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.