“We are out of ideas. What else can we do to cultivate giving in the congregation?”
Almost every pastor and elder assigned to stewardship ministry has asked this question. Those recruited to lead stewardship development this year are asking this now. It’s a reasonable question, and one everyone should be asking. Inquiring, seeking and experimenting are the pathways of adaptive leadership in stewardship ministry. Adaptive leadership is a requirement for our congregational leaders — especially those considering What might be next? for stewardship.
Reminder: There are no quick fixes for those facing adaptive challenges. It’s not a sprint that needs to be run successfully. Adaptive leaders of stewardship commit to unfamiliar conversations, learning, experiments and the twists, turns, disappointments and bright spots that are encountered on a journey of growth.
Groups desiring to practice creative, adaptive leadership can learn from others who are exploring the way forward. In one case, leaders of a congregation decided it was time to leave the beaten path because of a stagnant budget. Conversations commenced, and a think tank of congregants was assembled. The challenges were shared and, eventually, new ideas emerged from this group.
One idea was for the congregation to study stewardship. Every so often, the pastor would recommend certain books for congregants to read. However, he had never recommended a book on stewardship. That fall, for the first time, the pastor highly recommended the reading of a book on stewardship and generosity. These new stewardship leaders (yes, even some of those from the think tank agreed to participate in the journey) mailed a book to every household in the church. Reading groups were offered. Each week, the pastor or another leader shared what they were learning from the book.
After this season of stewardship reading, the pastor received a phone call from a church member. The member shared his gleanings from the book and a few ways he was personally challenged. As the call neared the end, he shared with the pastor his pledge to increase his commitment and share more financial resources with the church community. He would give 10 times more than his existing level of commitment!
In the shadow of this one member’s story of change were many others with their own stories. Many households read a book on stewardship and met with others to discuss the contents. Inevitably, other members were challenged to grow in practices of contentment and sharing. The ripple effect certainly continued. And, let’s remember, this all came about because a group of leaders experimented with a new idea. The stewardship ministry was on the path of adaptive transformation.
Discuss, think, experiment, learn, grow, fail, keep learning and discern. These are activities of adaptive leaders of stewardship ministry. The footing on this path is not as firm as leadership might be used to, but the opportunity for growth and transformation is worth the discomforts brought on by a fear of failure and change.
Sean Mitchell is the co-author of “Gracious Stewardship: Developing the Church in the Way of Jesus” and lives in Charlotte, North Carolina. He helps church leaders cultivate stewardship and giving. For more info, visit generositydevelopment.com.
