In September, I had the good fortune to spend time with eight churches in Southern California that are looking to increase generosity. “Cultivating Generous Congregations” was sponsored by California-Pacific United Methodist Foundation and done through the Lake Institute on Faith & Giving at Indiana University’s Lilly School of Philanthropy. The fabulous Meredith McNabb from Lake Institute was my co-presenter.
No surprise: we talked a lot about telling stories. During your stewardship pledge month, telling your story is key to inspiring and encouraging your congregation. Nancy Schwartz’s “6 Types of Stories that Spur Giving” is a great reminder of the importance of storytelling – particularly during the traditional October-November stewardship months:
- Your Founding Story. This is how your organization was created.
(The reminder of who we were encouraged us to build on our rich heritage. It’s always important to tell the full story…the good, the bad, and the ugly. Our history, most often, isn’t pristine. That doesn’t make it any less important to tell.)
- Your Focus Story. If your founding story tells how your organization came into existence, your focus story should explain why you exist. (Don’t know what your purpose is? Watch Simon Senek’s powerful, How Great Leaders Inspire Action TED Talk. Take time to figure out why you were put in your community.)
- Your Impact Stories. These most-told nonprofit stories feature the before and after – and illustrate the impact of your organization and supporters. (Because of your congregation, lives are being transformed.)
- Your People Stories. These are donor, staff, volunteer, client/participant profiles. (This is very similar to “Impact Stories” but the focus is on how your congregation/organization is changing people from within (and beyond) your congregation. This is often told in written pieces.)
- Your Strength Stories. Strength stories showcase how your organization’s particular focus or approach adds value to the community you serve and/or moves your issue or cause forward in a way unmatched by other organizations. (How do you add value to your community? Answering that question alone might have you cheering and feeling great about your place in your neighborhood or town. Then – and this is critical – tell your strength story not only to your insiders, but to your community as well.)
- Your Future Story. Think about the change you want to make in the world or what your work will do. (What does your preferred image of a better world look like? This is your vision question. In five years, will your community or congregation look the same because or if you’re there? I sure hope not. It should look a lot better. Let your people know what you dream, hope, and pray for your community and how your congregation/
organization will be a part of the change. This is what often motivates people the most to give.)
It’s a given. Stories are important. If you have any doubt, take a look at your Bible and think about all the stories that you remember from the Good Book. Your stories can make your congregation and its mission come alive and inspire others to be generous. You have a story to tell. Be sure everyone hears it.
excerpt from a story by Cesie Delve Scheuermann, consultant in stewardship, development, and grant writing, Oregon-Idaho AC. Click here to subscribe to her blog: "Inspiring Generosity."
United Methodist Church Giving is about people working together to accomplish something bigger than themselves. In so doing, we effect change around the world, all in the name of Jesus Christ.
Originally posted Oct. 17, 2018.
