Using Appreciative Inquiry Tools & Alternative Formats for

Stewardship

Rev. Christina NeilsonCheryl Kasper

Special Thanks to Joan Van Becelaere

Using Appreciative Inquiry Tools & Alternative Formats for

Stewardship

Rev. Christina NeilsonCheryl Kasper

Special Thanks to Joan Van Becelaere

Chalice Lighting SouthWest Unitarian Universalist’s Story Appreciative Language Using Appreciative Inquiry as Part of the

Stewardship Process – a Different Way to ask questions.

SouthWest UU and Kent Speed Pledging Practice – a chance to get to know each

other!            

Chalice Lighting SouthWest Unitarian Universalist’s Story Appreciative Language Using Appreciative Inquiry as Part of the

Stewardship Process – a Different Way to ask questions.

SouthWest UU and Kent Speed Pledging Practice – a chance to get to know each

other!            

What questions do you want to have answered by the end of this workshop?

What questions do you want to have answered by the end of this workshop?

“Please share with me your checkbook, your credit cards and your tax forms, then I’ll understand your faith and your view of stewardship. But money is rarely discussed in the church and related to faith.”

Peter Steinke

“Please share with me your checkbook, your credit cards and your tax forms, then I’ll understand your faith and your view of stewardship. But money is rarely discussed in the church and related to faith.”

Peter Steinke

Giving as a Spiritual PracticeGiving as a Spiritual Practice

Changing your attitude about money from as a “necessary evil” to an opportunity to express your faith.

Address the pastoral issues that cause fear and anxiety about money.

Ask-Thank- Tell (Workshop in January)

Changing your attitude about money from as a “necessary evil” to an opportunity to express your faith.

Address the pastoral issues that cause fear and anxiety about money.

Ask-Thank- Tell (Workshop in January)

Clergy’s VisionClergy’s Vision Clergy need to change

their attitudes too Get their own financial

issues in order Get used to big

numbers Know what to do with

large donations Be educated about

what is involved in annual stewardship campaigns, Capital Campaigns and Planned Giving for endowments.

Clergy need to change their attitudes too

Get their own financial issues in order

Get used to big numbers

Know what to do with large donations

Be educated about what is involved in annual stewardship campaigns, Capital Campaigns and Planned Giving for endowments.

SouthWest UU’s StorySouthWest UU’s Story We were a church in a

box for 23 years

We have 69 members, a quarter time musician and a full time minister

Two years ago we experienced the peak of the economic meltdown. (Lost 18 members to moving away, very low moral.)

We were a church in a box for 23 years

We have 69 members, a quarter time musician and a full time minister

Two years ago we experienced the peak of the economic meltdown. (Lost 18 members to moving away, very low moral.)

A Glimmer of HopeA Glimmer of Hope

Participated in 3 year small church growth project in district.

Learned how to deal with congregational anxiety after major flare up.

Wanted to do a capital campaign to get a down payment for a church when…

Church up for sale- decided to check it out

Participated in 3 year small church growth project in district.

Learned how to deal with congregational anxiety after major flare up.

Wanted to do a capital campaign to get a down payment for a church when…

Church up for sale- decided to check it out

In every organization, some things work well.

We need to know and draw on all of our positive strengths to build for the future and weather current storms.

The language we use helps create our reality. It shapes attitudes and focuses energy. If you keep saying you are poor, you think and act like you are poor.

In every organization, some things work well.

We need to know and draw on all of our positive strengths to build for the future and weather current storms.

The language we use helps create our reality. It shapes attitudes and focuses energy. If you keep saying you are poor, you think and act like you are poor.

What we focus on becomes our reality. In anxious times, we need to build a vision of a positive future, not rehash failures of the past.

Asking questions influences the way we think about things.

It is important to value differences. Organizations are heliotropic (They

follow the energy.).

What we focus on becomes our reality. In anxious times, we need to build a vision of a positive future, not rehash failures of the past.

Asking questions influences the way we think about things.

It is important to value differences. Organizations are heliotropic (They

follow the energy.).

