Look over the following list of eight ideas for cultivating a stronger sense of stewardship in the small church. Make a note of any that you have tried and what the response was in the congregation. Was it positive? Choose one of the newer items on the list and plan to try it in the next four months. Remember: Stewardship is more than financial giving. It is a sense of thanksgiving for all that God has given us, including care giving for the world around us! Try one of these ideas in your church soon.
- Help people in the congregation see a real need—not just a challenge to meet the bottom line in the budget amount. Whenever possible place a face on special appeals, financial needs, clothing or food drives, or emergency crisis by inviting those knowledgeable about the situation to speak about what is happening and why the church’s support is vital. Small churches are relational.
- Create fun fundraising events that involve the larger area around where your congregation is located (village, town, or even city.) Be the small church that can! People enjoy participating in good causes that capture their attention. One small church raised thousands of dollars for volunteer emergency medical services in its small town by having a “pumpkin hurling” in the fall. One year the event drew the attention of a major TV network when it was discovered that the men of the church had designed a pumpkin canon to throw the pumpkins. They had thousands attend. The next year they challenged NASA.
- Celebrate the church’s ministry throughout the year. While most churches talk about what happens at the church only when they are trying to raise a budget, a strong small church celebrates God’s activity through the church continually. It’s important for people to be a part of a place that makes a difference in their lives.
- Invite individuals to talk about how God and the church’s ministry make a difference in their lives. One of the unique gifts in smaller churches is hearing what happens in the lives of others. This can be done from the pulpit on Laity Sunday, in the sanctuary in small groups during prayer times, as personal testimony, or even in meetings and retreats. It is important to make time for people to talk about where they are encountering God in their lives.
- Be practical! Not everything a congregation needs is financial. Some needs may be for new items for refurbishing a part of the church or a special ministry. Publish or post a “wish list” for your nursery or Sunday school and allow people to donate the specific items you need. Cross items off the list as they are received. Send thank you notes. One church planning to open a preschool ministry registered with the local Target store as if the church were having a new child. They registered the items they needed. To their surprise, they even received gifts from people in the community. They publicized a baby shower, and had two pregnant women in the community (not even members of the church) open the gifts on behalf of the new ministry. At once, they had preschool and nursery supplies. They also had community partners.
- Encourage church leaders to be role models in stewardship. Whenever there is a special offering or campaign, ask your leaders to pledge or give first. Announce the leadership amount as a start to the fund raising. Thank them for leading the congregation.
- Tell people often that you believe in them and their generosity of spirit. As I travel, I often read how far behind a congregation is in its budget or how much more it needs to catch-up. Occasionally, I hear a leader praise the members of a church for their generosity (financial, abilities, spiritual, time, and so on) and the difference it makes in the ministry of the church. Which one motivates you?
- Participate in the county or school surplus auctions to obtain furniture and equipment at an economic cost. Some companies even dispose of equipment when they replace computers and furniture. Keep your ears open.
Reprinted from http://gbod.org/smallchurch. Copyright © 2004 The General Board of Discipleship, The United Methodist Church. No portion of this article may be reprinted or republished in any form without written consent. Send requests to Julia Wallace at PO Box 340003, Nashville, TN 37203-0003.
