In the face of declining membership and shifting demographic patterns, local United Methodist churches are tasked with the critical mission of right-sizing stewardship for long-term sustainability and vibrant ministry. As older members pass away and younger generations engage less frequently or give at lower levels, it becomes imperative to adopt new strategies. By embracing digital technology and online donations, broadening our giving base, engaging our communities, optimizing our buildings and properties, and rethinking staff roles, we can effectively navigate these challenges.
1. EMBRACE DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY AND ONLINE DONATIONS
Integrating digital technology into our stewardship practices is no longer optional; it is essential. Younger generations live and interact in a digital world; to connect with them effectively, we must meet them where they are.
- Online Donations: Implementing online giving platforms allows for convenient and accessible donations. These platforms can be integrated into church websites, mobile apps, or text-to-give services, enabling congregants to give from anywhere at any time. Recurring donation options can help stabilize church finances by providing a consistent and predictable flow of funds. Many churches resist the fees incurred in electronic giving, but the value of consistent giving far outweighs the cost. As I’ve said in many of my webinars and workshops, when I started in ministry four decades ago, we purchased offering envelope sets for every member household. We mailed many of them to people’s homes. No one complained about that cost, even though many of those envelope sets were never used. The difference with electronic giving is you pay only when someone gives!
- Digital Communication: Use social media and digital communication tools to enhance engagement with the congregation. Regular updates, inspirational messages, and transparent financial reports shared via social media can build community and trust. Personalized email newsletters and thank-you messages to donors can foster a deeper connection and encourage continued support.
2. BROADEN THE GIVING BASE AND ENGAGE THE COMMUNITY
Expanding the giving base and deepening community engagement are critical steps in ensuring the sustainability of our churches.
- Community Engagement: Churches should be active and visible in their communities. Organizing and participating in local events, offering support services, and collaborating with other organizations can raise the church’s profile and attract new members. When people see the church as a positive force in the community, they are more likely to support it both in attendance and finances. When people see the church as a positive force in the community, they are more likely to support it both in attendance and finances.
3. MAKE STEWARDSHIP A YEAR-ROUND STRATEGY, NOT A SEASONAL CONCERN
The days of confining stewardship to a two or three-week timespan in the Fall are behind us. We need to do more!
- Inclusive Stewardship Education: Ongoing stewardship education is crucial. Teaching the importance of giving as a spiritual practice helps congregants understand its significance beyond mere obligation. Incorporating stewardship topics into sermons, workshops, and small-group discussions can reinforce this message and motivate members to contribute meaningfully.
Youth and Young Adult Involvement: Engaging younger members is vital for the church's future. Creating programs and opportunities that resonate with their interests and values can help integrate them into the church's life. Involving them in leadership roles and decision-making processes can instill a sense of ownership and responsibility, encouraging them to support the church financially. - Numbers and Narratives: Go beyond reporting on numbers and budgets. Provide stories of how your members’ giving makes an impact. Use newsletters, bulletins, and —especially—quarterly and end-of-year giving communications to highlight those stories and to thank donors for making a difference.
4. USE BUILDINGS AND PROPERTY MORE EFFECTIVELY AND EFFICIENTLY
Church buildings and properties are valuable assets that can be leveraged to support the church’s mission and financial health.
- Multipurpose Use: Consider how church facilities could serve multiple purposes. Opening up spaces for community events, educational programs, or even co-working spaces can generate additional revenue streams. Partnering with local nonprofits or small businesses to use church spaces during the week can be mutually beneficial. Are there needs for parking in your community that your congregation could meet when that space is not needed for church activities?
- Energy Efficiency: Investing in energy-efficient upgrades can significantly reduce operating costs. Simple changes like installing LED lighting, optimizing heating and cooling systems, and improving insulation can lead to substantial savings. Exploring renewable energy options like solar panels can also be cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
- Property Development: Consider development opportunities if your church has surplus land or underused property. Projects like affordable housing or community gardens can address local needs while providing financial benefits to the church.
5. EVALUATING STAFF ROLES
In light of financial constraints, it may be necessary to reconsider how staff roles are structured within the church. Sometimes, churches that were larger in the past but declined in membership and attendance are staffed like they are still large churches.
- Combining and Reducing Paid Staff Positions: Combining staff roles or reducing the number of paid staff positions can help alleviate financial pressure. This does not necessarily mean reducing the quality of ministry but optimizing resources.
- Engaging Gifted Laity: Often, talented and passionate members within the congregation are eager to serve. By identifying and empowering these individuals, we can involve them more deeply in the ministry and mission of the church. This approach reduces staffing costs and fosters a greater sense of community and ownership of the church’s mission among the laity.
CONCLUSION
Right-sizing stewardship in our local churches is a multifaceted challenge that requires creativity, commitment, and a willingness to adapt. By embracing digital technology, broadening our giving base, engaging our communities, optimizing our buildings and properties, and reevaluating staff roles, we can create sustainable and vibrant faith communities. These strategies address our financial challenges and reinforce our mission to serve God and our neighbors.
As leaders, we are responsible for guiding our congregations through these changes with faith and vision. Let us approach this task with a spirit of hope and determination, confident that we can build a stronger future for our churches by working together.
Note from Ken Sloane: I wrote this piece at the request of a friend at our General Council on Finance & Administration (GCFA) for a series they were preparing on “Right Sizing” for churches. Ken Sloane is the Director of Stewardship & Generosity for Discipleship Ministries of The United Methodist Church. Originally published by Discipleship Ministries. Republished with permission by ResourceUMC.