Summer is Over…Now What? 4 Things to Do for Fall
OMG. Really? Is Labor Day this weekend? Shoot. I just took my white shoes out and now you’re telling me it’s time to put them away? The nerve.
I shall be a rebel and wear white shoes nay not just one but for two more weeks! Take that, fashionistas. Take that!
While there are some parents out there rejoicing that white shoes are going back in the closet and kids are returning to school…for those in the church world, it generally means that things are getting back to normal.
Which then usually signals that it’s time to think about stewardship commitment season. Here are a few ideas to get you ready:
1. Set a date or a series of dates when you’ll talk about generosity. This is a time to focus on the necessity-of-the-giver-to-give more than on God’s-need-for-the-giver’s-money. That’s a hard concept for some people to get. However, it’s a spiritual foundation that you can emphasize. Need to be reminded? Read Bishop Robert Schnase’s Extravagant Generosity or my post, Clergy: You Need to Talk about Money.
2. Gather your stewardship/generosity committee and plan. If you don’t have such a committee in place it’s time to draw a few folks together. Plan how to get the message out there about what the church is doing and going to do. You also need to address why – with so many other organizations asking – they should give to you. Have your committee take a read of It’s Fall. Are You Ready for Stewardship?
3. Decide whether or not you’ll focus on people giving out of obligation or joy. I’m pretty sure you know which side of this debate I fall on. This is a distinct philosophical/theological question, one that sometimes falls along generational lines. For more detail, take a look at this old post: Giving Out of Obligation.
4. Remember to say, “thank you.” I know that I harp on this; I do it because I love you and the work that you do. You don’t do the church’s work alone, so it’s imperative (yea, critically necessary) that you not only tell your congregation, but individuals as well, how much they are appreciated. Here’s another oldie that might help: 5 Ways to Build Relationships.
It’s time to embrace the vitality of new beginnings. And the joy of generosity. Fall helps set the mood. Go forth and enjoy.
Let me know how I can be of help.
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Last week a couple of the links were not working – so sorry! Here they are:
Telling Your Story Through a Narrative Budget and The Narrative Budget – Take 2
Photo credit: cgordon8527 @ Pixabay
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. Know who isn’t afraid to wear white shoes any time of the year? Yeah, that’s right, Pat Boone. Cesie’s betting he’s wearing a pair now.
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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