Steward – a conversation partner, an ambassador of the congregation and Unitarian Universalism

Annual Stewardship Drive – an opportunity to increase commitment to the congregation on many levels, including financial. Can be called Budget Drive.

 

 

Steward – a conversation partner, an ambassador of the congregation and Unitarian Universalism

Annual Stewardship Drive – an opportunity to increase commitment to the congregation on many levels, including financial. Can be called Budget Drive.

 

 

Stewardship Visits – a vehicle for in-depth conversations with fellow congregants, including opportunities for relationship building, questions, answers and feedback

Feedback – positive recommendations and dreams for the future of the congregation that is taken to the board and leadership

 

Stewardship Visits – a vehicle for in-depth conversations with fellow congregants, including opportunities for relationship building, questions, answers and feedback

Feedback – positive recommendations and dreams for the future of the congregation that is taken to the board and leadership

 

Pledge – You are not asking for money. You are asking for a commitment to further the mission and vision of the congregation. You are inviting them to support something that they love and care for.

This goes for new members, too. They care enough to join and WANT to be asked to participate fully – including pledging.

Pledge – You are not asking for money. You are asking for a commitment to further the mission and vision of the congregation. You are inviting them to support something that they love and care for.

This goes for new members, too. They care enough to join and WANT to be asked to participate fully – including pledging.

The personal nature of Appreciative Inquiry requires a face-to-face encounter.

Visits may be one-on-one or small group. Deepens personal relationships and

connections within the congregation! Provides for in-depth dialogue and sharing

of hopes and visions and dreams. Allows opportunity for questions, answers

and feedback. Creates an informal, confidential setting

for frank and transformative dialogue

The personal nature of Appreciative Inquiry requires a face-to-face encounter.

Visits may be one-on-one or small group. Deepens personal relationships and

connections within the congregation! Provides for in-depth dialogue and sharing

of hopes and visions and dreams. Allows opportunity for questions, answers

and feedback. Creates an informal, confidential setting

for frank and transformative dialogue

Produces a high level of financial commitment; indirect methods produce much lower levels of support

Engages every donor in articulating appreciation and taking responsibility for financial support of the congregation

Takes a relatively short time Helps clean up the membership database Cost effective Facilitates congregational ability to

realistically discuss appreciation, generosity, abundance, money and giving

Produces a high level of financial commitment; indirect methods produce much lower levels of support

Engages every donor in articulating appreciation and taking responsibility for financial support of the congregation

Takes a relatively short time Helps clean up the membership database Cost effective Facilitates congregational ability to

realistically discuss appreciation, generosity, abundance, money and giving

A description and discussion of how Southwest UU used Appreciative Inquiry questions in their pledge drive.

We had several articles and sermons leading up to the event, revealing the plans bit by bit to inspire curiosity.

A description and discussion of how Southwest UU used Appreciative Inquiry questions in their pledge drive.

We had several articles and sermons leading up to the event, revealing the plans bit by bit to inspire curiosity.

Speed Pledging EventSpeed Pledging Event Welcome remarks, Blessing and Potluck UU Speed Pledge exercise: five minutes per

question, musical interlude, change places The “Pitch” by Canvass chair Pair up teams of two- four for the “Ask” The envelopes for each family were prepared

with pledge information. Dessert was served Each person put their pledge in the bowl, a

gong was rung, and a prize was given. Closing comments/ Thank-You!

Welcome remarks, Blessing and Potluck UU Speed Pledge exercise: five minutes per

question, musical interlude, change places The “Pitch” by Canvass chair Pair up teams of two- four for the “Ask” The envelopes for each family were prepared

with pledge information. Dessert was served Each person put their pledge in the bowl, a

gong was rung, and a prize was given. Closing comments/ Thank-You!

Introductory Question Looking back at your involvement in SWUU,

remember a time when you felt most alive, engaged, and committed to the congregation. 

It’s Sunday morning. The coffee is hot, the dog is by your feet, and the paper awaits you. Still, you put on your clothes and come to church. Why?

Values Question What do you value most about our congregation?

What activities or foci or ingredients or ways of life are most important? What are our best features?  (or What do we do best?)

Introductory Question Looking back at your involvement in SWUU,

remember a time when you felt most alive, engaged, and committed to the congregation. 

