Pastor, I see you sitting in your study, wondering where your adherents have gone on vacation. And probably planning your own vacation as well. You’re contemplating next week’s worship service and sermon, realizing that attendance will be down, the offering will be down.
How can you inspire generosity in July? Here are some tips to jumpstart your thinking:
- Sermon planning: July and August are a good time to look over the next year and consider where your preaching will go? As you look through the scriptures and stories, keep in mind that just about every part of scripture speaks to generosity. Note well the scriptures that are blantantly obvious, but also the subtle nuances of generosity flowing through the entire Bible. Another encouragement – plan to preach explicitly on money several times in the next year.
- Spiritual nurture: This is a great time to put an in-depth Bible study on the calendar for the fall. You’ll have your own preference, but here are some I’ve used or recommended for others to use: Disciple, Living the Questions, Covenant, and Exploring Faith Questions.
- Capital Needs: Ask the trustees to assess the capital needs of the church property and to determine cost estimates. Communicate these once every month during your worship service, preferably printed in your weekly bulletin.
- Annual Pledge Campaign: If you haven’t started planning for this, July is the month to discuss options with key leaders and choose an approach.
- Personal Visits: Summer is a great time for leisurely visits with top supporters in your congregation. Share with them plans for the fall and for next year, as well as long-term capital needs that you foresee. When appropriate (and usually it is), ask them to consider an advance pledge to help lead the congregation in its fall pledge campaign.
- Nominating: It’s never too early to begin praying for and considering next year’s leaders. Be sure to review giving records to ensure that your congregation is being led by people who truly follow the very generous God we worship.
- Self-Care: Nurture your spirit, rest your body and spend extra time with your family. It’s going to be a busy fall and Christmas season!