Passionate Steward - 10th Anniversary Edition

Recovering Christian Stewardship from Secular Fundraising 129
understanding not only of the financial needs they are facing, but why
providing the money to satisfy these needs will make a difference in
the lives of parishioners and, more importantly, of those who rely
upon the Church for its ministries and witness. After all, people are
seldom motivated to give just because the Church needs money.
Rather, they will give generously of their time, talent and treasure
when they understand how their gift will make a difference, and most
especially how their gift is a response to the call of the Holy Spirit to
witness to the loving care of Christ for all. This is not mere pious
rhetoric, but rather a prophetic call to a richer view of stewardship,
and a solemn refusal to limit it to simple fundraising.
Needs assessment is thus about more than a cost-analysis of
physical needs. It is also about people. That is, it includes an
evaluation of what (and who) is needed to conduct a successful
campaign in a manner which simultaneously respects the needs of
the people involved. Even where socio-economic factors would
indicate that a significant amount of money is available to the
parish, should volunteers for stewardship ministry, committee work,
and campaign volunteers not be forthcoming, the money will
remain uncommitted, uncollected, and unemployed in the service of
Christ. A particular challenge for many communities is the
secretarial component of campaign administration and follow-up.
Campaigns are administratively intensive, and may require more
time (and sometimes more skill or resources) than the average
parish secretary has to give. How will the parish address this need?
Similarly, because of the demands on available time in many of
today’s households, it must be determined not only who will
volunteer, but when, under what conditions, and with what support,
if they are to successfully and happily undertake the ministry of
stewardship and fundraising in the parish. Therefore, determining
the amount of money needed must be matched with a determination
of how many people, with what needs, might give of their time and
talent to help the parish achieve its financial goals.