Writing to the Congregation

The congregational grouping on the church database is defined as those who are members of the planned giving scheme of the church but excluding those who are included within the Core grouping. The primary task in communicating with the congregational grouping is to encourage a review of giving and to communicate appreciation. A sample letter to congregational givers is provided for local editing. Standing orders or Gift Aid are important but secondary issues. Do not leave the impression that completing a standing order is the desired response.

A combination of low giving levels and failure to review giving by congregational givers is often at the root of the financial problems of a church. In one large suburban church 60% of the planned givers had not increased giving in five years. Congregational givers can be a large and varied group in terms of weekly attendance, giving levels, church experience and personal commitment to faith. The varied nature of this grouping often gives rise to unexamined assumptions which can hinder the stewardship process e.g. "there's no more to give" or "we are all state benefit pensioners here" and it is often from congregational givers that the most vociferous opposition comes to talking about money at all.

Paradoxically this group also has the greatest capacity to solve the problem but formation is important. The preaching ministry within Giving in Grace is crucial in connecting financial giving and spirituality. Stress also the impact of giving on people through the ministry of the church. People give to people not buildings or institutions.

• Guidance on writing the letter is at Writing to the Congregation
• The letter must appreciate and value the relationship with the church financial support through the planned giving scheme.
• Focus the letter on the review of planned giving.
• There is often a surprising ignorance of the financial facts of parish life: relate the letter to the facts on the brochure.
• Do a thorough analysis of weekly patterns of giving to challenge assumptions which can hinder effective stewardship.
• Carefully link the congregational letter to the gift array contained in the brochure.