People are Feeling the Pinch: Should You Still Ask?
Friends, two days ago I returned from an incredible eight-day Civil Rights tour sponsored by Road (no, not Rhodes) Scholar. We went to Atlanta, Montgomery, Selma, and Birmingham. It was truly a life-changing experience. I wish every American had the opportunity to experience such a trip.
Bottom line: I never realized the extent of evil that flourished – nor did I realize how brave and courageous the resisters were. It was overwhelming to be in places where Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King and others preached and to be where martyrs lost their lives. I’m inspired, and I hope you are too, to keep fighting the good fight.
Now…on to the life and world-changing work that you are doing!
A Horizons colleague recently forwarded an article from the Wells Fargo Newsroom (who knew Wells Fargo had a newsroom?!). In what looked like extra-large font, the headline blared:
American Generosity Squeezed by Economic Uncertainty
Yikes. That’s not good.
It’s no surprise that people are worried about the economy and inflation. Heck, one of the main drivers of the Presidential election, among other things, was the high price of a dozen eggs.
How is this going to affect you and your congregation?
Here are the hard stats from the Wells Fargo survey:
29% report that they have given less to charity this year compared to last year.
51% feel they don’t have the means to give at all.
Yikes, again.
However, 67% of Americans reported giving something in the last year, even when they felt the pinch.
And why did they give?
46% said it makes them happy.
45% said it aligns with their personal values.
32% said they have a personal connection with the cause.
25% said they give out of moral obligation.
20% said they give out of habit
17% said it helps them feel connected to others.
At my recent Writing Your Best Year-End Letter webinar, one of the questions that came in was this (slightly edited):
My congregation is 80% low-income, fixed income. I don't want to guilt anyone, but I want them to understand that generosity is an act of discipleship.
Of course, you should be aware of people in your congregation who are feeling the pinch. No one wants to be guilted into giving. That’s not a way to inspire discipleship or joy.
But look again at why people give…
It makes them feel good.
It aligns with their values.
They have a connection with the organization.
It’s a moral (spiritual?) imperative.
They have been in the habit of giving.
They feel connected and in community.
This sounds like they're talking about the church!
Why would you take joy away from folks who want to give?
Deciding for them – that they don’t want to or can’t give – takes away their agency, their delight in giving. No guilting, no arm-twisting is necessary.
You will undoubtedly need to ask for a gift. But then, let the Spirit move within the giver.
So yes, be a realist. Know the numbers.
But more importantly, give people joy. Let them give.
*******
Act fast!
Until Dec. 11 I’m offering my annual Christmas gift to you: Send me a draft of your church’s Christmas/Year End letter. I’ll take a look at it and give you some friendly feedback.
Photo credit: Nicola Barts @pexels.com
Cesie Delve Scheuermann (pronounced “CC Delv Sherman,” yes, really) is a Stewardship Consultant for the OR-ID Annual Conference. She is also a Senior Ministry Strategist with Horizons Stewardship. For 25 years, while working as a volunteer and part-time consultant, she has helped raise over three million dollars for numerous churches and non-profit organizations. For a little inspiration, hear The Golden Gospel Singers belt out the old spiritual, Oh Freedom!
You can reach Cesie at inspiringgenerosity@gmail.com, at CesieScheuermann.com, or at cesieds@horizons.net. Want to schedule a meeting? She’s got you covered!
Schedule a meeting now.
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