It’s Sunday morning. The coffee is hot, the dog is by your feet, and the paper awaits you. Still, you put on your clothes and come to church. Why?

Values Question What do you value most about our congregation?

What activities or foci or ingredients or ways of life are most important? What are our best features?  (or What do we do best?)

Potentials Question How can our congregation make a real

difference in the world? What are our greatest possibilities and potentials and promise?

Wishes What are three courageous dreams you

have for the future of our congregation?

Potentials Question How can our congregation make a real

difference in the world? What are our greatest possibilities and potentials and promise?

Wishes What are three courageous dreams you

have for the future of our congregation?

Feedback from questions need to go to the board and congregational leadership.

They contain valuable information that can inform planning and budgeting and your stewardship celebration.

Questions can be asked with different wording or phrasing.

We are asking folk to tell us what they really, really, really care about in the congregation and dream for its future. And we are very grateful that they care.

Feedback from questions need to go to the board and congregational leadership.

They contain valuable information that can inform planning and budgeting and your stewardship celebration.

Questions can be asked with different wording or phrasing.

We are asking folk to tell us what they really, really, really care about in the congregation and dream for its future. And we are very grateful that they care.

UU Chats: An Example of Appreciative Inquiry

UU Chats: An Example of Appreciative Inquiry

Used by the Unitarian Universalist Church of Kent

Winter 2010

Used by the Unitarian Universalist Church of Kent

Winter 2010

Stages of UUCK Stewardship Campaign:

Stages of UUCK Stewardship Campaign:

Set campaign theme: Conversation, Community, Commitment

Prepare brochure, pledge cards, guide to campaign (a more detailed booklet with budget, Q&A, etc.)

Schedule events – the congregation was invited to attend one of four general events, called “UU Chats.” Two were on Sundays and two were evenings during the week.

Assess progress of campaign Campaign wrap up

Set campaign theme: Conversation, Community, Commitment

Prepare brochure, pledge cards, guide to campaign (a more detailed booklet with budget, Q&A, etc.)

Schedule events – the congregation was invited to attend one of four general events, called “UU Chats.” Two were on Sundays and two were evenings during the week.

Assess progress of campaign Campaign wrap up

What was a UU Chat?What was a UU Chat?

The stewardship committee decided to use appreciative inquiry

At the same time, we also wanted to capitalize on the popularity and familiarity that many in the congregation had with social media – i.e., Facebook

Our idea was UU Chat – a face-to-face, real time, community building exercise!

The UU Chat concept also became a unifying graphic theme for the campaign.

The stewardship committee decided to use appreciative inquiry

At the same time, we also wanted to capitalize on the popularity and familiarity that many in the congregation had with social media – i.e., Facebook

Our idea was UU Chat – a face-to-face, real time, community building exercise!

The UU Chat concept also became a unifying graphic theme for the campaign.

Outline for Conversation Events

Outline for Conversation Events

Welcome remarks (10 minutes) UU Chat exercise (35 minutes total)

Instructions (5 minutes) Appreciative inquiry questions (30 minutes:

5 per question; 3 to answer, 2 to summarize) Making a commitment (25 minutes)

A quick pitch (5 minutes) Distribute cards, post comments to “news

feed” (20 minutes) Closing comments (5 minutes)

Welcome remarks (10 minutes) UU Chat exercise (35 minutes total)

Instructions (5 minutes) Appreciative inquiry questions (30 minutes:

5 per question; 3 to answer, 2 to summarize) Making a commitment (25 minutes)

A quick pitch (5 minutes) Distribute cards, post comments to “news

feed” (20 minutes) Closing comments (5 minutes)

Appreciative Inquiry Questions

Appreciative Inquiry Questions

What first led you to get involved in UUCK? When have you felt the most engaged at

UUCK? What do you value the most about UUCK? How do you feel like you contribute to

UUCK? How can UUCK make a difference in the

world? What three wishes do you have for the

UUCK?

What first led you to get involved in UUCK? When have you felt the most engaged at

UUCK? What do you value the most about UUCK? How do you feel like you contribute to

UUCK? How can UUCK make a difference in the

world? What three wishes do you have for the

UUCK?

