"Leading Ideas: Leading Ideas: Management by Wishful Thinking? | 5 Ideas to Increase Year-End Giving" from Lewis Center for Church Leadership from The Wesley Theological Seminary of Washington, D.C., United States for Wednesday, November 9, 2016
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Management by Wishful Thinking? by Mike BonemPersonnel matters in ministry settings are almost always more complicated than in business, says church leadership expert Mike Bonem. He names the shifts in attitude needed to manage and develop staff more effectively, including a shift from wishful thinking to a more realistic and intentional approach.
Church leaders often carry a heavy responsibility related to staff. They are involved in hiring, training, developing, evaluating, promoting, reprimanding, rewarding, and firing. Even in small churches, matters related to personnel can consume a great deal of time and energy.
The best church leaders live in the tension of grace and stewardship, and they strive to achieve “both/and” as they relate to staff members. They give second chances, but they don’t give second chances for the fifth time. They understand that leaving someone in a position where they are floundering is not compassionate. They also understand that they have a stewardship responsibility, not just for financial resources, but also for helping staff members develop their gifts and succeed in their roles.
Wishful thinking allows a problem to grow, which forces a more difficult conversation down the road. Intentionality can nip that problem in the bud.
Personnel matters in ministry settings are almost always more complicated than in business. It is complicated when a long-time church member applies for a job and meets some, but not all, of the requirements. It’s complicated when a staff member who was a star performer doesn’t have the skills to go to the next level as the church grows. And it’s certainly complicated when you try to evaluate “effectiveness” for something that is inherently hard to assess, such as the quality of pastoral care.
Regardless of your background or your role, you may need to make one or several shifts in order to effectively manage and develop staff. Consider the benefits of shifting from:
- Special cases to effective systems. When appropriate systems and policies are in place, leaders will spend far less time dealing with special requests.
- A task-orientation to a relational emphasis. When a leader shows that he or she cares as much for the individual as for the task that needs to be done, those staff members will go the extra mile.
- Confrontation to conversation. When a staff member’s performance isn’t meeting expectations, a conversation can uncover the real reasons for the shortfall and can lead to lasting improvement.
- Supervising to coaching. The best church leaders see “management” as an opportunity to help staff members reach their full potential.
- From Wishful Thinking to Intentionality
Statements like these may be accurate. The program director may get more organized. It may just be a busy season for the financial office. But often, the statements are simply a way to postpone a more difficult conversation. We may have hired the wrong person for the program director position. We may need to add a person in the financial office.
The shift toward greater intentionality starts with determining whether you are dealing with wishful thinking. A simple question can shed light on this: what leads us to believe that this statement is true? The program director may have been very organized in a previous job. The financial office may be closing the fiscal year and preparing for an audit. If the answer, however, sounds like, “I just think it’s going to get better,” then you’re probably dealing with wishes more than reality.
Sometimes it isn’t clear whether you’re dealing with wishful thinking. When this is the case, ask two other questions: how soon can we expect to see improvement? What would be the indicators that we’ve turned the corner on this issue? These questions accept the explanation that a situation is temporary, but they also establish a timeline for progress. If the timeline isn’t met, then it’s time for a different conversation.
Intentionality doesn’t mean being the bad guy or the gloomy doomsayer. It does mean saying, “I think we have an important issue here that’s not going away on its own. Can we discuss it and try to come up with a solution?” The solution may be training or administrative support for the program director. It may be a part-time person for the financial office.
Shifting from wishful thinking to greater intentionality isn’t easy. In the moment, it’s almost always less painful to accept wishful thinking. In the long run, however, wishful thinking allows a problem to grow, which forces a more difficult conversation down the road. Intentionality can nip that problem in the bud. Is it time for you to shift away from wishful thinking?[Adapted from Mike Bonem’s book Thriving in the Second Chair: Ten Practices for Robust Ministry (When You’re Not in Charge), Abingdon, 2016. Used by permission. The book is available through Amazon and Cokesbury.]
Related Resources:
- Creating Positive Staff Dynamics by Laura Heikes
- Principles for Sound Staff Evaluation by Dan Hotchkiss
- Strengthening the Ministry of Lay Staff by Ann A. Michel
Read more.
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5 Ideas to Increase Year-End Giving by Lovett H. Weems, Jr. Lovett H. Weems, Jr., says that giving at year-end represents an increasing portion of total giving in many churches. Recognizing the many different circumstances that may motivate people’s desire to give in December, he suggests strategies to maximize giving at the end of the year.
