This training event is designed to equip church leaders  to create a growing culture of financial generosity within their faith community. The training describes 10 generosity indicators,  how to capture and share stories of impact and generosity with your members, and tips for planning an annual pledge campaign, form a stewardship team, and develop a year-round stewardship calendar.

Another vital element of this training is forming a dedicated generosity team. This group serves as champions for stewardship, ensuring that generosity is not just a seasonal campaign but an ongoing ministry priority. The team coordinates communications, nurtures donor relationships, and develops a year-round schedule of “ask, thank, and tell” practices. By aligning stewardship with the rhythm of the church calendar, congregations create multiple touchpoints for members to engage with generosity—not only during annual pledge drives but through ongoing stories, gratitude practices, and ministry updates. This proactive, consistent rhythm reinforces generosity as a spiritual discipline rather than a once-a-year obligation.

Finally, embedding storytelling into every facet of ministry is what transforms stewardship from transactional to transformational. When members hear authentic stories of how their giving makes a difference—whether through changed lives, community impact, or sustaining vital ministries—they begin to see generosity as an extension of discipleship. Storytelling connects faith with action, inspiring people to participate in God’s work in the world through their financial gifts. A Grow Your Giving training empowers churches to weave stories of generosity into worship, newsletters, social media, small groups, and even budget conversations, ensuring that generosity is celebrated as part of the congregation’s identity and mission

1 | You help members begin a journey of  generosity

• Meet people where they're at
• Help people take the first or next step

2 | Your pastor knows what people give

• You ask people to give based on history/capacity

3 | You offer promote multiple giving streams
4 | You provide a compelling case to give generously

• Identify the needs & opportunities
• Inform  (what, so what & now what)
• Motivate through media & storytelling

5 | You ask often, concretely & uniquely
6 | Thank people individually & publicly

• Givers need to give (callings/legacy/faith)
• Help people exercise their giving muscles
• Interest follows involvement

7 | Your people give to people
8 | You use a dashboard to grow generosity
9 | You have a year-round Generosity Team
10 | Giving is viewed as a spiritual discipline

What's present right now?
What could you do?
When & where do we begin?
What can we do right away?
Who else could help?

What are your takeaways?
What's your next step?
What's missing?
Would you like to meet?

Activities: 

• Annual “State of the Church” Sunday. 
• Publish year-end ministry impact report.

.
Channels:

• Worship: Testimonies from ministry leaders.
• Gatherings: Annual meeting highlights.
• Website: Post impact stories & downloadable report.
• Social Media: Share short “by-the-numbers” graphics.
• Newsletter: Feature “Top 5 Ways We Made a Difference.”
• Mailing: Send annual report + thank-you letter.
• YouTube: Create a 2–3 minute “impact highlights” video.

Activities: 

• Valentine’s “love offering of thanks” theme; 
• Handwritten thank-you cards from staff & youth.

Channels:

• Worship: Prayers of thanksgiving for volunteers.
• Gatherings: “Gratitude Wall” for members to post notes.
• Website: Blog: “10 Things We’re Grateful For.”
• Social Media: Share 1 gratitude story each week.
• Newsletter: Thank donors for specific ministries (music, youth).
• Mailing: Personalized thank-you notes.
• YouTube: Short “thank-you” video from children/youth.

Activities: 

• Lenten series on stewardship as a way of life.

Channels:

• Worship: Sermons on stewardship themes.
• Gatherings: Lenten small groups study.
• Website: Resource page on daily stewardship practices.
• Social Media: Lenten reflection prompts.
• Newsletter: Testimony about integrating faith and money.
• Mailing: Lenten devotional focused on stewardship.
• YouTube: Weekly Lenten stewardship devotionals.

Activities: 

• Volunteer appreciation Sunday.

Channels:

• Worship: Commissioning volunteers.
• Gatherings: Volunteer recognition dinner.
• Website: Photo gallery of volunteers in action.
• Social Media: Volunteer spotlights.
• Newsletter: Feature a “servant of the month.”
• Mailing: Cards sent to volunteers.
• YouTube: Testimonies from volunteers.

