Acknowledgement Key to a Successful Stewardship Drive

Added: (Sat Apr 08 2006)

Pressbox (Press Release) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
04/06/06

Today I received a beautiful color thank-you email from my University “for a recent contribution of $0.00”. Hmmmm....fundraising through guilt. I wonder if it will be a successful strategy for them.

While this email was clearly a computer mistake, I started thinking about guilt vs. acknowledgment and the role it plays in a typical stewardship campaign for a church or ministry.

Most campaigns focus on the financial goal, as money is crucial for funding operations, ministries, etc. However, 70 percent of funds raised ALWAYS come from congregation members that are active participants in the church community in some way other than just attending church (BuildingChurchLeaders.com).

Guilt might garner a one-time token gift, but true acknowledgment creates on-going participation, productivity and continuous financial giving. Unlike the embarrassing actions of my Alma Mater, acknowledgement needs to happen before the behavior. Before the giving.

People want to be acknowledged for who they are, not what they do.

Cindy Rayfield, founder of the Stewardship Builder for churches (www.rayfieldcreative.com ), says “Rarely do I work with a church that has a program to support its members in identifying their gifts. Talent is never the focus. When we add this component everything starts to take off. It is the power of this element that allows me to guarantee results for my clients.”

People have a need to find their role in a community. It is your job as leaders in your church, business and/or family to help others participate in a way that honors and leverages their unique gifts. When people can lend their unique talents to a community that sees their value, and not just a "body", they will financially support the structure that allows them to feel this way.

Need some ideas for engaging your members?
· Train your community leaders in acknowledgement. Not reward and recognition, but true acknowledgment training. It really does exist.

· Offer a class, “Discovering Your Gifts From God”. And bring extra chairs - everyone is thirsty for this topic.

· Stop recruiting bodies and start uncovering talent. Don't forget to tell people why they are perfect for the job at hand.

Let the focus on the treasure fade a bit. It's time, talent AND treasure that make up a solid stewardship program. They work together, but the key to real participation and community growth is talent.

Allison Taylor is a speaker and consultant who helps businesses and non-profits leverage human potential for financial and cultural growth. If you would like ideas and materials for your organization, she can be reached at 303-956-2280 or at Allison@paravox.com .