Step Two:

Build the Case

With the financial data to hand, the planning group will:

a) Review and draw conclusions from the financial data

b) Reflect briefly on the stewardship ministry of the church

c) Settle on a simple budget

d) Finalise the financial target in the gift array

e) Commend the Case for leadership agreement

The first task of the planning group is to review the Knowing our Numbers report, summarise they key elements and identify areas of concern and focus from the financial data. (Page 2)
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Next, the planning group take a little time to reflect on the church’s stewardship culture and practice: When do we preach generous discipleship? Invite a review of generous giving? Do we have the right giving mechanisms ? Do we plan to resource ministry (page 3) .
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Now it’s time to review the draft budget in the Knowing our Numbers report. Does the budget cover our core costs, reflect our ministry and mission, capture our future plans? Could we use some reserves or have we captured all our income streams?
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The simple budget in Section 3 will identify a weekly financial target for increased giving. The Gift Array suggests how this can be achieved. Use the brief questions in section 4 and your local knowledge to sense-check the Gift Array - and revisit the budget if necessary.
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The final section is blank. The planning group Case is shared with the leadership team and/or church council for review. Members will record their personal reflections before a shared discussion to review, revise and agree the final Case document. The decision to run Giving in Grace is recorded in the PCC minutes.
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