Activities: 

• Summer worship series: “Stories of Faith & Generosity.”

Channels:

• Worship: Weekly member testimony.
• Gatherings: Storytelling night with dessert.
• Website: Create a “Generosity Stories” page.
• Social Media: Clip 60-second testimonies for reels.
• Newsletter: Feature story on summer missions.
• Mailing: Story + invitation to pray.
• YouTube: Full-length testimony videos.

Activities: 

• Announce theme for fall stewardship appeal.

Channels:

• Worship: Launch theme with sermon series.
• Gatherings: Small group conversations on generosity.
• Website: Dedicated pledge campaign page.
• Social Media: Countdown to Commitment Sunday.
• Newsletter: Personal invitation from pastor.
• Mailing: Letter with pledge card.
• YouTube: Campaign theme video.

Activities: 

• Share stories, invite pledges, encourage tithing.

Channels:

• Worship: Weekly testimonies + call to give.
• Gatherings: Pledge brunch or town hall.
• Website: Online pledge form + FAQ.
• Social Media: Weekly stories of impact.
• Newsletter: Feature “Why I pledge” testimonies.
• Mailing: Reminder letters.
• YouTube: Stewardship team updates.

Activities: 

• Christmas offering, year-end giving appeal.

Channels:

• Worship: Christmas Eve thank-you litany.
• Gatherings: Advent/Christmas fellowship.
• Website: Year-end giving landing page.
• Social Media: Daily Advent gratitude posts.
• Newsletter: Year-end thank-you message.
• Mailing: Year-end letter + giving envelope.
• YouTube: Pastor’s personal thank-you & appeal video

Script
Hello, my name is ________.
I serve in our church by ________.
I usually do this when ________.
It usually takes me about ________.
I keep serving because ________.

Example

• Hello, my name is Emily.
• I serve in our church by greeting people on Sunday mornings.
• I usually do this when I arrive early before worship.
• It usually takes me about 30 minutes.
• I keep serving because a warm welcome can change someone’s day

Script
Hello, my name is ________.
One way I share generosity is by giving my time to ________.
I usually do this when ________.
It usually takes me about ________.
I encourage others to try this because ________.

Example

• Hello, my name is Karen.
• One way I share generosity is by giving my time to teach Sunday School.
• I usually do this when our church gathers each Sunday morning.
• It usually takes me about an hour of prep and 45 minutes in class.
• I encourage others to try this because investing in kids helps plant seeds of faith.

Script
Hello, my name is ________.
One way I was blessed by the church’s service was when ________.
This happened when ________.
It meant so much because ________.
I encourage others to accept help when needed because ________.

Example

• Hello, my name is Ruth.
• One way I was blessed by the church’s service was when people brought meals after my surgery.
• This happened when I was recovering at home last year.
• It meant so much because it showed me I wasn’t alone.
• I encourage others to accept help when needed because it gives others the joy of serving.

Script
Hello, my name is ________.
One way I practice generosity is by giving financially to ________.
I usually do this when ________.
It usually takes me about ________ to plan or set aside my giving.
I encourage others to try this because ________.

Example

• Hello, my name is Paul.
• One way I practice generosity is by giving financially to our church’s food pantry.
• I usually do this when I receive my paycheck each month.
• It usually takes me about 5 minutes to set up online giving.
• I encourage others to try this because small gifts add up to big blessings.

Script
Hello, my name is ________.
I experienced God’s love through the church when ________.
It happened when ________.
It made me feel ________.
I encourage others to share their presence with others because ________.

Example

• Hello, my name is Marcus.
• I experienced God’s love through the church when a small group invited me to join them.
• It happened when I was new in town and didn’t know anyone.
• It made me feel like I belonged.
• I encourage others to share their presence with others because community is a gift.

Script
Hello, my name is ________.
One way I practice financial generosity is by giving to ________.
I usually do this when ________.
It usually takes me about ________ to decide or prepare my gift.
I encourage others to give to special appeals because ________.

