Preparation

In the preparation phase of Giving in Grace the wider church leadership agree the need for a stewardship initiative, make the decision to begin planning a programme and establish a small group to undertake the detailed work of planning. There is no right or wrong way to go about this, but do allow plenty of time for preliminary discussion with the leadership.

1. The briefing paper Introducing Giving in Grace provides an overview of the background and structure of the programme.
2. A PCC presentation is available which also offers an overview.
3. A committed leadership, prepared to make their own personal response to the need for giving must be stressed from the outset.
4. Giving in Grace is not a one off fund raising exercise, rather it is an expression of personal discipleship and the leadership need to engage with the underlying theology.
5. Leaders may be encouraged to explore the content of the Giving in Grace web site for themselves.
6. Use the Preparation checklist to check the preparation details.

Getting a parish ready for Giving in Grace will depend on your starting point. But for all churches the first step and primary need is for strong and committed leadership in a Planning Group. Secondly don't lose the involvement of your leadership. Make sure there is time at the Church Council for receiving interim progress reports and fix a date for a dedicated PCC/DCC meeting some time after the third meeting of the Planning Group to consider the first draft of the case statement.

• To explore the next timetable phase go to the Planning page.
• To explore the Leadership section in detail and read the guidance on completing the case statement visit the Planning Group page.