It’s 2024, a presidential election year. If your church typically sends out annual pledge materials in that traditional "window " of October/early November, please consider moving those communications up this year.
Stay ahead of the election frenzy by starting to think about your annual pledge materials now, while you still have plenty of time to prepare.
Come this fall, we can expect many, many distractions, making it harder for your stewardship message to break through the noise. Chances are, folks will be overwhelmed with mail and media from various political entities, which can lead to your stewardship materials being overlooked or discarded.
To ensure a successful stewardship campaign, start by pulling together your stewardship committee as soon as possible. Take advantage of resources from The Episcopal Network for Stewardship (TENS) tens.org (password Ephesians5:2). Think about your campaign letter, your "case;" verify address lists – be ready to hit the ground running in September.
Aim to distribute your pledge materials by early to mid-September, with the ingathering planned for late October. Early action will help minimize the distractions of the election season.
Need inspiration? Over the past several months, we have offered a number of webinars with TENS.org. They are all available, along with others, on the Stewardship section of the Diocesan Learning Center.
Budgets and Finances in Ministry Context 2024
Your congregation budget is a roadmap to your ministry. Ensure that your budget maintains healthy ratios and represents opportunities for ministry and mission. Learn best practices on transparent and accountable reporting.
Focusing on Time & Talent: the Other T’s
In this webinar we discuss ways to think about the "big three" Time, Talent, and Treasure, with particular attention on practical tips and tools on how to develop your time and talent ministries.
Recruiting and Training a Stewardship Committee
Not everyone is born to serve on a stewardship committee, but some are! Learn how to identify and recruit members on your stewardship committee who will find joy and success on this essential ministry.
Year-Round Stewardship Formation
Studies show that when members are formed throughout the year about the impact of their stewardship that they are more likely to support your ministries. Learn best practices to polish your gratitude and abundance responses and develop a toolkit for year-round connection to the mission.
Finally, remember that my office exists to help you with your congregation’s stewardship matters, large and small. In addition to providing information such as the list above, we can provide individualized parish consulting and stewardship coaching.