Example

• Hello, my name is Robert.
• One way I practice financial generosity is by giving to disaster relief offerings.
• I usually do this when our church announces a special collection after a hurricane or wildfire.
• It usually takes me about 5 minutes to set aside funds from my monthly budget.
• I encourage others to give to special appeals because it reminds us that God’s love reaches beyond our own community.

Script
Hello, my name is ________.
One way I serve others is by ________.
I usually do this when ________.
It usually takes me about ________.
Serving this way matters to me because ________.

Example

• Hello, my name is Tom.
• One way I serve others is by driving older members to church.
• I usually do this when they need a ride on Sunday mornings.
• It usually takes me about 30 minutes.
• Serving this way matters to me because it helps them stay connected to worship.

Script
Hello, my name is ________.
One way I show generosity is by sharing my talent for ________.
I usually do this when ________.
It usually takes me about ________.
I encourage others to try this because ________.

Example

• Hello, my name is David.
• One way I show generosity is by sharing my talent for music in worship.
• I usually do this when I join the worship team for rehearsal and Sunday services.
• It usually takes me about three hours a week.
• I encourage others to try this because music brings people closer to God.

Script
Hello, my name is ________.
One way I live generously is by offering kindness through ________.
I usually do this when ________.
It usually takes me about ________.
I encourage others to try this because ________.

Example

• Hello, my name is Ann.
• One way I live generously is by offering kindness through writing notes of encouragement.
• I usually do this when someone in our church is sick or grieving.
• It usually takes me about 10 minutes per card.
• I encourage others to try this because words of love go a long way.

Script
Hello, my name is ________.
One way I show generosity is by including ________ in my will or estate plan.
I made this decision when ________.
It took me about ________ to meet with my planner and set it up.
I encourage others to consider legacy giving because ________.

Example

• Hello, my name is Janet.
• One way I show generosity is by including our church in my will.
• I made this decision when I realized I wanted my faith values to live on after me.
• It took me about two hours to meet with my financial advisor and make the change.
• I encourage others to consider legacy giving because it’s a way to bless future generations.

Script
Hello, my name is ________.
One way I practice generosity is by serving in the community through ________.
I usually do this when ________.
It usually takes me about ________.
I encourage others to try this because ________.

Example

• Hello, my name is Steve.
• One way I practice generosity is by serving in the community through volunteering at the homeless shelter.
• I usually do this once a month on Saturday mornings.
• It usually takes me about 3 hours.
• I encourage others to try this because it connects us to people who need hope.

Script
Hello, my name is ________.
One way I share financial generosity is by giving to ________.
I usually do this when ________.
It usually takes me about ________ to plan or set aside my gift.
I encourage others to give to missions because ________.

Example

• Hello, my name is Alex.
• One way I share financial generosity is by giving to our church’s mission partner in Honduras.
• I usually do this when we highlight their ministry during worship.
• It usually takes me about a week to set aside funds before making my gift.
• I encourage others to give to missions because our faith calls us to serve the world, not just ourselves.

Script
Hello, my name is ________.
One way our family practices financial generosity is by teaching our children to give ________.
We usually do this when ________.
It usually takes about ________ for them to choose their gift.
I encourage other families to do this because ________.

Example

• Hello, my name is Laura.
• One way our family practices financial generosity is by teaching our children to give part of their allowance.
• We usually do this when they receive their weekly allowance on Fridays.
• It usually takes about 2 minutes for them to put coins into their giving jar.
• I encourage other families to do this because it helps kids learn that generosity is a joyful habit.

Script
Hello, my name is ________.
I practice generosity by giving regularly to ________.
I usually do this when ________.
It takes me about ________ thanks to ________ (online giving, envelopes, etc.).
I encourage others to give regularly because ________.

Example

• Hello, my name is Megan.
• I practice generosity by giving regularly to the church’s general fund.
• I usually do this when I get paid at the beginning of each month.
• It takes me about 3 minutes thanks to our church’s online giving system.
• I encourage others to give regularly because it helps the church plan for ministry with confidence.

