A CHRISTIAN GIVING PROGRAM

Many of us came out of theological school believing the maxim that if spiritual renewal was happening in a parish, serious Christian giving would follow automatically. It is a rude awakening to most of us in ministry when we finally discover that is not true. As one person says "the last part of a person to experience grace is the wallet."

If serious Christian giving is going to happen in a parish, it will normally require a regular and consistent program.

Preconditions for a Good Program

1. Positive pastoral relationships;

2. A clear sense of mission;

3. A Committed nucleus of people who want to see the parish move forward.

Features of a successful giving program

1. People are informed and excited about the mission of the congregation;

2. The focus has a start date and a concluding date;

3. There is a visitation plan that tells the story of the congregation and request that a specific gift level be considered;

4. Privacy and confidentiality are honored;

5. Future spending is directly related to the givings pledged;

6. Those who say "no" or who do not want a visit are honored;

7. The program is rooted to our theology and a year-round focus on overall stewardship; 8. 8. Although the program is connected to total stewardship, it does not "fuzz out" by softening the

challenge to serious Christian financial giving;

9. There will be a key leader or team that is task oriented and will meet deadlines and see the program through;

10 The wholehearted support and appropriate participation of the incumbent is required.

Item XXXII

©2000 Ronald Ferris