Often times when parish leaders are planning for their parish’s ministries, campus and growth, the subject of finances will surface.  Questions like. “Should we do an Increased/Enhanced Offertory Appeal?”; “Maybe we should look at Stewardship?”; “Do you think we should consider a Capital Campaign?”  There is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to parish communities and their needs.  As a matter of fact, the wrong fit has the potential to cause damage.  Here are just a few things to consider when making your decision.

 Increased/Enhanced Offertory

 A parish should consider an increased/enhanced offertory program to help meet your short-term, immediate financial needs in regard to your operating budget. Usually used as a standalone one-time effort, the parish’s financial standing and short-term needs are outlined for the community and each person/family is challenged to increase their weekly gift to support those needs. This approach establishes a direct connection between the function and services of the parish and their dependency on the level of support given.  While an increase of 20% or better may be realized, rarely is the result sustainable. This method should be viewed as a short-term fix rather than a long-term strategy.

 Stewardship Initiative

 Parish communities that wish to cultivate and develop a spiritual and scriptural foundation toward giving with their parishioners should opt to begin with a comprehensive Stewardship Initiative.  This approach is based on our call to discipleship and a responsible embrace of our Baptismal promise to use and share our gifts to help build up the Kingdom of God.  This biblical and prayerful approach can yield an increase in engagement, ministry, spirit, and financial resources.  Financially speaking, done well, an initiative like this can see an increase upwards of 40%.  This increase can be sustained and grow in subsequent years through regular annual renewals, catechesis, and a continued commitment to true Stewardship.  

 Capital Campaign

 Capital campaigns don’t always mean that you must build something! When significant resources are needed for deferred maintenance, a building project, debt or extraordinary mission and ministry support, a capital campaign may be the best fit.  Consider a campaign once the short-term capital needs of the parish exceed 15% of the annual regular offertory (excluding Christmas, Easter or Special Collections).  Conducting a capital campaign can bolster the parish with the necessary funds to relieve financial or material stress and provide a more promising future for the parish.  Once this weight is lifted, the parish can once again focus on the mission at hand, making disciples and building God’s Kingdom.  Using a stewardship-based campaign approach will incorporate the spirituality of giving all gifts through prayer and planning and set the foundation for continued generosity.

So, where does your parish fit? Be careful not to “waste the ask” with the wrong approach. Before entering into any of these solutions, discern what is the right fit for your community.