Script
Hello, my name is ________.
I once served others by ________, and at the same time, I received ________.
This happened when ________.
It usually takes about ________.
I encourage others to try this because ________.

Example

• Hello, my name is Hannah.
• I once served others by helping with our church’s youth mission trip, and at the same time, I received joy and faith from the kids.
• This happened when we painted homes for families in need last summer.
• It usually takes about a week of commitment.
• I encourage others to try this because serving often blesses you as much as it blesses others.

Script
Hello, my name is ________.
One way I’ve practiced generosity is by giving to our church’s capital campaign for ________.
I decided to do this when ________.
It usually takes me about ________ to plan and make my gift.
I encourage others to support capital campaigns because ________.

Example

• Hello, my name is Susan.
• One way I’ve practiced generosity is by giving to our church’s capital campaign for the new fellowship hall.
• I decided to do this when I saw how it would bless future generations in our congregation.
• It usually takes me about 15 minutes each month to set aside my pledge payment.
• I encourage others to support capital campaigns because together we can build something bigger than ourselves that will serve the church for years to come.

Begin measuring & tracking the following items:

1. Giving Participation

• Total Number of Contributors: ___
• Percentage of Active Members Who Give: ___%
• Number of Pledgers: ___
• Pledging Rate (Pledgers ÷ Active Members): ___%
• New Donors This Year: ___
• Lapsed Donors (no gift in past 12 months): ___

2. Giving Levels

• Average Contribution per Member: $___
• Median Contribution per Member: $___
• Total Annual Contributions to Date: $___
• Total Annual Pledges to Date: $___
• Number of Households Giving >$3,000/year: ___
• Top 10 Donors’ Share of Total Giving: ___%

3. Giving Methods

• Online Givers (Number): ___
• Online Givers (Percentage): ___%
• Recurring Gifts (Automatic/Monthly): ___
• One-Time Gifts: ___
• Average Online Gift Size: $___

4. Trends & Growth

• Contribution Growth Year-over-Year: ___%
• Pledge Growth Year-over-Year: ___%
• Number of First-Time Donors: ___
• Retention Rate (Returning Donors vs. Last Year): ___%
• Seasonal Giving Trends: [visual chart here—monthly giving pattern]

5. Impact Metrics

• Giving vs. Budgeted Ministry Needs: ___% met
• Generosity to External Missions (local/global): $___ / ___% of budget
• Special Appeals & Campaigns Raised: $___

Sample Visualization Ideas

• Bar Chart: Monthly giving vs. budget
• Pie Chart: Percentage of giving by method (online, check, cash, etc.)
• Line Graph: Year-over-year contribution trend
• Heat Map: Donor retention by year
• Table: Top 5 metrics at-a-glance (average gift, pledgers, new donors, online % etc.)

The person responsible for updating and reporting on the dashboard serves as the Generosity Dashboard Coordinator. This role involves gathering financial data from the church’s accounting system, online giving platforms, and pledge records; entering and updating metrics in the dashboard on a monthly or quarterly basis; and preparing simple charts and summaries to present to the finance team, generosity team, and church leadership board. The coordinator should be detail-oriented, able to work with spreadsheets or church management software, and committed to maintaining accuracy and confidentiality.

Use the Dashboard for Goal-Setting
The dashboard is more than a report—it’s a tool for strategic action. Leaders can use it to set specific, measurable goals for the upcoming year, such as: increasing the number of pledgers by 10%, raising the average contribution per household by $200, or expanding online giving to 60% of all contributors. By comparing current trends against past years, leaders can identify where to invest energy—for example, focusing on re-engaging lapsed donors, celebrating new donors, or encouraging recurring online giving. The dashboard also helps align financial goals with ministry priorities, ensuring that generosity growth directly supports the church’s mission and vision.

Here are 10+ action steps that can help cultivate a congregational culture of generosity. These steps are both practical and spiritual, ensuring generosity becomes part of the church’s DNA rather than a seasonal campaign:

1. Preach and Teach Generosity as Discipleship

• Frame generosity as a joyful, biblical response to God’s grace.
• Regularly integrate stewardship themes into sermons, Bible studies, and small groups.

