Annual Appeal Ted Mollegen

Outline Definition & Examples of Stewardship Different Approaches for the Annual Appeal Visitation is the Best The Basic Steps Do’s and Don’ts References/Links

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 (see websites for ideas) 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

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)

Caller 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 –Ted’s stewardship web site at especially his FREE downloadable pamphlet. “Hints and Tips…” –the web site of The Episcopal Network for Stewardship (TENS) at

Q & A