Have you observed that more of your church giving comes in December than in any other month of the year? This is one reason churches are often frustrated when they track their giving by dividing the budget by 12 months or 52 weeks. People don’t give so neatly. And increasingly, a greater portion of the giving comes at or near the end of the year. (For a better way to track giving, check out the Lewis Center’s Congregational Giving Profile resource.)
Many churches design appeals that connect with people’s particular motivation to give at year’s end. It may be a request to consider a special year-end or second-mile gift, or a mission-related need.
The end of the year is a time when many people are motivated to give. But it is also a time when giving practices are shaped by any number of different circumstances. Many people will need to catch up on their giving before December 31, while others might want to offer a “second-mile gift.” Even those who don’t typically give may be moved to support a missional purpose at Christmas time.
Some givers are waiting to know the size of their year-end bonus before completing their tithe. And if they’ve had a particularly good year, they may be open to additional giving. Others may want to donate appreciated assets or prepay gifts for the coming year before the end of the tax year. Add to this mix that many people travel over the holidays, and you can see the importance of being sensitive to different situations as you seek to maximize generosity at the end of the year!
Here are some possibilities to consider as you plan communications and appeals related to year-end giving:
1. Let people know where their giving stands.
Since many churches mail out giving records quarterly, members may not receive a report when they most need it — in the last month of the year. People often welcome a reminder of the outstanding balance on their annual commitment. So whatever your schedule for mailing statements, make sure there is a final reminder as early as possible in December that covers giving through November. If people view their giving records online, rather than receiving a printed statement, you’ll want to remind them to check their records.
3. Remind people of different ways to make their gifts.
With busy holiday schedules and travel, many givers will appreciate the possibility of online giving, automated payments, or using bill pay systems through their banks. The end of the year is a good time to encourage electronic giving — especially since it may establish a pattern that will continue into the coming year.
3. Provide Special Year-end Giving Opportunities.
Many churches design appeals that connect with people’s particular motivation to give at year’s end. It may be a request to consider a special year-end or second-mile gift, or a contribution to help the church close out its budget year in the black. And at Christmas time, many congregations will lift up a mission-related need as a way of inspiring generosity, especially among those who aren’t regularly in church at other times of the year.
4. Remind people of the good their giving does.
Remember that people are not giving to the church but through the church to accomplish God’s work. Your church is always a means and not the end. Since people tend to be particularly motivated to give during the holiday season, give them a reason to be generous not just to friends and family, but to God’s mission through the church.
5. Watch your language.
Church newsletters and bulletins are notorious for announcements about year-end giving that seem more for the benefit of church staff than the donors. They often begin with when the offices will be closed, followed by deadlines and restrictions on what gifts can count in what year. Why not begin from the donor’s perspective and not the receiver’s? Resist giving the impression that the church is doing people a favor by taking their money during the holidays.
Now is a good time to look ahead to what practices might enhance giving at the end of the year. Conversations with your finance team and other wise church leaders can be helpful in discerning what approaches best fit your context and the circumstances of your givers.
Related Resources:
-------
The Right Question
Leaders do not need answers. Leaders must have the right questions.
Lee Kricher suggests that programs and practices that have outlived their usefulness can actually take away from a church's current mission. He suggests this question:
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Learn about Stewardship and Biblical Generosity
Designed to nurture the spiritual discipline of giving, Theology of Stewardship and Biblical Generosity may be used in a variety of Christian education settings or in conjunction with an annual stewardship emphasis. This video tool kit is ecumenical and may be used for self study or with groups. Featured topics:
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Quotable Leadership
We do not have the luxury of leaders who are not strategic and capable of leading change and producing results.[Robert M. Franklin]
-------
Pursue Your Doctor of Ministry in the Nation's Capital
Wesley Theological Seminary and the Lewis Center for Church Leadership together offer a Doctor of Ministry in Church Leadership Excellence. With this track, clergy will receive the enhanced knowledge, skills, and motivation to increase congregational and denominational service, vitality, and growth. The next cohort begins in May 2017 in Washington, DC. Learn more and apply today.
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5 Ideas to Increase Year-End Giving by Lovett H. Weems, Jr. Lovett H. Weems, Jr., says that giving at year-end represents an increasing portion of total giving in many churches. Recognizing the many different circumstances that may motivate people’s desire to give in December, he suggests strategies to maximize giving at the end of the year.
Have you observed that more of your church giving comes in December than in any other month of the year? This is one reason churches are often frustrated when they track their giving by dividing the budget by 12 months or 52 weeks. People don’t give so neatly. And increasingly, a greater portion of the giving comes at or near the end of the year. (For a better way to track giving, check out the Lewis Center’s Congregational Giving Profile resource.)
