There are many proven things you can do to avoid a “summer slump” in stewardship. Today we continue with Part 2 of my 8 ways to not just glide through the summer – but GROW. (To read Part 1, click here.)

5. Preach on giving. 

• Biggest felt need during the summer – breaking free from debt. We’ll do a debt-free Sunday right in the middle of summer at The Journey and even help someone pay down their debt.
• You are helping your people. Allow God to bless their finances by preaching on what God says about money in the Bible. Don’t feel like you are begging your people when you talk about giving – you are telling them about God-blessing opportunities.

 6. Maximize those mid-year giving statements. 

• Send multiple statements – at least quarterly, including one during the summer. At The Journey, our statement summarizes Jan 1 – June 30 and is sent in the middle of July. This reminds them of how they are doing, at a critical time.
• Include a personal letter. Share improvements and successes – how their giving has made a difference. 
• Other ideas for enclosures – Offering envelope that also tells them how to automate, gives the website. Include a “bulky mail” item like a mini-flashlight or tin of mints – something to make them want to open it – we even included a plastic piggy bank once! On outside of envelopes use red letters that say something like “Important – Financial Documents Inside”.

7. Work the stewardship system. 

• Don’t get slack during the summer. Make sure you are doing follow-up; send out those giving statements.
• Evaluate how the system is working for you – take measurements.

8. Be sure that YOU are on track with your giving during the summer. 

• Set a spiritual model. If the leaders aren’t giving, the church won’t. If we are behind in giving, the first thing I check is my own giving and then staff giving.
• Hold yourself and your leaders accountable. Have an agreement in place in advance with all your staff to tithe – and if someone falls behind, address the issue to make any necessary corrections (giving them the benefit of the doubt).

With a little planning now, and following these 8 strategies, you can prepare to minimize a dip in your giving this summer – and make sure it’s a minor one instead of a drastic drop-off.

Your partner in ministry,

Nelson

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

Time is running out to save big with the Super Early Bird Rate! Join me, Dr. Gary McIntosh, Steve Stroope and Kerrick Thomas for the all-new 2015 Church Systems Check-up and Boot Camp, July 22-24 at Disney World, Orlando. This year’s key theme is one of the most highly requested – STEWARDSHIP. You will discover how each of the 8 systems can raise the level of stewardship in your church. Plus, drill down on ALL 8 Systems of a healthy church with practical strategies you and your team can take back and start implementing right away!

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

Click here to secure the lowest rate – must register by TOMORROW, 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.