy and action plan for a successful annual stewardship event.
Reactions to this stewardship model differed among those of us who attended. However there was agreement that we all came away with knowledge that could be applied in our congregations. Many of us are in the process of applying some or all of the learning from this event. A evaluation will take place early in 2006.
Max Ballard CLP