Many churches design appeals that connect with people’s particular motivation to give at year’s end. It may be a request to consider a special year-end or second-mile gift, or a mission-related need.
The end of the year is a time when many people are motivated to give. But it is also a time when giving practices are shaped by any number of different circumstances. Many people will need to catch up on their giving before December 31, while others might want to offer a “second-mile gift.” Even those who don’t typically give may be moved to support a missional purpose at Christmas time.
Some givers are waiting to know the size of their year-end bonus before completing their tithe. And if they’ve had a particularly good year, they may be open to additional giving. Others may want to donate appreciated assets or prepay gifts for the coming year before the end of the tax year. Add to this mix that many people travel over the holidays, and you can see the importance of being sensitive to different situations as you seek to maximize generosity at the end of the year!
Here are some possibilities to consider as you plan communications and appeals related to year-end giving:
1. Let people know where their giving stands.
Since many churches mail out giving records quarterly, members may not receive a report when they most need it — in the last month of the year. People often welcome a reminder of the outstanding balance on their annual commitment. So whatever your schedule for mailing statements, make sure there is a final reminder as early as possible in December that covers giving through November. If people view their giving records online, rather than receiving a printed statement, you’ll want to remind them to check their records.
3. Remind people of different ways to make their gifts.
With busy holiday schedules and travel, many givers will appreciate the possibility of online giving, automated payments, or using bill pay systems through their banks. The end of the year is a good time to encourage electronic giving — especially since it may establish a pattern that will continue into the coming year.
3. Provide Special Year-end Giving Opportunities.
Many churches design appeals that connect with people’s particular motivation to give at year’s end. It may be a request to consider a special year-end or second-mile gift, or a contribution to help the church close out its budget year in the black. And at Christmas time, many congregations will lift up a mission-related need as a way of inspiring generosity, especially among those who aren’t regularly in church at other times of the year.
4. Remind people of the good their giving does.
Remember that people are not giving to the church but through the church to accomplish God’s work. Your church is always a means and not the end. Since people tend to be particularly motivated to give during the holiday season, give them a reason to be generous not just to friends and family, but to God’s mission through the church.
5. Watch your language.
Church newsletters and bulletins are notorious for announcements about year-end giving that seem more for the benefit of church staff than the donors. They often begin with when the offices will be closed, followed by deadlines and restrictions on what gifts can count in what year. Why not begin from the donor’s perspective and not the receiver’s? Resist giving the impression that the church is doing people a favor by taking their money during the holidays.
Now is a good time to look ahead to what practices might enhance giving at the end of the year. Conversations with your finance team and other wise church leaders can be helpful in discerning what approaches best fit your context and the circumstances of your givers.
Related Resources:
- 50 Ways to Encourage Faithful Giving, a free resource from the Lewis Center
- Why Giving Matters and Clues for Improving It, a free video resource
- Congregational Giving Profile Video Tool Kit
-------
The Right Question
Leaders do not need answers. Leaders must have the right questions.
Lee Kricher suggests that programs and practices that have outlived their usefulness can actually take away from a church's current mission. He suggests this question:
- What things should we eliminate that are real or potential distractions to our ability to fulfill our God-given vision?
-------
Learn about Stewardship and Biblical Generosity
Designed to nurture the spiritual discipline of giving, Theology of Stewardship and Biblical Generosity may be used in a variety of Christian education settings or in conjunction with an annual stewardship emphasis. This video tool kit is ecumenical and may be used for self study or with groups. Featured topics:
- Stewardship 101
- What the Bible Teaches about Giving
- A Christian Understanding of Money, Possessions, and Generosity
- Biblical Generosity
- Faith and Generosity
-------
Quotable Leadership
We do not have the luxury of leaders who are not strategic and capable of leading change and producing results.[Robert M. Franklin]
-------
Pursue Your Doctor of Ministry in the Nation's Capital
Wesley Theological Seminary and the Lewis Center for Church Leadership together offer a Doctor of Ministry in Church Leadership Excellence. With this track, clergy will receive the enhanced knowledge, skills, and motivation to increase congregational and denominational service, vitality, and growth. The next cohort begins in May 2017 in Washington, DC. Learn more and apply today.
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Editors: Dr. Ann A. Michel and Dr. Lovett H. Weems, Jr.
Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary
Connect with the Lewis Center:
Lewis Center for Church Leadership
Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary
Connect with the Lewis Center:
Lewis Center for Church Leadership
Wesley Theological Seminary
4500 Massachusetts Avenue NorthWest
Washington, D.C. 20016, United States
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