By Dorothy Day:People say, what is the sense of our small

effort? They cannot see that we must lay one brick at a time, take one step at a time.

A pebble cast into a pond causes ripples that spread in all directions. Each one of our thoughts, words and deeds (and dollars) is like that.

No one has the right to sit down and feel hopeless. There’s too much work to do.

By Dorothy Day:People say, what is the sense of our small

effort? They cannot see that we must lay one brick at a time, take one step at a time.

A pebble cast into a pond causes ripples that spread in all directions. Each one of our thoughts, words and deeds (and dollars) is like that.

No one has the right to sit down and feel hopeless. There’s too much work to do.

Beyond Fundraising: A Complete Guide to Congregational Stewardship, by Wayne B. Clark, 2007, UUA. This book outlines the “Forward Through the Ages” (FORTH) program of year-round congregational stewardship.

The Abundance of Our Faith, edited by Terry Sweetser and Susan Milnor. Inspirational sermons and reflection questions for small group stewardship conversations and worship planning.

Beyond Fundraising: A Complete Guide to Congregational Stewardship, by Wayne B. Clark, 2007, UUA. This book outlines the “Forward Through the Ages” (FORTH) program of year-round congregational stewardship.

The Abundance of Our Faith, edited by Terry Sweetser and Susan Milnor. Inspirational sermons and reflection questions for small group stewardship conversations and worship planning.

the UUA website: www.uua.org and Google search “Giving and Generosity” and “Congregational Stewardship Services.” Visit

Congregations can use UUA marketing materials and resources: www.uua.org/leaders/leaderslibrary/marketing/congregational/index.shtml

OMD Website now contains a lot of material about stewardship and money and economics. http://www.ohiomeadville.org/

economy/index.html

the UUA website: www.uua.org and Google search “Giving and Generosity” and “Congregational Stewardship Services.” Visit

Congregations can use UUA marketing materials and resources: www.uua.org/leaders/leaderslibrary/marketing/congregational/index.shtml

OMD Website now contains a lot of material about stewardship and money and economics. http://www.ohiomeadville.org/

economy/index.html

Memories, Hopes, and Conversations: Appreciative Inquiry and Congregational Change by Mark Lau Branson. 2004. The Alban Institute, Inc. Using Appreciative Inquirey tools for long range planning.

The Power of Appreciative Inquiry: A Practical Guide to Positive Change by Amanda Trosten-Bloom and Diana Whitney. 2003. Berrett-Koehler Publ. Appreciative Inquiry and organizational change.

Memories, Hopes, and Conversations: Appreciative Inquiry and Congregational Change by Mark Lau Branson. 2004. The Alban Institute, Inc. Using Appreciative Inquirey tools for long range planning.

The Power of Appreciative Inquiry: A Practical Guide to Positive Change by Amanda Trosten-Bloom and Diana Whitney. 2003. Berrett-Koehler Publ. Appreciative Inquiry and organizational change.

There are 4 Parts to the Stewardship Vist Preliminaries – do your homework and

learn about the congregation and about the people you will visit.

Scheduling the visit – personal or small group or dessert meeting or….etc.

The Visit – this is where Appreciative Inquiry is used.

Follow Up

There are 4 Parts to the Stewardship Vist Preliminaries – do your homework and

learn about the congregation and about the people you will visit.

Scheduling the visit – personal or small group or dessert meeting or….etc.

The Visit – this is where Appreciative Inquiry is used.

Follow Up

 I. THE PRELIMINARIES 1.Know the mission and programs of the

congregation

2. Please make your own generous pledge before making stewardship visits. Stewards should be able to say a.       I’m giving X, or b.      I increased X%, or c.       I’m meeting the UUA guidelines

 I. THE PRELIMINARIES 1.Know the mission and programs of the

congregation

2. Please make your own generous pledge before making stewardship visits. Stewards should be able to say a.       I’m giving X, or b.      I increased X%, or c.       I’m meeting the UUA guidelines

