Warning! Watch out! (Pexels)
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Occasionally, I think it’s helpful to see how well-meaning organizations just miss the mark. Not to call them out by name – because I won’t – but because it can be instructive on how you can do better. And we all want to do better, right?
So, here’s the example. Three years ago, my spouse and I made a pledge to a well-known local organization. For us it was a sizable contribution to a much-needed capital campaign here in town. Our family has been the beneficiary of this organization and we felt good about pledging so that they could re-invent themselves and serve more people in the 21st Century.
All was good until we received our first “bill” last year. Well, that’s not what they said it was, but that’s sure how it felt. Take a look and see if you don’t agree. You don’t even need to see very clearly that it’s pretty much all numbers.![]() ![]()
We dutifully paid the bill and didn’t hear a thing whether or not it had been received. In other words, there was no thank you letter.
Well, it happened again. This year rolled around and two weeks ago another bill showed up. This, after I talked with someone on the capital campaign committee about how receiving this piece of paper the previous year had struck me. Nothing changed.
Is this psuedo-bill in and of itself a bad thing? Of course not. Lord knows, I need reminding about all sorts of things. Especially when it comes to parting with my money. But here’s the thing…
It’s a lost opportunity.
An opportunity to thank.
An opportunity to tell the story.
An opportunity to get me, the donor, more invested.
If you’re getting ready to send out your quarterly statement, opportunity awaits. Go ahead: send your people the more formal for-tax-purposes-only sheet of paper with all the numbers. But then, on another sheet of paper that they see as soon as they open the envelope:
Thank people for their sacrificial gift.
Tell them a story about your ministry that will make them feel great.
Think like them…what could you say that would make you feel invested in your congregation?
Don’t miss the chance to let your people know how much their gift is appreciated and what impact it makes. As a result, you’ll feel way better about sending those “bills” and quarterly giving statements. That, I can guarantee.
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Upcoming webinars where I’ll be presenting:
Increasing Joy, Increasing Generosity…Even During a Pandemic
This Tuesday, October 19, 2021 10:00am-11:30am
Presented by Cesie Delve Scheuermann, OR-ID UMC Stewardship Consultant and
Rev. Jeremy Hajdu-Paulen, pastor Tigard UMC (OR)
More info? Click here.
Sign up here.
Can’t make that one? Here’s a similar but more targeted webinar (sponsored by the United Methodist Foundation of New England):
Creating a Culture of Radical Gratitude: How Do You Say Thank You?
October 27, 12:30-1:30 (EST) or October 28, 7:00-8:00pm (EST)
For more information and to sign up, go here.
And finally, Narrative Budgets: You Can Do This!
Next Thursday, October 21, 2:00-3pm (EST). Sponsored by PRC: Practical Resources for Churches
Ever look at your church’s budget and all you see is numbers? Does your congregation understand what’s behind those numbers? In this webinar, you’ll discover why it’s important to give your congregation the whole budget story by using words and pictures. You’ll see examples and we’ll talk about steps you need to take to make sure your budget is one that your congregation will be delighted (and maybe even thrilled) to support.
For more information and to sign up, go here.
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