By Carolyn Kitto
In 1993, I undertook some work as part of my role with the NSW Synod of the UCA, on the so called “Mission Funding Crisis” facing mainline churches. This crisis was researched extensively by significant grants by the Lilly Endowment in the 1980’ and 1990’s. In the end, the research identified that people’s sense of ‘belonging’ and ‘ownership’ of the mission and vision of the church (local and wider church) was key to their generosity and the only reliable predictor of their giving.
17 years later, I was asked by the SA Synod of the UCA, to research what supported and encouraged generous giving in congregations. I discover that some things haven’t changed….. and some things have …… Continue Reading…
by Carolyn Kitto
Invite people to respond in a giving invitation. Acknowledge people’s current generosity by allowing them to validate their generosity through responding to a giving invitation. The more people respond, the greater the sense of generosity in the church. Continue Reading…
By Carolyn Kitto
I am often asked to help churches ‘get more money’. But churches have two entirely different motivations behind the need for this money. The first kind of church is driven by a sense of call from God to grow their mission and ministry; they need more money. The second kind of church is the one which has having trouble making ends meet; the income and the expenses just don’t match up. In essence it is the same issue and opportunity: there is more to do than the money lets us do. Raising money with the first kind of church, which has a focus on people and serving and mission, is infinitely easier than the second kind of church, which is trying to make ends meet. The suggestions in this article apply to both situations but will be most useful in a church which is seeking to grow its mission and ministry. Continue Reading…