3. Become familiar with your materials: Contact list with names, info Suggested Fair Share Giving Guide Annual Campaign Brochure Summaries of congregational programs and

ministries if not included in brochure Appreciative Inquiry Forms for feedback Financial Commitment Forms Envelopes for Financial Commitment Forms Thank You Notes and Envelopes

3. Become familiar with your materials: Contact list with names, info Suggested Fair Share Giving Guide Annual Campaign Brochure Summaries of congregational programs and

ministries if not included in brochure Appreciative Inquiry Forms for feedback Financial Commitment Forms Envelopes for Financial Commitment Forms Thank You Notes and Envelopes

II. SCHEDULING THE VISIT 1. Introduce yourself , 2. Ask if this is a good time to talk, 3. Briefly explain the purpose of your call

– stewardship visit and feedback, 4. Schedule the visit 5. Make sure relevant parties will be

there.

II. SCHEDULING THE VISIT 1. Introduce yourself , 2. Ask if this is a good time to talk, 3. Briefly explain the purpose of your call

– stewardship visit and feedback, 4. Schedule the visit 5. Make sure relevant parties will be

there.

III - MAKING THE VISIT 1. Your story (always important) 2. Their stories, hopes and dreams

(the appreciative inquiry questions)

3. The ask (giving guides and forms)

4. Thanks, gratitude shared

III - MAKING THE VISIT 1. Your story (always important) 2. Their stories, hopes and dreams

(the appreciative inquiry questions)

3. The ask (giving guides and forms)

4. Thanks, gratitude shared

1.Tell your story. Share passion for the congregation’s

mission and its stewardship drive. Tell a story about something you

love about this congregation. Refer to the annual budget drive

documents or use the brochure as a visual guide.

1.Tell your story. Share passion for the congregation’s

mission and its stewardship drive. Tell a story about something you

love about this congregation. Refer to the annual budget drive

documents or use the brochure as a visual guide.

2. Their story Ask the Appreciative Inquiry Questions and

really listen to their story; this is the invitation to Conversations from the Heart

Are there any other questions they need answered?

Acknowledge their comments and concerns. Take notes and let them know you will share

the information with Board and leadership

2. Their story Ask the Appreciative Inquiry Questions and

really listen to their story; this is the invitation to Conversations from the Heart

Are there any other questions they need answered?

Acknowledge their comments and concerns. Take notes and let them know you will share

the information with Board and leadership

3. Ask In light of their desire to support what they love, ask

for their financial pledge to the annual budget. The Giving Guide is helpful Ask if they are willing to take one step up this year

from last year Give the pledge form and wait patiently (and quietly)

and give them a chance to respond. Allow them to feel good about giving at their comfort

level.

.

3. Ask In light of their desire to support what they love, ask

for their financial pledge to the annual budget. The Giving Guide is helpful Ask if they are willing to take one step up this year

from last year Give the pledge form and wait patiently (and quietly)

and give them a chance to respond. Allow them to feel good about giving at their comfort

level.

.

IV. THE FOLLOW-UP 1. Write a short, simple thank-you note 2. If the member(s) had questions that you

promised to research, find the answers and get back to them asap.

3. Submit the appreciative inquiry sheets with the completed pledge forms.

4. Return each completed pledge form as soon as possible.

5. All pledge forms must be returned by a set date.

IV. THE FOLLOW-UP 1. Write a short, simple thank-you note 2. If the member(s) had questions that you

promised to research, find the answers and get back to them asap.

3. Submit the appreciative inquiry sheets with the completed pledge forms.

4. Return each completed pledge form as soon as possible.

5. All pledge forms must be returned by a set date.

III. MAKING THE VISIT 1. Your story, 2. Their story, hopes and dreams

(the appreciative inquiry questions)

3. The ask (giving guides and forms)

4. Thanks

III. MAKING THE VISIT 1. Your story, 2. Their story, hopes and dreams

(the appreciative inquiry questions)

3. The ask (giving guides and forms)

4. Thanks

1.Tell your story. Begin by referring to the annual

budget drive documents. Share passion for the congregation’s

mission and its stewardship drive. Use the brochure as a visual guide. Tell a story about something you love

about this congregation.

