The key to fundraising campaigns is to deeply connect the process with Biblical teachings and a spiritual emphasis.

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Giving, first of all, is a spiritual matter. When the Apostle Paul was seeking funding for mission projects, he explained why the Macedonians, a poor people, were so generous: 

"… and they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then,

by the will of God, also to us.”

2 Corinthians 8:5 

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In all Connections Stewardship campaigns, we focus on “Creative Giving.” Be sure to listen to the video above as our Senior Partner, John Cross, shares some ideas regarding this important topic. Biblical teaching is clear that all of our possessions are gifts from God. In addition to cash gifts, we will always provide helpful and compelling information and stories about Priority Budgeting, Re-Channeling a Present Expenditure, Gifts of Unexpected Cash, Gifts of Income, Gifts from Extra Work, Gifts of Appreciated Assets, Gifts of Stocks and Bonds, Gifts of Appreciated Real and Personal Property, Gifts of Real Estate, Gifts of Life Insurance, Gift Annuity, Charitable Trusts and much more!! Often, the largest gifts of the campaign are not gifts of cash. There is always a significant educational component in a Connections Stewardship Campaign.

 

“For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has - not according to what one does not have.”

2 Corinthians 8:12

 

Truly, it is all about those connections – first to the Lord; then to the mission!

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The visioning and planning process is always helpful. Church leaders often meet early in the year and get enthused about the exciting plans that are discussed. Resolutions get passed. But, then what? How many of these hopeful dreams fade by mid-year, lost and forgotten in a file cabinet or archived in the church computer? Many congregations have become good at the process – but often with no tangible results.

 

Here is where most congregations fail: They do not take action steps to fund their vision!

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Eventually, talk must turn into action. This is where Connections Stewardship can help!

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Connections Stewardship will help you put your vision into action. We help you connect your best ideas and prayers into a plan – and assist you in actually raising the money to bring your mission into reality.

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Each congregation is unique. Some churches need new facilities to expand ministry, or to accommodate new programs. Other congregations need to find Mission Freedom through debt reduction.

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Our primary focus these days is the Mission Forward – because every church needs funding for special projects, outreach, benevolence, miscellaneous capital projects, and more.  Please read more about the Mission Forward in another section of this website. It is our flagship program, and could be utilized in any church at any time.

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Connections Stewardship specializes in helping churches clarify their vision and then make strategic decisions that will help them secure the necessary money to accomplish their goals. Connections Stewardship has veteran leaders who can give your church organization both the personal attention and the seasoned professionalism that you need.

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Do not focus on the obstacles!

Many churches see only the obstacles to conducting a campaign, rather than imagining the wonderful blessings that could result from a generous response. In addition to helping larger churches, Connections Stewardship is uniquely qualified to help smaller and midsize congregations that normally would not even consider such a campaign. So, why do some brave congregations move forward and commit to having a campaign?

 

Why? Because professionally-led campaigns work!!

Sure, some congregations might come short of their lofty goal, but all of them create a significant new stream of income to the local church that general fund appeals simply do not. Do not let the larger, wealthier churches be the only ones who implement the classic “3-year capital campaign” model. Why do churches hire a professional to lead such appeals?

The answer is simple: “They always work!” 

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Connections Stewardship has discovered that the hybrid of the capital campaign, the Mission Forward, opens up that same income stream. This is a breakthrough in church stewardship. Do not miss out!! Please read some of the letters of recommendation that tell of our success stories.

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Plus, Connections Stewardship will take away the fear and uncertainty that leaders may have, and walk you through the process with grace and joy.

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The connection between Money and Mission

Yes, there is a link between money and mission, and we will help you make that connection with spiritual depth and biblical integrity. We approach every congregation with humility and fervent prayer, knowing that our partnership is, at the same time, professional and personal. We will provide leadership all the way through the process.

 

“The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work.” 

2 Corinthians 9:6-8

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Do not add a burden to your staff and regular volunteers

Let’s be honest - most churches do not have the staffing to take on a major fundraising project. In the midst of your already busy schedule, Connections Stewardship will give you appropriate direction, focus, and hands-on leadership. We will take the time to assess your current stewardship environment, and then provide you with an easily followed road map with all of the steps to help you accomplish your goals. Your staff can continue on as normal.

Plus, your local pastor does not have to wear one more hat – fundraiser!

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Leadership Training

One of the most powerful areas of growth from a campaign, over and above new funds that are raised for mission, is the growth in church leadership. Think about this for a minute: Most of the time, we ask our members to take on commitments of one to three years or more for various church positions. In today’s world, people are busier than ever, and being on the church council or similar leadership position can be daunting.

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Connections Stewardship is particularly skilled and effective in involving church leaders. Almost all of the campaign positions are for the short-term - one to three months. We have found that super busy people who do not have the time to serve on traditional church boards are able to use their considerable skills and gifts toward helping with the campaign.

 

We will develop four to seven ministry teams, depending on the size of your church. Teams such as Leadership, Spiritual Life, Communication, Children and Youth, Hospitality, Legacy Gifts, Endowment Process, Phone Calling, and Lead Gifts - all need people with a wide range of talents. We provide very specific guidelines and training for each team, and your consultant will work closely with all team leaders throughout the process. Many congregations have told us that the growth in church leadership was a wonderful side benefit that they had not even considered.

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With our ministry, we strive to make connections with your vision, mission, stewardship and overall ministry goals!

 

…give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.”

Luke 6:38