A quick guide to annual financial response methods
Method: Every Member Visit
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; Most effective in congregations between 50 and 400 households
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
Advantages: Occurs during the natural rhythm of the congregation; Requires fewer volunteers; Works well in any size congregation
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
Advantages: Good opportunity for informal dialog about mission and ministry; Provides opportunity for education and interpretation; Works well in any size congregation
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
Advantages: Comfortable setting for talking about mission and ministry; Provides some opportunity for education and interpretation; Opportunity for dialog; Does not require training; Works best in small or rural congregations
Disadvantages: Provides average response; Some cost for food
Program Option: ELCA Legacy: That Your Faith May Live
Method: Relay Response
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); Works best in congregations where members live geographically close to one another
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.
