Thanking givers

STEP 4: Thanking Givers

“Thanking people should be a part of the culture of every congregation.”
- Charles B. Lane in the book "Ask, Thank, Tell"

You have probably heard the saying, “it’s the little things that count.” When it comes to your stewardship ministry, thanking people is one of those “little things” that can go a long way. It nurtures givers – to feel valued, appreciated, inspired, and a part of your congregation.

Thanking is completing the giving cycle for someone who has intentionally and freely chosen to give a gift - in this case to your congregation. It is in the spirit of gratitude that church leaders have an opportunity to express appreciation for the gift and the giver, through a thoughtful act of thanksgiving.

This incredible act of saying thanks communicates some of the following:

Positive impact on your givers/donors. This communicates to your givers that their gifts are valued and appreciated. Gratitude has a positive psychological effect that promotes happiness, well-being and positive feelings for your congregation.

Reinforces the impact of giving. Your thank you is one confirmation that the givers gift matters and is part of something bigger – mission of the church.

Strengthens connections to biblical/faith principals. A donors’ gifts – whether it be financial, time, or talent – reminds people of the importance of “giving thanks in all circumstances” and how this follows a biblical pattern of God’s community that is engaged in God’s Kingdom work.

Inspires future giving.  When people are thanked in sincere and thoughtful ways, it becomes an act that strengthens their bond to your congregation, and motivates future giving as well.

In the book, "Bounty: Ten Ways to Increase Giving at Your Church," authors Kristine Miller and Scott McKenzie, share the following: “Saying thank you is a critical component of your stewardship efforts and allows you to model gratitude to the congregation.”

Modeling gratitude conveys a message from leadership that we see and acknowledge your valuable contributions you are making to our church. When you thank people, they feel valued and appreciated.

Tips for excelling at thanking givers

• Start by thanking God for your givers/donors
• Host a leadership huddle once a year:
  • to identify ways people are giving (finances, time, talents).
  • to brainstorm ways to say thank-you.

• Identify your circle of thank-givers. These are the people who will carry out the responsibility of saying thank you to your givers.
• Incorporate regular (monthly, quarterly, etc.) thank you messages.
• Find ways to thank people that include ideas that are either: thoughtful, creative, and/or fun.

“I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now.” Philippians 1:3-5

You should be eager to thank God for all the gifts – all kinds of gifts – that have been launched and utilized in your congregation. Likewise, be eager to express thanks to all the incredible givers in your congregation.

Thanking givers

Personal thank you notes: Handwritten notes expressing gratitude for their financial gifts. Pastors are encouraged to make this a part of their routine, but others can be included.

Celebrate: Meal or special treat to celebrate certain milestones like exceeding your giving for the budget year or paying off a capital campaign, etc. Leadership provide lunch.

Love gifts: Distribute gift cards, mugs, etc., to people who have volunteered as teachers, youth group leaders, etc. throughout the year.

Host a meal: Utilize a caterer to host a special meal for volunteers and to provide a break for those normally responsible for preparing the meal.

Thank-you videos: Create or use a song that expresses thanks with a special creative and fun twist.

Public recognition: Public recognition during service for people who serve on committees, teach, sponsor youth group, or support your ministries in other ways.

Thank you letter with annual report: Include a special letter with the year-end giving report for each household that thanks people for their financial gifts and notes some of the ways their giving was used that year.