A frequently asked question lately is: How should we think about doing a generosity initiative in light of the economic news? Won’t current news depress results?
806 words – just under 3 minutes, but super important these days.
Full disclosure: I work with Generis, a company focused on generosity. I don’t do that work, but I work with dozens of consultants that do.
This topic was discussed in our October 2022 team meeting in some detail. Below are some comments relevant to pastors from our team principal, Jim Sheppard.
But first – just a small data reminder. Despite the stock markets being down and some rising inflation factors, there is still a lot of cash sitting in checking and savings accounts. Not the record amounts we saw in the pandemic season, but more than typical. There are lots of funds in investment accounts as well.
Those on Social Security payments also got news of a dramatic increase in benefits that will take effect next year. Some younger people MAY see a reduction in student debt through government forgiveness.
Inflation also tends to cause some other fixed-income payments to rise on a lag basis for those with fixed-income plans.
But that is all financial landscape readings; here are Jim’s thoughts for pastors:
1. The church is a magnet in tough times. We will have more needs than in the recent past. Our experience is that God’s people will respond even in times of great need if the cause is right.
Looking back over recessions and historically in hard times in history, great churches step forward to help meet those needs.
2. It is ok for the unbelieving world to react to fear and worry. We see that on the news every day. What does it say about us as believers when we have the same reaction?
We should teach our people to trust in God’s provision by modeling that ourselves. We must teach people to trust God with their stewardship and generosity even in uncertain times.
3. Giving campaigns are a time of coalescing and rallying around the church’s vision and future. Generosity initiatives are always future-focused and point believers toward what we believe our church can do in the future.
Our faith is built on hope, not fear. A well-done generosity campaign or initiative helps provide hope for the future.
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Also at our Fall Generis meeting, I got a complete review of our Year End 2022 resources. Finish Well, Start Strong.
You can hit that highlight to download.
There is even a way to customize your own year-end and annual statement letter. (so many churches miss this opportunity to increase their generosity quotient.)
Don’t miss it. Here is the link again.
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4. Remember, many givers that support the church are not affected by a recession. Some do much better in recessionary cycles.
I saw this multiple times in the throes of the covid season. Entrepreneurs and companies pivoted to new approaches and products. Their businesses boomed.
Most generosity initiative goals are met by families that have experienced significant financial blessings even in challenging times. If we don’t share the vision and needs, how will they be challenged to raise their stewardship sights?
5. On another practical level, building costs are dropping if you are considering a capital construction project or remodeling. Materials, such as steel and lumber, have settled back to reasonable levels, with supply chains and inventory issues back to normal. The disequilibrium in the labor market is reversing. This is bringing building costs down significantly in specific markets. It may be the time to line up contracts in the next few months.
And finally,
6. Practically, it is impossible to time your campaign to line up with a good economy. Think about the campaigns that are in the public phase right now. When they started, things were different. Don’t assume that what you see now will be the same when you do your public phase in Spring 2023 or Fall 2023.
Most Generis generosity strategists tell me that one of the critical issues with church leaders is that they start too late in planning for a productive generosity initiative.
A well-prepared leadership, planning team, and materials take time to develop properly to make maximum spiritual and material impacts for your church.
Best to begin discussing timing and preparation with a competent consultant who can help guide you in these decisions and processes.
Jim is also a co-writer on this newsletter once a month, but I felt this news was important to get to you from a non-generosity consultant. I have no stake in the company and get no commissions for referring you to my colleagues at Generis.
My concern is that you are well served in all areas of your church. I just happen to think Generis is the best in class in these services.
I can help you schedule a zoom time with Jim and your team to discuss your situation in some detail. It makes for a great session with your board to discuss current conditions and get an outsider’s perspective from someone with over 30 years in the field. Let me know if you want to schedule a time by emailing me directly.
Just hit the reply and hit me back.