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This guide outlines the theological and biblical basis of stewardship, offers different approaches for annual appeals, and emphasizes the importance of visitation. It provides do's and don'ts, foundational principles, and tips for maintaining effective communication. The resource also covers key topics like proportional giving, budget considerations, and visitor questions. It concludes with valuable information on stewardship resources and a Q&A section for visitors.
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Annual Appeal Rev. Jim Kellaway Mr. Ted Mollegen
Outline • Theological/Biblical Basis • Definition & Examples of Stewardship • Different Approaches for the Annual Appeal • Visitation is the Best • The Basic Steps • Do’s and Don’ts • References/Links
Biblical Basis • What is God asking of each of us? • What is God promising? • What will I do?
What is a Steward? A Steward is someone who is in charge of something that doesn’t belong to that person. Examples: • Captain of an ocean liner • Shift manager at McDonald’s • Parents • Our bodies Jesus taught that we are stewards of God’s world.
Different Approaches to the Annual Appeal • Every Member Visitation • 1/4 of cong. visits the other 3/4 • House Groups • Celebration/Thankfullness Dinner • Proprietary Process • Only Sermon(s) and/or Letter(s) – irresponsible!
Foundational Ideas & Principles • The biggest pledge increases come from the callers, • not the callees. Don’t minimize the number of callers. • You are helping people get into a better relationship with their God! This is deeply satisfying work! • People have a need to give • Talk straight about money • Keep the congregation informed – especially when there’s good news or bad news • Be up-front about the fact that the visitation is about both people and money • In today’s world, it’s almost impossible to over-communicate. Be repetitious.
Three Sunday Topics and Three Mailings • Theological • (already covered) • Proportional Giving/Tithing • % giving table • Think % of Income • Pick a target, then build up to it • What to count is up to you • Budget/Financial • Current year budget status • “Wish list” budget • Enclose pledge card & opaque envelope
Don’ts • Don’t call only on those who don’t turn in their cards • Don’t pressure people -- about anything • Don’t try to solve pastoral problems – report them to the Rector! • Don’t forget to thank the people you visit • Don’t make any commitments you can’t keep yourself
Do’s • Train callees as well as callers • Maintain confidentiality • Have callers make their own pledges before starting to make calls • Let givers give in any way they want (quarterly, once/year, etc.) • Root out misconceptions • Give newcomers a pledge card in their first couple of weeks • Have a pizza supper and reporting at 6:00 pm on Visiting Day – the reports give a great overview of where the congregation “is at!”
Appendix • Additional stewardship information may be found on • the web site of The Episcopal Network for Stewardship (TENS) at http://TENS.org.
Visitor Questions ( on a form) • Name/address/phone number of callee(s) • What do you like most about this church? • Is there anything you would like to see changed? • What would you like to do to help in our ministries? • Do you have any questions? • Do you have any messages for the Rector/Vicar? • Name of caller & caller’s comments (fill out comments after you leave)
PS At Diocesan Convention next month, there will be a proposed resolution reaffriming the tithe as the minimum standard of giving for Connecticut Episcopalians and that: • Convention members are invited to sign a statement that they either are tithing or will do so within five years, and • Congregations are asked to consider a comparable resolution at their next annual meeting. Clergy-in-charge may want to prepare their delegates and congregations for this resolution.
