Emerging Spirit @ The United Church of Canada Emerging Spirit @ The United Church of Canada

From a letter we received recently at Emerging Spirit.

Question: We have had a lot of success with the Emerging spirit campaign and I'm happy to say that we have many new families joining our vibrant congregation. 

Here is my question - we started with a stable aging congregation but are finding it hard to balance our budget without really asking new members to give more money - which we feel in their early involvement we are hesitant about.  

Do you have any thoughts, suggestions or research on this topic? 

Response: Thanks for the question about talking about money with those "new people" between the ages of 30 and 45. It is one we have increasingly started to receive.  

I have no magic one-size-fits-all answer but I do have some observations (that may or may not prove helpful). 

1. Money, obviously, is not a new concept for new people between the ages of 30 and 45. They are used to paying for almost everything, especially if they have children. 

In the fall, when they are setting their calendar, they become acutely aware of how much time will be required (the most precious asset) AND how much the season will cost financially. They are not terrified of money - as long as it is not tied to guilt. 

2. Transparency is a VERY big thing.  

They like to know (a) how much money is required; and (b) how it is being spent. 

Professional fundraisers tell us that one of the key differences between donors of an older generation and the new generation is that the younger generations demand incredible amounts of detail. 

What this means at a congregational level, I believe, is that information about money must simply become part of the woodwork. For example, many congregations simply post - bulletin board, bulletins, e-newsletters - their budgets for the year/month and where they stand each month. 

3. Often many new people have NO IDEA how a congregation is funded. Many assume the money comes from elsewhere - the Pope, a benevolent benefactor, God - and so are surprised to learn about the various streams that make up a congregation's revenue. Tell them - preferably LONG BEFORE panic time. 

Also be prepared for questions about funding sources, how money is allocated (who decides) and suggestions. 

4. Many congregations find it helpful, once or twice a year, to simply take two or three weeks to update the congregation on the financial situation. This should not be long but probably about 7-10 minutes time during worship supplemented by written information (one sheet is best). 

The components here are not only an update on revenue and expenses but how the givings of the congregation breaks down, i.e. how many give more than $200/month; how many more than $100/mo; $75, etc. It should be done using a graph. Certainly the bulk of the congregation will be in a lower category but it helps new people to gain a sense of "where everyone else is." The challenge can then be "to move up to the next step" if at all possible. And sometimes it will not be possible - and this needs to be said. 

5. Finally - and this is the most important - tell people the story of why the congregation needs the money. People give when there is something worth giving to. If it is "same old, same old, well you know we need to pay the minister" there will not be enthusiasm but if there is a scent of wonder-filled things afoot you might be surprised. 

So, in summary: don't be embarrassed to talk about money but don't wait until you're under water before doing so. Make it part of the regular congregational chatter and let people know where things stand and where the dream leads.