Run a virtual stewardship campaign
Why not run a virtual stewardship campaign? We would hope that the outcomes will be similar to a traditional stewardship campaign in church – an increase in standing orders, an increase in the amount which people give and improved uptake of Gift Aid. 1. Giving SundayChoose a Sunday to focus on generosity and giving in your online Service. If you are back in your church as well on a Sunday it would be good to co-ordinate the Services. There are plenty of hymns with a theme of generosity, and the Bible is full of passages which highlight money, possessions and generosity. Prayers and intercessions should also focus on God’s generosity to us. The ‘sermon slot’ could have something which has the elements of standard stewardship presentation, but as you are doing a non-traditional Service you could do something different.
There are some important elements of the traditional campaign which shouldn’t be abandoned however:
2. Supporting materialsYou will need to provide some materials in support of your giving service so that your people will be clear what is needed and what you are asking of them. These should go out by email (or post to those who don’t use the internet) and also be available on your website and A Church Near You page. If you have an active Facebook page you can also link to your website from there.
3.RespondingWe want people to respond, so we need to make it as easy as possible. The email which has gone out to members of your congregation has details of how to respond. If people want a paper response form there is a template here For guidance on following up non-responders you can click this link. Resources/more ideas
But this is no time for a giving campaign! Many in your congregation will be having a hard time right now, but for many others their income is stable. They may have more disposable income right now, with lower commuting costs and fewer opportunities to go shopping. It is also clear that our churches have a real need at the moment, and people may be happy to help by donating what they would have given at fundraising events anyway. As long as you acknowledge this there’s no reason not to engage with a giving review right now. There is, in fact evidence that people who don’t normally go to church have been watching online Services, and if you make it easy for them to donate they may be happy to do so. But whatever you do, please let your people know that they are valued and appreciated. Remember to say thank you for your contribution at the beginning, the middle and the end. |