ECF’s August “Collaborative Conversation”
How can congregations shift their budgeting and fund-raising process toward being a “holy exercise”? During ECF’s August “Collaborative Conversation,” laity and clergy from across the church – including Haiti – offered creative and engaging ways to bring God into their congregations’ financial conversations.
Small groups engaged around how to initiate and seek funding for new ministries, and bring creativity to raising money, especially for serving the larger community. The larger group offered thoughts on increasing willingness to tackle money conversations within the faith community.
Key insights
- We shouldn’t be afraid to talk about money! Intentional conversations and education about stewardship and pledging are essential, particularly for newcomers who may not be familiar with church giving practices.
- It is important to be honest and direct about financial needs and fundraising efforts, avoiding subterfuge or guilt-based appeals.
- You can incorporate prayer and ritual into the act of giving. A discussion member shared the Boston College "Pray It Forward" program, which provides a regular online space for BC affiliates to gather and share prayer intentions.
Wisdom for growing gratitude and generosity
- Always remember to celebrate the tangible good coming from generosity, such as improvements to church facilities or successful outreach programs.
- While technology can aid fundraising, building meaningful relationships and having heartfelt conversations about ministry are more effective in fostering generosity.
- You can foster generosity and gratitude by highlighting stewardship topics and discussions about giving throughout the year, not just during pledge campaigns.
Resources:
- ECF Vital Practices Toolkit for Ministry on Holy Budgeting
- Making Money Holy by Demi Prentiss
- Boston College’s “Pray It Forward” program, and “Prayer Ribbon” project
ECF invites you to join the upcoming Collaborative Conversations call on September 25 (4th Thursday) at 2 pm ET, around the question, “How would you like to reframe the role of priest in your congregation's life to allow for more lay leadership?” Feel free to share the registration link with friends and colleagues interested in participating: https://bit.ly/collaborative-conversations.