Resources and Comments in Response to “Funding for Today and Tomorrow”
In the July 7, 2010 issue of Alban Weekly (“Funding for Today and Tomorrow“) Dan Hotchkiss points out that many congregations want to believe they serve those beyond their walls, but expect budget outlays to focus on the desires and needs of their members. He compares the congregation with other nonprofits as he explains that both kinds of institutions require plans for “primary customers” (people whose lives will change through interacting with the organization) and “secondary customers” (people whose contributions and support are needed for success).
The article discusses several ways to approach these plans. (If you have not read the full article yet, please do so now.) One approach is to “teach stewardship to members, who eventually understand that the congregation does not exist for them alone but has a precious gift to give to others through their gifts of time and treasure.”
What resources can support teaching stewardship in your congregation? In addition to the resources listed at the end of the article, we suggest you check out the “Stewardship” sections in both the “Administration” and “Spirituality” categories of the Congregational Resource Guide. You might especially find Generous Saints: Congregations Rethinking Ethics and Money helpful.
What are your stories and thoughts on this topic? And what resources have you found helpful? We look forward to hearing from you!
Thanks for the interesting analysis, Dan! Besides turning primary clients into secondary (contributing!) clients and turning second clients into primary ones by getting them to feel like they are being served, it seems to me that there is the option of helping the contributing clients feel good about the primary clients, present and future, and getting satisfaction out of building and institution that serves them.
Giving to God’s mission has more appeal than giving to the budget / the church. This is especially true when the mission is what the members do on their own Monday to Saturday in their daily places to make those places more loving and more just — God’s typical work. When good old St. John’s is the place the members go for the guidance, support, and power they need for their daily living, giving to St. John’s becomes very attractive!
I want to register a note of thanks to Dan Hitchkiss for the article on “Funding for Today and Tomorrow.” As a leader in continuing education at United Theological Seminary I am always searching for new ideas and practice. I enjoy Dan’s straightforward approasch and synthesis of knowledge and experience.