Writing Non Response Letters

The initial clergy letter and the Giving in Grace brochure should indicate a clear date for the return of the response forms, normally highlighted as Thanksgiving Sunday a couple of weeks after the end of the preaching series. In practice slippage always happens so the sending of “reminder” letters is an important part of the follow up strategy. A reminder letter will jog the memories of some and the conscience of others. For more guidance see Reminder letters and non response

• Many will simply forget to return their response because of the natural gap between intention and action. We always mean to get around to doing something but never quite manage it.
• Slippage is significantly reinforced because delivery and return are usually by hand and are Sunday based so the response period is spread over a number of weeks.
• Send the reminder letters no later than two weeks after the closing date for returns of response. A sample non response reminder letter is available which can be adapted for local purposes.
• The same principle that governed the initial request for support stands true: you are inviting people to share in a cause, to be partners in the church’s mission. So do not be anxious about writing again
• Always enclose a handwritten SAE in follow up letters. Make it easy for those who do not attend weekly. Don’t forget the disclaimer that an anonymous donation has paid for the mailing.
• Sadly non response, the frustration and even pain that can often accompany it for clergy and planning groups is a fact of church life. It is often necessary to live with and cope with non response in the short term while addressing the issue in the longer term.