Roles & Planning Processes for Stewardship in Congregations

Adapted by Laurel Amabile, Director of the Annual Program Fund, Unitarian Universalist Association, Office of Stewardship and Development. Original source unknown.

Role of the Minister

  • Be an active and intentional steward, modeling good and responsible stewardship behavior.
  • Encourage a discernment process about stewardship in support of the congregation’s mission, vision, and strategic planning.
  • Preach sermons with stewardship themes regularly.
  • Emphasize the importance and value of stewardship as a spiritual practice.
  • Incorporate a stewardship message in Sunday services weekly, through invitations to offertory, prayers, promote other opportunities to give.
  • Meet regularly with the stewardship team.
  • Engage lay leaders in open and honest conversations about the importance of stewardship, giving, generosity, and money—in their lives and in the life of the congregation.
  • Take an active role in stewardship in the congregation, including indentifying and cultivating major contributors.
  • Provide guidance and training for small group ministry facilitators on topics of money, stewardship, and giving.

Role of the Board

  • Be active and intentional stewards, modeling good and responsible stewardship behavior.
  • Take the lead in making financial commitments before asking the congregation to do so.
  • Discuss stewardship issues in Board meetings and in the congregation.
  • Establish stewardship and fund-raising policies and procedures.
  • Set annual stewardship goals in alignment with the congregation’s mission, vision, and strategic planning.
  • Appoint and guide a stewardship team to serve actively year-round.
  • Plan regular opportunities for stewardship education for all ages.
  • Provide a variety of ways that congregants can contribute in support of their congregation, its ministry in the wider community, and to its Association.
  • Express appreciation for congregational giving.
  • Inform the congregation about how their financial gifts are used.
  • Ensure that new members receive clear information about the importance of congregational stewardship.

Role of the Stewardship Team

  • Be active and intentional stewards, modeling good and responsible stewardship behavior.
  • Take the lead in making financial commitments before asking the congregation to do so.
  • Plan and establish a year-round, comprehensive stewardship program.
  • Plan and implement the annual budget drive campaign that reflects the congregation’s mission, vision, and priorities.
  • Gather financial commitments from congregants.
  • Provide regular updates to the congregation about stewardship, needs, and giving levels.
  • Express appreciation and affirmation to all givers for their contributions.

Role of the Congregation

  • Support the mission and vision of the congregation through a commitment to Unitarian Universalism principles and values.
  • Make an annual pledge of financial commitment to the congregation.
  • Contribute financial gifts to the congregation on a regular basis.
  • Adjust lifestyle and spending habits to make generous giving possible.
  • Take an active interest in congregational stewardship, engaging in the work of stewardship through personal reflection, learning, and action.
  • Offer time, energy and commitment in ways other than financial.
  • Celebrate generosity and successes!

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