Writing to the Core

One of the early and key tasks of the planning group is to build a comprehensive database and to differentiate it into the Core, Congregation and Fringe groupings. Letters are written to each of these differentiated groupings using and adapting the template provided in the sidebar on this page.

• Guidance on using the core letter templates can be found at Writing to the Core.
• Giving in Grace does not define core givers on the basis of how much they give to the church. The Core is functionally defined as those people who are in positions of leadership within the church. Shared Ministry Team members and home group leaders are usually among the contenders to be included in the core. Make sure that you can justify on functional grounds why someone should receive a Core letter.
• However the core is defined in the local church it should always include the PCC who must take a lead in this area of finance as in all other areas. Truthfully and sadly not all PCC members are regular committed givers but they should be challenged as such on the basis of their leadership position.
• Core givers are not passive givers. They have a high degree of investment in the life and ministry of the church and their financial generosity will usually be matched with generosity of both time and talents. The Core letter should be the culmination of a process of discussion, conversation and consultation around the case statement. It should not come as a surprise to them!
• Many core givers will be influenced by biblical teaching about generosity and giving. Their motivation will not be simply to keep the church institution afloat but effective ministry and mission.
• The primary message to the Core is proportionality as the basis of their planned giving to the church; i.e. giving a percentage of income. The challenge is not simply to review but to renew giving. Proportionality is of course what lies behind the Biblical teaching about the tithe - giving 10% of earnings. While affirming its biblical roots Giving in Grace does not insist upon tithing as such but a commitment to meaningful and proportionate giving as one indicator of mature financial stewardship.