Stewardship is not a program, not a fall campaign for the budget, not a one-shot learning experience. Stewardship is "everything I do after I say I believe." Congregations have long equated stewardship with only money. It does begin there, but it must continue on. 

Although you began with a financial commitment, this strategy will bring you full circle for the year and make you eager to begin the cycle again. However, it is not really a cycle but four components, which move together simultaneously. This strategy allows different members of the stewardship committee to take responsibility for the different components. 

The financial commitment is crucial. Without it, all else fails and you have moved back to a program mode without the personal involvement of all the members of the congregation.

 1. Finances              

Every stewardship strategy must include an opportunity for members to make an estimate of their giving, a pledge or faith promise. Choose a financial response program that is first class, biblically based and well thought out. Set your date and start planning six months before you receive estimates of giving. Challenge members to grow in their giving. Separate financial commitments from the budget process. Follow up with those who did not make a commitment. Remember to thank those who did.
 

 2. Education               

Begin with the scriptures. Jesus used parables to teach, and more than half of these are about money or possessions. Find resources suitable for all age groups to study the depth and breadth of stewardship. Coordinate any educational offerings with your education committee. Consider a stewardship "track" in the adult education program.
 

 3. Promotion              

Keep your members informed about mission opportunities and your congregation's financial status. Make a prominent display featuring ELCA mission support, Mission Partners, Companion Synod, World Hunger Appeal, Vision for Mission, etc. use your Sunday bulletin for inserts, the newsletter for a regular stewardship column, or your congregation's e-mailing to keep members informed about their congregation's synodical and churchwide partnerships. Place a large shoebox in the church office labeled "stewardship." Ask the pastor and church secretary to place all stewardship and mission-related materials in this box. Then sort, pitch and spread the word throughout your congregation.
 

 4. Commitment         

When people become excited about the mission and ministry of the church, they want to be involved. Is your door open to new involvement? Are you prepared for new ideas? Maybe your next new members will teach a Sunday school class, give a temple talk, or start a food pantry. Take care to assimilate new members and coordinate volunteers. Promote opportunities for service more than once a year. Recognition need not be lavish, but thank yous are important.