For Fellowship Development, stewardship is the key to fundraising success. A capital campaign that only raises funds is not a fully successful effort, even if it hits goal. Our aim, with every campaign we run, is to inspire stewardship in the supporters of our partners. We hope that they grow into a deeper relationship with God, the Christian Church and your organization’s specific mission through stewardship.
Inspiring stewardship is a tenet of the work that we do. We view campaigns as a ministry, an opportunity to build the kingdom and serve communities across the country through stewardship, fundraising and development.
“As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 4:10-11)
What exactly is stewardship and how does that apply to a capital campaign? Stewardship is building the kingdom by sharing our God-given gifts of time, talent and treasure. In a capital campaign, members of a Christian community offer those God-given gifts
TIME
“So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12)
We do not know how long we have here on Earth, so we must make the best use of the time that we have. That includes sharing our time in building the kingdom of God.
For a capital campaign, that can include:
- Prayerfully considering your pledge.
- Praying to support the campaign, campaign leadership, the Christian church and your community.
- Answering a phone call or survey about the campaign.
- Listening attentively when the campaign is discussed.
TALENT
“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.” (Colossians 3:23-24)
We all have different skills that we bring to the table. Some people may be outgoing and great at spreading the word about the campaign, while others may thrive in organizing a fundraising event or entering data to help keep the campaign on track.
Some ways to share your talent in a campaign include:
- Volunteering as a member of the campaign leadership team.
- Volunteering to make phone calls or personal visits to secure pledges for the campaign.
- Helping to make a fundraising event a success through your skills.
TREASURE
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” (1 Timothy 6:10)
We have been blessed with abundance from God. Our treasure is not our own but something to be shared in honor of all that he has given us.
Treasure is the most obvious component of stewardship in a campaign but it can also be the most misunderstood. When asking for financial support in a fundraising effort, it is important to stress that each pledge should be an equal sacrifice, not an equal amount. For some, a six-figure gift is just a drop in the bucket, but for others, a $1,000 pledge is truly sacrificial.
Conducting a capital campaign is about stewarding our resources on a daily, weekly and even yearly basis. That is what those who came before us have done – steward their resources in faith, in Christ and in love for the future of the Church. We are the beneficiaries. And now it is our turn to steward today’s resources for the future.
