Offerings are to many worship leaders one of the most awkward times of a service. So, they fill it with special music to distract people from the passing offering plate. I regret that. I'd like to offer a different way of viewing the offering time but one that will require some work and planning.
The offering takes about 90 to 120 seconds in the average church. I suggest that in that time, you tell a story. Tell stories about how the offerings have been used in the past week to tell how a missionary did some really cool work, how a family was fed, how a minister did some counseling, how a teen publicly said he was going to be a Christ-follower, how a mission team to Africa did some awesome things, what the youth trip this summer will be doing, how many kids were at Vacation Bible School and what they studied, etc. Find 52 stories in a year and tell the church how their money is being used.
Younger generations (under 40) want to hear stories about specific people being helped with the money they give to the church. That will motivate them to continue to give and give more money. Older generations like to hear the stories, too.
So, use the offering time to TELL STORIES. After all, that's what Jesus did!
Lead On!
Steve
Showing posts with label stories. Show all posts
Showing posts with label stories. Show all posts
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Thursday, January 13, 2011
My Favorite Fundraiser
This story happened in the mid-1980s somewhere in South Carolina. A friend whose parents witnessed the event told their son who told me. It is the most amazing church fundraising story I've ever heard.
It seems that a small church wanted to raise $1.5 million for a new building. The Finance Committee and Building Committee met, reviewed the options and potential and then came to a church business meeting to make their presentation. Everyone felt that the new building was very much needed and then it came time to vote on whether or not to do a fundraiser.
During the Q&A time before the vote, several pertinent questions were fielded. But then one of the older, most respected men of the congregration stood and began to speak. He spoke slowly and deliberately, "Well, let's see. I tell you what. I'll give half a million dollars if Fred over there gives half a million." All heads immediately turned to Fred to see if he would accept Sam's challenge. Fred stood up and spoke, "Hmmm, okay. I'll give half a million if Bob here gives half a million." Again, in unison, all heads turned to look at Bob who stood up. "Yeah, I'll give half a million." The congregation erupted in applause for these three men and the fundraiser was officially over!
I like this story for several reasons: its fun, funny, very true to life, shows the most church members can give more than they think, should help pastors realize that some church members have very deep pockets and will give if asked (but pastors are scared to talk about money), and finally it demonstrates the leadership of three respected older gentlemen. They had no problem talking about money (each knew what the other could afford) and when given the opportunity to give their money to something worthwhile, they stood up.
I encourage all ministers to cultivate wealthy members. Have lunch with them periodically. Ask them to teach you how to manage money but more importantly how to talk about money with others. These men and women will be glad to oblige - we've just got to ask.
Lead On!
Steve
It seems that a small church wanted to raise $1.5 million for a new building. The Finance Committee and Building Committee met, reviewed the options and potential and then came to a church business meeting to make their presentation. Everyone felt that the new building was very much needed and then it came time to vote on whether or not to do a fundraiser.
During the Q&A time before the vote, several pertinent questions were fielded. But then one of the older, most respected men of the congregration stood and began to speak. He spoke slowly and deliberately, "Well, let's see. I tell you what. I'll give half a million dollars if Fred over there gives half a million." All heads immediately turned to Fred to see if he would accept Sam's challenge. Fred stood up and spoke, "Hmmm, okay. I'll give half a million if Bob here gives half a million." Again, in unison, all heads turned to look at Bob who stood up. "Yeah, I'll give half a million." The congregation erupted in applause for these three men and the fundraiser was officially over!
I like this story for several reasons: its fun, funny, very true to life, shows the most church members can give more than they think, should help pastors realize that some church members have very deep pockets and will give if asked (but pastors are scared to talk about money), and finally it demonstrates the leadership of three respected older gentlemen. They had no problem talking about money (each knew what the other could afford) and when given the opportunity to give their money to something worthwhile, they stood up.
I encourage all ministers to cultivate wealthy members. Have lunch with them periodically. Ask them to teach you how to manage money but more importantly how to talk about money with others. These men and women will be glad to oblige - we've just got to ask.
Lead On!
Steve
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