1.Tell your story. Begin by referring to the annual

budget drive documents. Share passion for the congregation’s

mission and its stewardship drive. Use the brochure as a visual guide. Tell a story about something you love

about this congregation.

2. Their story Ask the Appreciative Inquiry Questions and

really listen to their story; this is the invitation to Conversations from the Heart

Are there any other questions they need answered?

Acknowledge their comments and concerns. Take notes and offer to share the information

with Board and leadership

2. Their story Ask the Appreciative Inquiry Questions and

really listen to their story; this is the invitation to Conversations from the Heart

Are there any other questions they need answered?

Acknowledge their comments and concerns. Take notes and offer to share the information

with Board and leadership

3. Ask Ask for their financial pledge to the annual

budget. The Giving Guide is helpful Ask if they are willing to take one step up

this year from last year Give the pledge form and wait patiently (and

quietly) and give them a chance to respond. .

3. Ask Ask for their financial pledge to the annual

budget. The Giving Guide is helpful Ask if they are willing to take one step up

this year from last year Give the pledge form and wait patiently (and

quietly) and give them a chance to respond. .

If the person is not able or willing to make a pledge within the suggested range, simply ask what amount would be more comfortable.

If needed, step out of the room for a minute so partners can talk.

If for some reason they are still not ready to make a pledge, schedule a follow-up visit.

Please do not leave the pledge card behind

If the person is not able or willing to make a pledge within the suggested range, simply ask what amount would be more comfortable.

If needed, step out of the room for a minute so partners can talk.

If for some reason they are still not ready to make a pledge, schedule a follow-up visit.

Please do not leave the pledge card behind

Possible Talking Points: Before you make your decision, consider how

you value being a member or friend of our community and what role our congregation plays in your life.

  We suggest making some simple comparisons

for raising your pledge. Is your pledge worth an extra Starbucks a day? Is it worth the cost of a night out once a month?

Possible Talking Points: Before you make your decision, consider how

you value being a member or friend of our community and what role our congregation plays in your life.

  We suggest making some simple comparisons

for raising your pledge. Is your pledge worth an extra Starbucks a day? Is it worth the cost of a night out once a month?

Why do we have difficulty talking about money?

How does this difficulty translate into the ways we approach stewardship work?

Why do we have difficulty talking about money?

How does this difficulty translate into the ways we approach stewardship work?

People in low-income households don’t give money. Low-income people give time instead.

During economic downturns, people don’t give to their congregations.

People suffer information overload and don’t care to know how their money is being used.

If people understand the dire financial straits of the congregation, they will feel guilty and give more.

People in low-income households don’t give money. Low-income people give time instead.

During economic downturns, people don’t give to their congregations.

People suffer information overload and don’t care to know how their money is being used.

If people understand the dire financial straits of the congregation, they will feel guilty and give more.

Out of a sense of gratitude for all that we have in life.

To add meaning to our lives. Because we believe in the organization’s

mission and want to be a real part of it. Because we like to help people. In response to people we trust. Feelings of obligation (rarely) Because someone asks! Other reasons?????

Out of a sense of gratitude for all that we have in life.

To add meaning to our lives. Because we believe in the organization’s

mission and want to be a real part of it. Because we like to help people. In response to people we trust. Feelings of obligation (rarely) Because someone asks! Other reasons?????

Appealing Mission Statement—a dynamic and unique mission appeals to people’s interest in the value of the organization and the causes it supports.

Acknowledge that the economy impacts the organization’s ability to fulfill its mission.

Avoid dramatic cuts or changes in program or staffing.

Keep outreach, public relations and marketing strong.

Appealing Mission Statement—a dynamic and unique mission appeals to people’s interest in the value of the organization and the causes it supports.

Acknowledge that the economy impacts the organization’s ability to fulfill its mission.

Avoid dramatic cuts or changes in program or staffing.

Keep outreach, public relations and marketing strong.

Spread enthusiasm about what the organization is doing.

Practice openness and accountability. Meet regularly with donors, informing

them of the organization’s needs. Invite questions.

Spread enthusiasm about what the organization is doing.

Practice openness and accountability. Meet regularly with donors, informing

them of the organization’s needs. Invite questions.