Loading...This weeklong intensive course examined “generosity” under a variety of lenses. We began with an overview of recent research into religious giving: how it has changed and how it differs among various age-groups. We looked at the history and meaning of generosity in our Judeo-Christian context and in our society and then zeroed in on ways to build a structure of generosity in our own institutions. We were taught a process for creating cultural change in an institution, creating and communicating an effective vision. This process is very similar to the methods of appreciative inquiry and the use in business of the “hedgehog concept.”
For me, the theological and sociological reflection was very interesting, but I have found other shorter workshops to offer more “practical advice on stewardship.” I do have a good bibliography that I will be happy to share, as well as ideas for parish classes on money and on giving. Since the “certificate” part of the course (involving a year-long project) did not seem useful to my work right now at St. Thomas, I did not pursue it.
Here are a few practical observations that might be of interest:
- Transformative giving in the parish is the result of deep pastoral care. It is in engaging parishioners in soul-deep conversations over the long term that one is able to help them become partners in ministry, including financial partners. One has to get to the emotions and personal stories that are always behind any gift.
- All donors should receive thank you letters. The rector should always know how much people pledge and when they do not give, or give more.
- The way to reach older donors is to invite them to take “what has been” and to turn that into something for tomorrow. What do you want your legacy to be in the parish?
- 70% of people under 35 prefer to give online. That should be an option.
- In some parishes, generosity is relational. People care mainly about relationships and only give in order to nurture relationship. In order to broaden their concept of generosity, one must start where they are.
the Rev. Anne Vouga
Rector at St. Thomas, Louisville
avouga@gmail.com
