God is good, God is great

Published on: 4 May 2021

In summer 2018 the Parish of Great Yarmouth embarked upon a Stewardship Campaign for the first time for several years.

The PCC were supportive of the idea and acknowledged it was about time stewardship was revisited andso a small team of clergy and laity began to meet and start planning.We had a meeting with Robert Culyer who shared useful insights and also some helpful examples from other parishes. So what useful lessons did we discover? Here are a few suggestions

Start planning early.
We started our planning early in the year to run the campaign in June 2017. It takes time to develop good publicity and literature. It takes time to think with the PCC about how and why you are doing this and it is vital that the whole process is supported with prayer. Ask for help from the diocesan team.

Be clear about why we give.
It’s all because God is good and God is generous. We gladly respond to God’s goodness.

Personal touches matter.
It really doesn’t take that long for a vicar to top and tail appeal letters. A personal salutation or sign off
definitely increases engagement.

Thank people well.
Again, be personal with the thank you letters and acknowledge all the good that has shone through in the course of your stewardship campaign.

Stewardship is forever.
When the campaign is over it doesn’t end there. All Christians should ever be challenged to think about this
important dimension of our faith and so think about how follow up happens.

Be encouraged.
The result was significant growth in our regular income but it was more than that. Many people found huge
encouragement and fortified faith. In everything we do we should ever look to increase our faith and trust
in God.

And finally, don’t forget to enjoy it. All of those who were part of the PCC working party were pleased they got involved. So don’t delay that campaign you’ve talked about: get some friends and get talking and praying. We’re glad we did.

This article is from...

Issue 16

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Articles in this issue...

What about the “M ” word?

What a gift the Lloyds Bank advert is to us. It addresses head on the reticence many people have talking about money.

To all the residents of Northrepps: welcome to your church

First of all, a very big thank you to everyone who lives in Northrepps for your help and support in getting our roof fixed – you have been amazing.

Worry less about money

A wise friend of mine who is also a priest, when I was expressing my distaste for stewardship campaigns, said, "but have you noticed that by and large the Churches which talk about money don’t seem to need to worry about it?"

If not a helter-skelter then what will you do?

Most parish churches could not accommodate a helter-skelter but what might you do in your community that would both engage people and provide opportunities for faith conversations?

Funding from the Church of England

The last two editions of the PCC News have featured articles on grant funders that may help when taking on a large-scale project, but who is there to help with the myriad of smaller projects that arise in our churches every day?

Use your church building to tell the story of the Bible

This trail uses pictures in church windows, carvings and decorations around the church to help visitors explore the story of Christianity through the Bible.

A trail or a trial, children’s activities in our churches

Inviting children into our churches is an important part of growing the Kingdom, not only during services but as importantly at other times when families may visit the church for moments of peace or as a Sunday afternoon out to explore our magnificent buildings and the treasures they contain.

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