Slideshow image
Save to your Calendar

Building a Culture of Generosity

Guiding you through your fall stewardship appeal.

Our synod is partnering with ELCA Churchwide to bring you Building a Culture of Generosity (BCG) from GSB Fundraising.  This program seeks to help congregations grow revenue by 5-10% and also teaches biblical stewardship principles, helps members discover generosity, and begins to build the foundation for a generous culture.  This program is provided in a combination of a document library, video library, and live Zoom sessions.  The program is led by GSB Fundraising consultants who have helped many congregations grow in generosity.

Here is what one recent BCG participant shared:

We are pleased to say we received 39 new and increased pledges, out of 75 giving units for a total increase of $14,535.  I have a new way of looking at our congregation and how generous we are, thanks to your program. It’s more enjoyable to speak with positive affirmations rather than with (our church is dying) wails. You laid out this wonderful plan and had regular zoom meetings to learn more and hear from everyone. Your book, meetings, and documents helped me understand all the moving parts in implementing The Culture of Generosity message.

If you would like to learn more about  “Building a Culture of Generosity,” please email Pastor Gary Erickson, Director for Evangelical Mission, Northern Illinois Synod at gerickson@nisynod.org to receive the Zoom information for an overview of the program to be provided on June 6 at 7 PM Central.

Register
Ministries
Outreach Committee

More information on the “Building a Culture of Generosity” Stewardship Program:

A STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM FOR CONGREGATIONS SEEKING TO:

  • Stabilize and grow financial giving
  • Teach Biblical stewardship principles
  • Help members discover generosity
  • Build a foundation for a generous culture

PARTICIPATING CONGREGATIONS WILL RECEIVE:

  • An easily implemented program designed to stimulate generosity
  • Professionally designed, adaptable materials
  • Letter templates for the stewardship drive
  • Six virtual, live training events with a GSB Consultant to guide congregations through a sound stewardship appeal
  • Clear tactics for sharing information and inspiration about your congregation’s ministry
  • 1:1 guidance from your GSB Consultant
  • At least 7 videos teaching the principles of this program
  • The ability to achieve a strong financial response even in uncertain times
  • 3 copies of Abundance: Creating a Culture of Generosity, by GSB Partner Michael Ward, published by FortressPress.

EXPECTED RESULTS AND PROGRAM COST

The program aims for participating congregations to see at least a 3-5% increase above 2022 projected revenue. At the same time, this program will assist in maximizing 2022 year-end giving.

Program Cost: The investment for the program is $257.55. Due to a generous grant from the ELCA, this amount allows congregations to participate at a significantly reduced cost from the usual cost to participate.

 2022 Schedule

June – August 10

REGISTRATION

August 16, 2 p.m.

VIRTUAL SESSION #1 Building Blocks for Generosity

August 30, 2 p.m.

VIRTUAL SESSION #2 An Effective, Inspiring Stewardship Appeal

September 20, 2 p.m.

VIRTUAL SESSION #3 Sharing Stories of Generosity, Achieving a Strong Response (Part 1)

October 11, 2 p.m.

VIRTUAL SESSION #4 Achieving a Strong Response (Part 2)

October 25, 2 p.m.

VIRTUAL SESSION #5 Sharing Results and an Effective Follow-Up

November 17, 2 p.m.

VIRTUAL SESSION #6 Finishing the Year Strong

ADDITIONAL STEWARDSHIP HELP

Across the country, GSB works with congregations through Stewardship for All Seasons (SAS), a comprehensive stewardship program designed to fully create a culture of generosity. Congregations in their first year of SAS normally increase revenue by 10-15% and often much more than that. A far more personalized program with congregations who commit for a full year or more, SAS provides a deep dive into growing generosity in the church. If you are interested in this program, new cohorts are being launched.