"excel in this grace of giving" (2 Cor. 8:7)

Principle Reviewed
31

Differentiating the ask

St Paul celebrates the diversity of the body of Christ. We have different experiences of faith and expressions of spirituality. We have different economic and personal circumstances. The length and depth of church involvement and our grasp of church finances is different. We don’t do one size fits all. Differentiation is about different experiences, motivations, practices. We differentiate: Leader, Planned, Plate and Friends.

A fairly large church sent an undifferentiated mailing to about 700 people on the electoral roll. Over 400 were non-attending church Friends who valued, loved their church. About 30 responded, 6%. Another 125 or so gave their gifts in Sunday worship via the offertory plate; some 35 responded, 28%. A further 150 or so planned their giving via envelopes and standing orders mostly; 90 responded, about 61%. Had this church further differentiated a leader grouping the response rate woudl likely be higher again, 80%-90%.

Differentiation doesn't guarantee 100% but it does recognise the diversity of our congregations, the good will of many in our communities. It tries to reflect that in our communication. Note that differentiation is only ever defined functionally; never, ever subjectively. Data privacy considerations are carefuly observed.