Planned Giving Envelopes

Planned giving envelopes are a long established and familiar way of giving to the ministry of the church and their importance should not be underestimated. They offer the the twin advantages of simplicity and confidentiality. When understood and properly managed they make giving less dependant on fluctuating patterns of weekly attendance and facilitate regular planned giving. Note, however, that the effective use of planned giving envelopes is entirely dependant upon people knowing how to use the envelopes properly. See Managing Planned Giving.

Envelopes and worship
Planned giving envelopes make a formative and intimate connection between giving and worship. The physical act of putting the envelope on the offering plate and the accompanying prayer of thanksgiving and dedication are vital to the way that we learn to think and feel about giving. It is this intimate connection that makes planned giving envelopes the most appropriate mechanism for fringe givers moving to planned giving from loose plate giving.

This is why the fringe response form offers only this option for those moving to planned giving. The early and formative connection to be made is between worship and giving. The move to planned giving on the part of a giver is perhaps the most significant move that can be made in terms of growing into maturity in financial discipleship. The decision, either consciously or unconsciously, implies a connection between personal discipleship and our money and possessions and also that discipleship with the financial needs of the church. For this reason the personal follow up visit to those that request them is not about the mechanism but about affirming and nurturing that spiritual movement.

Getting practical
We must avoid giving the impression that taking envelopes, making a Gift Aid declaration or setting up a standing order constitutes in itself an adequate response to the grace of God and the invitation to give. These are mechanisms for giving, secondary, though important issues. Some giving envelopes assume a small change mentality; they do not suit notes or cheques and as such carry a subliminal message. Churches are encouraged to take a moment to audit the subliminal messages that envelopes and any literature about planned giving may contain.