Ways to Improve Your Stewardship Campaign
Church members who make pledges give more than those who do not. Churches who have Stewardship Campaigns have higher levels of giving. Here are some action items that might help your Stewardship Campaign.
- Choose a time when most of your people will be present. This is usually in the fall after summer vacations.
- Make sure that your generous givers are on the team that plans the campaign.
- Do not hesitate to ask your church leaders to make their pledges first to show the congregation that the leaders are behind this campaign.
- Make sure that sermons, music, newsletter articles, letters and testimony are all coordinated and scheduled so everyone knows the schedule.
- Communicate – make sure that the budget is clear, concise and explained. Transparency is the magic word.
- A successful campaign does not guarantee faithful givers. Faithful givers require a year-round program.
- Set giving targets to help people get a figure in mind. Suggest a “step up” program and suggest that everyone should “grow” in their giving.
- Take the initiative. People will not give if they are not asked.
- Use the most personalized approach possible. A personalized letter is better than a form letter. A hand-written note is better than a letter. A one-on-one visit is best and start at the top of your giving ladder.
- Never divide the budget by the number of giving units saying if everyone would give just …..! Those who give little may give more but those who give more may give less.
- Make giving by automatic withdrawal as simple as possible.
- Do not make Commitment Sunday the end of the campaign. It is a celebration but much more work needs to be done to reach those who did not respond.
Get a team together to make plans, work out a budget, and carry campaign to the end. Share as much as you can with church members and potential church members. All the facts need to be on the table. Allow the campaign to be for everyone! Be sure and thank every person personally who makes a pledge!