 |
|
|
| |
A CHRISTIAN GIVING PROGRAM
|
|
| |
 |
|
|
Many of us came out of theological school believing the maxim that if spiritual renewal was happening in a parish, serious Christian giving would follow automatically. It is a rude awakening to most of us in ministry when we finally discover that is not true. As one person says "the last part of a person to experience grace is the wallet."
If serious Christian giving is going to happen in a parish, it will normally require a regular and consistent program.
Preconditions for a Good Program
1. Positive pastoral relationships;
2. A clear sense of mission;
3. A Committed nucleus of people who want to see the parish move forward.
Features of a successful giving program
1. People are informed and excited about the mission of the congregation;
2. The focus has a start date and a concluding date;
3. There is a visitation plan that tells the story of the congregation and request that a specific gift level be considered;
4. Privacy and confidentiality are honored;
5. Future spending is directly related to the givings pledged;
6. Those who say "no" or who do not want a visit are honored;
7. The program is rooted to our theology and a year-round focus on overall stewardship; 8.
8. Although the program is connected to total stewardship, it does not "fuzz out" by softening the
challenge to serious Christian financial giving;
9. There will be a key leader or team that is task oriented and will meet deadlines and see the program through;
10 The wholehearted support and appropriate participation of the incumbent is required.
Item XXXII
©2000 Ronald C. Ferris
... back to "Resources for effective parish leadership" main page
|
|
|
 |
