Develop a Discipleship System
SPARK: 'Prepare for Impact'
By Ken Sloane
“Prepare for Impact” is a phrase we don’t want to hear unless we are on some wild amusement park ride. We certainly don’t want to hear it while driving on an icy winter road. The impact I want to talk about is not going to knock you off your feet or raise your car insurance premiums.
As I talk with church leaders, I understand more clearly that the rising generations in our culture are giving where they can see the impact. Few people today are motivated to give by words like “duty,” “obligation,” and “commitment.” Instead, their motivation is tied to words like “hope,” “compassion,” and “community.” Today’s donors want to hear stories of their gifts' impact.
The popularity of online giving through web tools like GoFundMe is connected to the opportunity to give directly to help a particular situation. Givers can see their gifts will make a significant impact on someone’s life and situation.
I recently wrote an article on the importance of writing thank-you notes, and how one nonprofit I support (Thistle Farms) does such a great job of telling me how my gifts make an impact. In their notes to me, they tell me about people whose lives were made better because of my financial gifts. Click here to read some of their “thank-you” notes.
In local churches, we need to help people see the impact they are making, how lives are being changed, and how people are growing and maturing in their discipleship. Donors need to see how their gifts help people in the community.
In local churches, we need to help people see the impact they are making, how lives are being changed, and how people are growing and maturing in their discipleship.
However, United Methodists who sit in the pews of our local congregations make an impact that extends well beyond the walls of their church and the boundaries of their communities. Their faithful sharing of tithes and offerings reach ministries across their annual conference and around the world. That happens because our denomination believes in the power of connection, and a connectional church can do things individual churches can only dream about.
“UNITED IN IMPACT” is a new United Methodist campaign designed to gather and share the stories of how, through our giving to our shared missions, churches of all sizes are transforming the world for Jesus Christ. Its purpose is to provide resources to show how being part of a connectional church means we all share in the great things happening locally and worldwide through our United Methodist connection. It’s never been more important remind our congregations of the power we have when we work together.
The future of local churches and our denomination is tied to telling stories about how we are making a difference in people’s lives. We all want to know that what we give has an impact. If you want to inspire greater generosity in your congregation, find the stories that demonstrate the impact of your church. Generosity needs it to grow!
Ken Sloane is the Director of Stewardship & Generosity for Discipleship Ministries of The United Methodist Church.
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