2. Share Stories of Impact

• Capture and share testimonies of how generosity changes lives inside and outside the church.
• Use multiple platforms—worship, newsletters, social media, videos, and personal sharing.

3. Create a Generosity Team

• Recruit a team of leaders passionate about stewardship.
• Empower them to guide, inspire, and model generosity year-round.

4. Develop a Financial Scorecard
Provide simple, transparent updates on giving, expenses, and ministry impact.
Help members connect their giving to the mission’s real-world results.

5. Practice Year-Round Stewardship (Ask, Thank, Tell)

• Ask: Invite people to support ministry through clear, compelling appeals.
• Thank: Express gratitude promptly, personally, and publicly.
• Tell: Consistently communicate how gifts fuel ministry impact.

6. Celebrate Generosity Regularly

• Highlight acts of generosity beyond finances (time, talent, service).
• Recognize milestones (e.g., new givers, anniversaries of ministries supported).
• 
  

7. Equip Members with Practical Tools

• Offer workshops on personal finance, budgeting, and faithful living.
• Provide resources to help families teach generosity to children.

8. Normalize Conversations About Money and Faith

• Create safe spaces to talk about money as part of spiritual health.
• Address fears, myths, and cultural barriers to giving.

9. Lead by Example
Encourage pastors, staff, and board members to model generous living.
Share leaders’ giving stories as inspiration (without disclosing amounts).

10. Connect Generosity to Mission and Vision
Show how giving advances the church’s vision, both locally and globally.
Tie generosity to concrete outcomes: feeding families, youth ministry growth, or community outreach.

11. Launch Special Giving Opportunities
Provide avenues for spontaneous, above-and-beyond generosity (disaster relief, scholarships, capital campaigns).
Celebrate the joy of collective response.
12. Pray for Generous Hearts
Incorporate prayers of thanksgiving and dedication during worship.
Regularly ask God to form a spirit of generosity within the congregation.

1. Story Capture

Tasks

• Identify and invite members to share generosity and impact stories.
• Schedule and conduct interviews (in-person, video, or written).
• Provide prompts, scripts, or questionnaires to guide storytelling.
• Obtain written or video consent to share stories publicly.
• Collect supporting materials (photos, quotes, ministry impact stats).

Possible Roles

• Story Gatherer/Interviewer – builds trust and draws out meaningful stories.
• Consent Coordinator – manages permissions and confidentiality.

2. Story Editing & Production

Tasks

• Transcribe or summarize raw stories into clear, engaging narratives.
• Edit for readability, length, tone, and theological/spiritual alignment.
• Create short and long versions of each story for different platforms.
• Produce video/audio stories (basic editing, captions, branding).
• Add graphics, scripture tie-ins, or church branding for consistency.

Possible Roles

• Story Editor/Writer – shapes stories for newsletters, websites, etc.
• Media Editor – handles video, audio, and photo editing.
• Design & Branding Support – ensures consistent visual identity.

3. Story Sharing

Tasks

• Decide where and when to share stories (worship, social media, newsletters, YouTube, annual report).
• Match stories to ministry themes, stewardship appeals, or sermon series.
• Post stories in multiple formats (written, video, testimonial slides).
• Track engagement (views, shares, feedback).

Possible Roles

• Communications Coordinator – manages distribution across platforms.
• Social Media Manager – posts stories on digital channels.
• Worship Integration Lead – incorporates stories into services.

4. Story Archiving & Storage

Tasks

• Store original and edited story files in a central, well-organized digital archive (cloud, shared drive).
• Tag stories with categories (e.g., missions, youth, generosity, care ministries).
• Maintain metadata (date, storyteller, permissions, usage history).
• Create an easily searchable library for leaders to access when planning communications.
• Review and refresh archive annually, retiring outdated or incomplete stories.

