Summer is fast approaching and you have two options in your approach – plan in the summer or beg in the fall. The prevailing myth is that you can’t avoid the so-called “summer slump.” But I challenge you today – be careful about buying into those average ways of thinking. You CAN flatten that summer dip – and make sure it’s a minor dip instead of a drastic drop-off.

1. Prepare now for the “Summer Slump”. 

• Don’t Wait. Start now – don’t put off planning until middle of July when you see your giving has dipped. Don’t wait until middle of vacation season. Prepare as early in the year as possible.
• Start Measuring. Track your giving and look for trends so you can plan for those dips – and what you need to do to offset them. Track your giving and look for trends so you can plan for those dips – and what you need to do to offset them.

 2. Remind your people about giving over the summer. 

• Challenge them to automate their giving. Acknowledge they may be traveling but even if they miss services, they can stay strong in this spiritual discipline. If just 10% of them do it, it turns a drastic drop-off in giving into a small dip.
• Remind them of the impact. Your people are not thinking about this – about how when they are not attending, they are not giving. Let them know what their giving supports and how it makes a difference.

3. Beware of gimmicks. They only work once. Avoid promises to change your giving overnight. Instead look for proven, Biblical practices in how you approach stewardship.

4. Give your people multiple ways to give. 

• Offer giving options outside of the Sunday service: 
  • Online Giving – They can do this even when they are away
  • Automated Giving – They don’t have to worry about missing a week – encourages greater discipleship .
• Update your offering envelope. Make sure it gives them options right there to sign up for automated giving.

Check back tomorrow for Part 2 and the rest of the 8 tactics you can use to avoid the summer slump!

Your partner in ministry,

Nelson

P.S. – Upgrade Your Church’s Systems at Boot Camp – with a Special Focus on Stewardship! 

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Last Week for Super Early Bird Rate – Register Now and Save $350.00!

Click here to secure the lowest rate – must register by THIS Friday, May 29th! 

© Nelson Searcy. All Rights Reserved.

About Nelson Searcy

Nelson Searcy is an experienced church growth strategist, pastor, church planter and coach, consulting with churches around the world. As founder of Church Leader Insights and the Renegade Pastors Network, he has personally trained more than 3,500 church leaders in over 45 denominations through live events, seminars and monthly coaching. Nelson is also the Founding and Lead Pastor of The Journey Church, with locations across New York City and in Boca Raton, FL. Nelson and his church routinely appear on lists such as “The 50 Most Influential Churches” and “The 25 Most Innovative Leaders.” He is the author of over 100 church growth resources and 18+ books, including The Renegade Pastor: Abandoning Average in Your Life, Ministry and The Difference Maker: Using Your Everyday Life for Eternal Impact, and At the Cross with the People Who Were There. He and his wife, Kelley, have one son, Alexander.