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Annual Appeal. Rev. Jim Kellaway Mr. Ted Mollegen. Outline. Theological/Biblical Basis Definition & Examples of Stewardship Different Approaches for the Annual Appeal Visitation is the Best The Basic Steps Do’s and Don’ts References/Links. Biblical Basis.
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Annual Appeal Rev. Jim Kellaway Mr. Ted Mollegen
Outline • Theological/Biblical Basis • Definition & Examples of Stewardship • Different Approaches for the Annual Appeal • Visitation is the Best • The Basic Steps • Do’s and Don’ts • References/Links
Biblical Basis • What is God asking of each of us? • What is God promising? • What will I do?
What is a Steward? A Steward is someone who is in charge of something that doesn’t belong to that person. Examples: • Captain of an ocean liner • Shift manager at McDonald’s • Parents • Our bodies Jesus taught that we are stewards of God’s world.
Different Approaches to the Annual Appeal • Every Member Visitation • 1/4 of cong. visits the other 3/4 • House Groups • Celebration/Thankfullness Dinner • Proprietary Process • Only Sermon(s) and/or Letter(s) – irresponsible!
Foundational Ideas & Principles • The biggest pledge increases come from the callers, • not the callees. Don’t minimize the number of callers. • You are helping people get into a better relationship with their God! This is deeply satisfying work! • People have a need to give • Talk straight about money • Keep the congregation informed – especially when there’s good news or bad news • Be up-front about the fact that the visitation is about both people and money • In today’s world, it’s almost impossible to over-communicate. Be repetitious.
Three Sunday Topics and Three Mailings • Theological • (already covered) • Proportional Giving/Tithing • % giving table • Think % of Income • Pick a target, then build up to it • What to count is up to you • Budget/Financial • Current year budget status • “Wish list” budget • Enclose pledge card & opaque envelope
Don’ts • Don’t call only on those who don’t turn in their cards • Don’t pressure people -- about anything • Don’t try to solve pastoral problems – report them to the Rector! • Don’t forget to thank the people you visit • Don’t make any commitments you can’t keep yourself
Do’s • Train callees as well as callers • Maintain confidentiality • Have callers make their own pledges before starting to make calls • Let givers give in any way they want (quarterly, once/year, etc.) • Root out misconceptions • Give newcomers a pledge card in their first couple of weeks • Have a pizza supper and reporting at 6:00 pm on Visiting Day – the reports give a great overview of where the congregation “is at!”
Appendix • Additional stewardship information may be found on • the web site of The Episcopal Network for Stewardship (TENS) at http://TENS.org.
Visitor Questions ( on a form) • Name/address/phone number of callee(s) • What do you like most about this church? • Is there anything you would like to see changed? • What would you like to do to help in our ministries? • Do you have any questions? • Do you have any messages for the Rector/Vicar? • Name of caller & caller’s comments (fill out comments after you leave)
PS At Diocesan Convention next month, there will be a proposed resolution reaffriming the tithe as the minimum standard of giving for Connecticut Episcopalians and that: • Convention members are invited to sign a statement that they either are tithing or will do so within five years, and • Congregations are asked to consider a comparable resolution at their next annual meeting. Clergy-in-charge may want to prepare their delegates and congregations for this resolution.