Possible Roles

• Story Archivist – maintains digital library and categorization.
• Data Steward – ensures privacy, permissions, and backup security.

5. Leadership & Oversight

Tasks
Develop and maintain a storytelling policy (permissions, quality standards, frequency).
Train volunteers and staff in story-capturing skills (listening, interviewing, photography).
Set annual storytelling goals (e.g., 12 stories per year, one per ministry).
Celebrate storytellers and those who shared their stories.

Possible Roles

• Storytelling Team Lead – oversees process and coordinates roles.
• Pastor/Staff Sponsor – provides spiritual framing and ensures alignment with mission.

Suggestions for Where Stories Will Be Shared
The generosity and service stories that members share will be celebrated across a variety of platforms so that the whole community can be encouraged and inspired. Stories may be featured in the following settings:

•  Sunday worship services (either read aloud, printed in bulletins, or shown on screens)
• Church newsletters and email updates
• On your website under the “Stories of Faith & Generosity” section. 
• On our social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube) using short video clips, photos, or written testimonies
• In small group gatherings, stewardship campaigns, capital campaign updates, annual reports, and special events like Thanksgiving services or church anniversaries

 
By lifting up stories in multiple spaces, we remind one another that generosity and service are not just private acts, but shared testimonies of faith that build up the whole church.

1. Formation of a Generosity Team
A successful stewardship campaign starts with a committed and creative team.

Size: 6–8 members representing different demographics (long-time members, newer families, young adults, retired members).

Roles:

• Chair/Coordinator: Oversees the campaign and timeline.
• Spiritual Anchor: Keeps the team grounded in prayer and scripture.
• Story Curator: Collects and shares member generosity stories.
• Communications Lead: Coordinates letters, emails, social media, and video.
• Hospitality/Events Lead: Manages kickoff and celebration events.
• Data/Tracking Lead: Monitors pledges, follow-ups, and reporting.

Timeline Commitment: 

• June–November (meets monthly at first, weekly in October).

2. Selecting an Annual Theme
Your theme should be:

• Biblically rooted: Drawn from scripture, e.g., “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Luke 12:34).
• Simple & memorable: A short phrase that sticks.
• Visual: Something that can inspire graphics, banners, and stories.

Examples of themes:

• “Living Generously, Loving Boldly” (2 Cor. 9:7)
• “Abundant Life, Abundant Giving” (John 10:10)
• “Planted in Faith, Growing in Generosity” (Psalm 1:3)
• “God’s Gifts, Our Response” (1 Peter 4:10)

The Generosity Team should prayerfully brainstorm, then present 2–3 theme options to leadership for selection by July.

3. Campaign Timeline & Core Components
Pre-Campaign (June–August)

• Form and commission the Generosity Team in worship.
• Select theme, scripture, and campaign visuals.
• Create a communications calendar.
• Begin collecting stories of impact (video, written, photo).
• Train team members to invite pledges through relational conversations.

Campaign Launch (September)

• Kickoff Sunday: Introduce the theme in worship, unveil banners/posters.
• Share the first story of generosity (member testimony, mission impact).
• Send a save-the-date letter about the pledge celebration Sunday.

Campaign Weeks (October)
Weekly Worship Emphasis:

• Week 1: God’s abundance (creation, blessings).
• Week 2: Gratitude and trust.
• Week 3: Generosity as spiritual growth.
• Week 4: Impact of giving (missions, ministries).

Midweek Communications:
Email or mailed reflections (scripture + story).
Short video or social media post highlighting a family’s giving story.
Small Groups/Classes: Encourage faith conversations about money, time, and talents.
Celebration & Commitment (Late October/Early November)

Commitment Sunday:

• Members bring pledge cards forward during worship.
• Celebrate with a fellowship meal or reception.
• Share preliminary pledge totals and celebrate progress.

Follow-Up Week:

• Send thank-you letters from the pastor and team chair.
• Personally follow up with non-responders through calls/visits.
• Post-Campaign (November–December)
• Announce results during worship and via newsletter.
• Share year-end stories of impact to remind members of the “why.”
• Hold a thank-you celebration for the Generosity Team.
• Begin notes for improving next year’s campaign.

