PANDEMIC CAMPAIGNS

          How many of you (like me) figured by the fall of 2021, stewardship campaigns would be easier, if that is defined as “back to normal?” Yet here we are, still in the middle of the pandemic, and not very much back to normal.

 

          We need to continue our stewardship work, just like we need to continue our discipleship work, our pastoral care work and our service work. Remember, the words “the church is closed” has never been true! The building may be closed in some cases; worship and discipleship may look different, but just as God has never forsaken us, the church isn’t closed and hasn’t been. That is an important distinction to remember when we are considering how to “do stewardship” in 2021. Ken Sloane from UMC Discipleship Ministries has said “don’t skip the campaign because you can’t ‘do it like before’.”

          A good stewardship campaign; in fact, good stewardship and discipleship overall, includes telling “the” story. This year, as last year, the stories shared probably shouldn’t be limited to the church’s story, but the other stories out there.

• ·        Tell the story of how your church’s missions have continued.
• ·        Tell the story of how worship has fed souls.
• ·        Tell the story of how disciples have been “made” and nourished.
• ·        Listen to the stories of needs in the community.
• ·        Listen to the stories of how people have felt and are feeling during this time.
• ·        Listen to stories of how people are feeling connected or disconnected.

          Of course, there are economic “realities” that exist as a result of the pandemic. Some people are suffering financially, while others are actually doing better financially. But, every year, there is most likely someone in your congregation that is suffering financially.

          Adapt what you’ve done before. If you’ve done pledge/commitment cards, convert them to pdf forms that can be emailed to folks. All letters should be able to be shared electronically. Facebook or other social media is a great way to share the devotions that come with a good stewardship campaign.

• ·        Start
• ·        Be bold
• ·        Listen
• ·        Invite
• ·        Express gratitude

Thank people for “tuning in” every week, thank people for giving in different ways, thank people for their good words, and for participating in Zoom and on Facebook Live, thank people for wearing a mask and staying safe, and as Ken Sloane said: thank them “for believing that even if our building is closed, we are the church and we are open for the business of love, compassion and hope.”