Supporting Your Donors

I've heard of a few pastors mention that they do not study who donates what amounts in their parish. They do not want to be tempted to play favorites. However, I think it is helpful to instead see giving as a spiritual gift. Most pastors enjoy listing to good music and then applauding, rewarding, and encouraging those music ministers. In fact, the long term health of the music ministry depends on the pastor's fatherly support and encouragement and direction. Most pastors enjoy attending service projects and supporting and encouraging those parishioners who have a knack for volunteering and organizing. So, when it comes to giving, I would encourage pastors and parish staff to watch and see who donates what amounts. Giving is a spiritual gift just like music, volunteering, helping, organizing, etc. And, like music ministry, everyone is encouraged to sing but only some are gifted and guided enough to lead the music. And, that is okay. Often those leading music need encouragement in order to lead more. And, often a timid parishioner needs to be encouraged to step up and join the music ministry team. 

If we look at giving like we do music ministry, we'll see some opportunities for the pastor and parish staff to actually encourage and support giving. The large and regular donors should be patted on the back, thanked, and even encouraged to give more. Some large donors are only giving a portion of what they can give. They are looking for and need their pastor to thank them, encourage them, and ask for more giving. Many parishioners are capable of giving much more and stepping up to significant giving levels, but one one is watching them give or pastoring them. In the same way that an amazing singer may be unnoticed in the pews, many potential large donors are not being noticed. 

So, I would encourage pastors, parish staff, and development directors to pay attention to the donor rolls. This can be done prayerfully. Ideally through conversation and discernment, a pastor will feel led to deepen his relationship with some donors in order to thank, encourage, and increase their giving. 

Much like a pastor should know which parishioners are doing well in music, volunteering, serving, and outreach, so he should also know who is giving well. Giving is a spiritual gift like any other. It needs to be noticed, thanked, and fostered.