How does your church leadership view Giving Statements? Many think of it as a tool to guilt people into faithful giving. Some of it view it just as an administrative task that does nothing for the church. What if your church’s giving statements were something that people looked forward to receiving and helped the grow as generous givers? I think this is possible, but it starts with changing your view of the giving statements.
Here’s the changes to be made:
- From a reminder of pledges to a reminder of how giving is changes lives/the world.
- From the focus being on the IRS and the Church Budget to the focus being on the donor and the Church Mission.
- From an administrative burden to a ministry opportunity.
- From something that the donor should be grateful to receive to a way to show gratitude to the donor.
Check out the video below:
Useful Links
- Giving Statement Template: https://www.dakotasumc.org/media/files/old/00/Conference/Finance/FinAdminRes/Giving_Stmt.docx
- Template for gifts over $250: https://www.dakotasumc.org/media/files/old/00/Conference/Finance/FinAdminRes/Template_for_Gifts_Over_250.docx
- IRS Guidance: https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/charitable-organizations/charitable-contributions-written-acknowledgments
- Connect with Bruce Blumer: https://bruceblumer.com/pathvisor/
- Great Blog from Tithe.ly: https://get.tithe.ly/blog/giving-statements