Financial Results

Giving in Grace was launched in the Diocese of Liverpool at a major conference at Aintree Racecourse in March 2005. The focus was entirely on the local church. Financial goals for any Giving in Grace programme were set by the local church with the express purpose of underwriting the ministry and mission of the church. No diocesan targets were set and no increase in parish share accrued to a successful programme.

The initial results were very encouraging. In June 2006 around 50 parishes in the Diocese of Liverpool had run a Giving in Grace programme. The first 24 parishes reporting on their programmes shared a pledged increase in giving of some £300,000, around £250pw increase. The average one year actual increase in total giving for churches undertaking a Giving in Grace programme was 16%. Details of individual churches can be found in the case studies.

It has been encouraging to see positive results also reported in parishes outside of the Diocese of Liverpool, including a rural parish in Cumbria and a suburb of San Diego in California!

By September 2007 approximately half of parishes in the Diocese of Liverpool had completed a programme, with several turning attention to an Annual Review. A two year comparison of all Diocese of Liverpool parishes, using the 2004-6 financial returns yielded the following results:

Churches that have experienced financial blessings are encouraged to make a gift to the work of the Church Urban Fund.