4. Invitations & Communications

• Core Invitations
• Kickoff Sunday invitation (letter + announcement).
• Pledge card mailing with a cover letter from pastor and team chair.
• Personal invitation: Leaders invite members over phone or in person.
• Celebration Sunday invitation (email/social media reminders).
• Communications Mix
• Print: Letters, pledge cards, bulletin inserts.
• Digital: Weekly emails, website updates, Facebook/Instagram posts, short video clips.
• In-Worship: Children’s messages on generosity, testimonies, prayers of dedication.
• Storytelling: Share “why I give” stories every week from different voices.

5. Success Factors

• Prayer saturation: Include campaign in worship and small groups.
• Multiple touchpoints: Each member should hear/see the theme 6–8 times.
• Personal connections: Relational invitations matter more than letters.
• Celebrate along the way: Emphasize gratitude, not guilt.
• Data-informed follow-up: Track responses carefully and thank promptly.

Christian stewardship has also been defined as “what we do, with all that we have, after we say, we believe." It involves using the gifts God has given us, to do the work God is calling us to do. Christian stewardship is the grateful and responsible use of God's gifts in the light of God's purpose as revealed in Jesus Christ. Christian stewards, empowered by the Holy Spirit, commit themselves to conscious, purposeful decisions.
Stewardship teaches that all that we have and all that we are is a gift from God. We are, therefore, stewards of God's gifts during our lifetime. Discerning and carrying out God's purpose is the primary purpose of our lives. The gifts we have been given, time, talent, and money, are to be used for that purpose. The primary role of the church is to guide individuals in discernment of the mission for their lives and use of their resources in accomplishing it.

The primary objective of the organization (church) is to bring people into a closer relationship with God. Strengthening relationships with individuals is an important part of this but the goal is always to create an environment in which the relationship with God is strengthened.
Congregations are charged with encouraging individuals to discern the gifts God has given them and the work God is calling them to do. God is the source of the mission and the money. Both are gifts over which the giver exercises faithful stewardship.
Understanding giving as a significant spiritual practice, the congregation encourages giving by providing or identifying a variety of opportunities to give of one’s time, talents and treasures.
Understanding giving as a joyful response to God's generosity to us, the congregation provides people with opportunities to express their faith and encourage others.
whom we hold most dear.

Congregations that have a vital role in the community, that have a focus beyond themselves, that foster authentic community, and are equipping people with a faith that works in real life are typically poised for healthy stewardship.

Leadership is also key for healthy stewardship ministry. Leadership best practices include:

• Pastors are the key stewardship models and leaders.
• Pastors and lay leaders are passionate about and committed to growing in giving, talking openly about their personal giving.
• An active stewardship team is in place that works closely with the governing board.
• Leaders are trained and educated in stewardship.
• There are high expectations among the leadership and within the congregation.

Education is fundamental for growing stewards. These elements were recurring: 

• Teach and preach stewardship with strong biblical principles.
• Teach the role of money in one's life.
• Teach personal money management.
• Preach and converse regularly about money as an expression of faith.
• Teach proportionate, regular, first fruits, and growth giving.
• Children and youth education curriculum include stewardship themes.
• Teach all-of-life stewardship.
• Interpretation and communication of congregational, synod, and churchwide ministries are extremely important to increase accountability and build trust within the congregation.
• Conduct a year round monthly emphasis on various ministries supported by member giving.
• Celebrate what offerings are doing by using personal stories.
• Communicate connections, relationships, and partnerships of the whole ELCA.
• Tell the story of who we are as the ELCA, what we do in ministry together, and how we fund those

Listed below are effective congregational practices known for strong stewardship programs:

