What Works

A quick guide to annual financial response methods

Method: Every Member Visit
Most effective in congregations between 50 and 400 households

Advantages: Deepens relationships within the congregation; Allows in-depth dialog with members; Provides opportunity for one on one education; Provides the highest level of financial response

Disadvantages: Requires a significant number of people to visit; Need to train visitors to make calls on members

Program option: ELCA Smart Living: Let the Word of Christ Dwell in You Richly

Method: Consecration Sunday
Works well in any size congregation

Advantages: Occurs during the natural rhythm of the congregation; Requires fewer volunteers

Disadvantages: Much needed organization; Cost for supplies, outside leader, and meals; Minimal benefit for non-worshippers

Program Option: ELCA Where Your Heart Is

Method: Cottage Meetings
Works well in any size congregation

Advantages: Good opportunity for informal dialog about mission and ministry; Provides opportunity for education and interpretation

Disadvantages: Need to select and train presenters; Need to invite members and serve food
Program Option: ELCA We Say Yes!

Method: Fellowship meal or dessert and coffee
Works best in small or rural congregations

Advantages: Comfortable setting for talking about mission and ministry; Provides some opportunity for education and interpretation; Opportunity for dialog; Does not require training

Disadvantages: Provides average response; Some cost for food

Program Option: ELCA Legacy: That Your Faith May Live

Method: Relay Response
Works best in congregations where members live geographically close to one another

Advantages: Easy to plan and execute; Produces better response than temple talks or letters; Requires few people to plan; Involves entire congregation in implementation (could also be disadvantage)

Disadvantages: Requires close monitoring; Some training of leadership

Program Option: “Giving Magazine”

Method: Temple Talks

Advantages: Better response than letters; No Cost; People like to hear others stories

Disadvantages: Only reaches those at worship; Limited response

Method: Letter Campaign

Advantages: Easy, minimal cost; Reaches less active members

Disadvantages: Generates only minimal response; Allows for very limited education and interpretation

Adapted from materials prepared by the Rev. Charles D. Anderson and from excerpts from the ELCA stewardship website.