Stewardship Development Team
Ruben Swint, Senior Strategist, Generis Partners, Atlanta, GA
1. See to it that mission and vision statements are in place and well
understood by the congregation.
2. See to it that a two- to three-year strategic plan is in place to accomplish
the mission and vision statements.
3. Design an on-going strategy of communication to members as to what
is being accomplished by the giving that is taking place, and how these
accomplishments enable the strategic plan.
4. Design and carry out annually a ministry plan (budget) development and
promotion emphasis. Again, this plan must tie in to strategic plan, mission and vision.
5. Give members training in life skills: gift discovery and development,
money management, career guidance and estate conservation.
6. Create designated giving (special project) opportunities for those
persons who give one time in the year or short term only.
7. Teach tithing as a goal, a standard and a springboard. Introduce the
concept of “the giving path.” Regularly invite people to move along the
path.
8. Promote deferred gifts through bequests and beneficiary designations. Adopt policies on how to handle bequests.
9. Decide on development of endowment funds through current or
deferred gifts. Limit the number of endowment choices to areas consistent with mission and vision.
10. Evaluate the need and timing of capital campaigns for large projects.
Consider various approaches to campaigns, from self-led to full
consultant service.
Ruben Swint is a Senior Strategist with Generis Partners, LLC of Atlanta, Georgia. Over the past 19 years, Ruben has directed 120 capital campaigns, helping churches expand and enhance their mission. For six of those 19 years, Ruben also served as President of the CBF Foundation. Other consulting has included annual stewardship program leadership, stewardship committee training and endowment and planned giving guidance. A professional speaker and published author, Ruben often leads stewardship conferences and is an active member of the National Association of Church Business Administration. You may contact Ruben Swint by email or calling 1-800-849-2896, ext. 236.