A guide to increased effectiveness
An effective annual stewardship campaign starts with the right leaders, a clear vision, and thoughtful planning. Congregations grow in generosity when they communicate impact, offer multiple ways to give, and practice year-round stewardship grounded in our faith. Strong leadership, consistent gratitude, and a compelling mission help inspire faithful giving and long-term engagement.
The Right People
Recruit people who understand generosity to lead your stewardship campaign. While this may seem obvious, many congregations “settle” for leadership in this area rather than actively seeking individuals who are passionate about stewardship and giving.
Accountants, bankers, and bookkeepers are not always your best choice. Instead, request help from the Financial Secretary—or whoever in your context knows what people give to the ministry and mission of your congregation. This person should be able to provide names, if not actual numbers, to help create an “ask” list.
These are not always the people who give the largest amounts, but those who demonstrate a clear commitment to the cause of Christ through their giving. Remember both the “widow’s mite” and the “top ten” donors. Do not try to guess who your largest donors are—you will likely be wrong more often than you are right.
Above all, pray about these choices before inviting people to serve.
Plan Well
Give yourself and your team enough time to prepare a thoughtful and effective church stewardship campaign.
Think beyond announcements during worship:
- How will you teach stewardship as a spiritual discipline? (Sunday school, small groups, and web-based resources should all be considered.)
- What will sermons focus on, and when will they be delivered? (Text selection, theme integration, and coordination with worship planning require time and clear communication.)
- What communication methods will you use—and when? (Newsletters, social media, announcements, letters, personal contacts, and informal networks should all be in play.)
Theme development and interpretation also matter. (Check out the annual stewardship theme materials we create in partnership with the United Church of Christ here.)
A Clear Vision
Do people understand what they are supporting with their gifts?
State your mission and vision clearly. People give to a cause before they give to an institution. Make your cause compelling:
- Why should people give?
- What difference will their generosity make?
- How does their gift bring about “Gospel-style” transformation?
Narrative budgets can be especially helpful in telling this story. If your congregation’s vision is unclear, raising funds will be more difficult. (For help with developing a vision for your congregation, contact Hope Partnership.)
Leadership Matters
It starts with you and your congregational leadership. You can’t preach what you don’t practice.
Pastors, elders, and church leaders should be first in making their commitments. Encourage every member of your Church Board to give financially so you can speak with integrity about 100% leadership participation.
We recommend securing commitments from core leadership before the congregation’s Commitment Day. Then, when inviting others to give, you can share a report of increased leadership giving—either by total amount or percentage—as a source of inspiration.
Expand Methods of Giving
According to the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, as of 2024, 46.9% of American households participate in charitable giving. At the same time, fewer checks are written each year.
Increasingly, people do not carry cash or checks. Is your church adapting?
Electronic giving is no longer the future—it is the present. Consider:
- Online giving platforms
- Debit/credit card options
- Peer-to-peer apps (like Venmo)
Are you prepared to receive gifts beyond cash? Do you have policies in place for gifts of stock or real property? Are these options clearly communicated?
If members give electronically, provide a card they can place in the offering plate as a tangible expression of their gift.
The Center for Faith & Giving has a preferred partnership with Vanco Services, which means Disciples of Christ congregations receive preferred rates. Learn more here.
Say Thank You!
At the end of your campaign, communicate gratitude clearly and promptly.
A thank-you letter can:
- Confirm the donor’s commitment
- Clarify how and when the gift will be given (weekly, monthly, year-end, etc.)
- Reinforce your mission and impact
Continue communicating with donors throughout the year—quarterly is a good rhythm. These updates should not simply report numbers, but tell stories of how lives are being changed through their generosity.
Begin Year-Round Stewardship Planning
After your campaign, gather your team to evaluate and reflect. Then begin planning for year-round stewardship.
Stewardship should not be confined to an annual campaign or tied only to the budget. Instead, cultivate a culture of generosity throughout the year.
Also consider:
- Maintaining up-to-date planned giving policies
- Encouraging bequests and estate gifts
- Highlighting opportunities like All Saints Day (the Sunday closest to November 1) as a time to celebrate generosity and legacy giving
For additional support, contact the Christian Church Foundation for more information.