When congregations focus more on creating a culture of stewardship and generosity, and less on fundraising for their needs, they tend to be more successful. While fundraising refers to money-raising efforts, stewardship is an attitude that is reflected in all of the congregation’s efforts.
Fundraising emphasizes the need of the recipient. Stewardship addresses people’s spiritual need to give.
The Forward Through the Ages (FORTH) Program was designed to help congregations make this cultural shift over five year transition period. The original vision was outlined in chapter 7 of Beyond Fundraising: A Complete Guide to Congregational Stewardship (Google Book). A later version was offered in workshops.
Below is a collection of FORTH resources that you can use to inspire and design your own cultural shift to a culture of generosity that includes stewardship as an integral part of congregational life.
A recommended first step is to gather a group of congregational leaders (including a religious professional) and go through the Congregational Self-Assessment together, developing a shared understanding of your current culture, and what strengths you can build upon:
Congregational Stewardship Self-Assessment
The Congregational Stewardship Self-Assessment has two aims:
- A better understanding of your congregation’s culture of stewardship
- Determination of a year-round stewardship path that is best for your congregation
Once you have a sense of your congregation’s needs and goals, engage with the materials below.
Congregational Health
Some of the cultural shifts may be needed in the general vitality of the congregation:
Congregational Vitality, Growth, and Renewal
Your congregation is a complex, living system of relationships and structures that needs the tending by its leaders to thrive. This curated group of resources will help you understand, shape, and grow your faith community.