Stewardship or Fund Raising?

Patrick Vaughn, Pinnacle Affiliate

On the day that I met the members of my new church, I sat down with two elders. I asked them their names, and I inquired about their families. How many children do you have? Where did you grow up? 

Their question to me was a bit different. They said, “What are we going to do about our million dollar debt?” 

I replied, “What debt?”

In my conversations with the search committee no one ever mentioned a word about debt. Yes, I was a bit surprised!

A year later we launched a capital campaign, and within a couple of months we had received pledges for $1.8 million dollars. It was a wonderful success. The conversations I had with individuals and couples were particularly meaningful. It provided a nice way to develop our relationship even as I asked for commitments of $10,000, $40,000, $80,000 and more.

While I have had a deep passion for stewardship for many years, this was my first foray into the world of fundraising, Though ostensibly synonymous, stewardship and fundraising are two very different animals in the zoo of congregational life.  As we clarify their meaning, we are offered an opportunity to grow in effectiveness, and, more importantly, faithfulness.

First, fund raising focuses on acquiring financial gifts to achieve a particular goal or or set of goals. We raise funds to renovate the sanctuary, establish an endowment, purchase property etc... Fund raising begins with the identification of a need. 

In contrast, stewardship is a spiritual practice that leads to growth in faith and a deepening love for God and neighbor. It begins with the recognition that all that we are and all that we have come to us as gracious gifts from God. As a spiritual practice, we only grow in financial generosity though intentional and regular nurture, challenge, and support. 

Second, because it focuses on a particular need, fund raising is inherently episodic. While the gifts might flow for three or four years, the campaign is usually no more than three months long.

Because it is focused on spiritual growth, stewardship is better nurtured throughout the year. Yes, we will often emphasize it during the fall, but as with prayer, worship, hospitality and service, we would do well to foster a generous spirit continuously. This can include weekly promotion of a particular ministry, regular updates on church giving and spending, and sermons that explore an aspect of stewardship several times a year. 

Third, since fundraising has the goal of raising a certain amount of capital, it makes sense, therefore, to include among the leadership of the campaign those who are able to offer significant financial gifts.

While this same logic is often adopted in assembling a stewardship team, it is actually short sighted. More than money, stewardship seeks to raise and deepen faith. This might include very wealthy members of the church, but this should not be the determinative factor in extending a leadership invitation. Instead, consider how committed they are to the congregation. How regularly do they worship? How are they active in the church’s ministry? Most importantly, how comfortable and articulate are they in discussing the intersection of faith and finances?

Fund raising and stewardship are both exciting and challenging. As you reflect on your church’s needs and opportunities, which one might you need to give attention? What reflections, questions, insights are stirring within you? Please share them with me in an email. I would love to hear from you. In the coming months, we will continue to explore how we might grow in the spiritual practice of generosity.