• They hold a commitment that stewardship is important. Their vision planning includes stewardship. 
• They are clear about their purpose and mission.
• They give away a growing percentage of congregational income for ministries of the whole church.
• They practice first fruits and proportionate giving for mission support (benevolence) for the whole church.
• They build relationships with their members through personal contacts.
• They provide multiple opportunities for giving and serving.
• They foster spirit-filled giving and prayer development, emphasizing the connection between faith and money.
• They identify, explore, and nurture spiritual gifts of members, helping them to fulfill their passions.
• They develop an "asset-based" climate, using members' assets rather than meeting needs.
• They develop year-round stewardship programs.
• They ask boldly.
• They thank profusely and often.
• They engage in annual every member response programs for financial commitments, estimates of giving or pledges.
• They provide programs for regular (undesignated) and over-and-above (designated) giving.
• They use a program budget in addition to a line item budget.
• They separate stewardship programs from budget preparation.
• They provide quarterly reports on member giving to the membership.
• They establish mission endowment policies.
• They model first-fruits giving by sharing a percentage of their corporate income for ministry beyond the congregation. ministries in a clear, compelling way.
• Share personal stories of joy of giving.

Choose a time of year when the congregation can focus its attention on stewardship and when there is a high probability of connecting with the most people. The annual financial campaign should be on the calendar a year in advance and planned with as much attention to detail as Easter Sunday and Christmas Eve.

Engage Leaders & Members

1. Pick a new theme every year for your stewardship campaign. Taking the time to be creative and innovative may encourage your members to take the time to reflect on their giving.
2. Be strategic in building a leadership team that serves as the guiding coalition for stewardship ministry at your congregation. Include persons from different age groups and different ministry areas as well who are generous givers or making conscience steps for increased generosity.
3. Do not hesitate to ask church leaders to make their pledges first as a sign of their commitment and as an encouragement to the larger congregation.
4. Use every available means – sermons, music, testimony, newsletter articles, study programs, bulletin boards, banners, website, blogs, social media, etc. - to communicate key messages about the campaign.

Plan Carefully

1. Remind people that the annual budget is about ministry and mission, not dollars. Prepare the budget with great care, being sensitive to giving trends. Set ambitious but realistic goals.
2. Define your purpose and set goals. Set priorities and action steps that will be included in a timeline.
3. Establish a realistic timeline. In larger churches, planning and implementing the annual commitment campaign can take six months or more. Use benchmark dates to keep on track.
4. Know that developing a congregation of faithful givers does not happen only through a stewardship drive. Develop a year-round approach to stewardship education.
5. Appreciate that fund raising is incremental. The most important determinant of how much you can raise this year is what you raised last year.

Approach solicitation with a healthy frame of mind that also acknowledges people’s unique giving patterns

1. Never apologize about stewardship appeals. A leader’s willingness to approach others about giving is an expression of their deep commitment to the church.
2. Remember that people give to many things, so do not assume that people will give all their charitable giving to the church. Build a solid case for why people should invest in your ministry.
3. Emphasize that stewardship is about faithfulness to God, not obligation to the church. Stress the giver’s joy in giving rather than the church’s need to receive.
4. Know that every church has a “giving pyramid” with a small percentage of donors contributing a large proportion of what is given; for not all people have the same resources to give, and not all people are at the same level of spiritual maturity. Most money will come from larger gifts. Analyze giving histories and membership data in your congregation to determine where your people are on your pyramid. Track pledges and giving by age “decades” (younger than 20s, 20s, 30s, 40s, etc.) so you can assess giving patterns across age groups. Determine what percentage of giving comes from those aged 65 and above.
5. Recognize that most of the giving, including increases, will come from those already giving.
6. Be realistic in your expectations from those who are not currently giving. New donors are much more difficult to reach, are less likely to respond, and will give less than those already giving.
7. One approach doesn’t fit everyone. What is appropriate for the spiritually mature member who demonstrates faithfulness may not be appropriate for a newer or relatively inactive member who has never given.
8. Seek to increase the number of pledgers and to increase the giving of those who already give. Set giving targets to help people get a figure in mind. People normally do not give more than they are asked. Set different giving ranges for different categories of givers. Provide a “step up” plan to help people take the next step in becoming generous givers. Personalize the process to each contributor.