Partneres Seek to Help Churches Turn Fundraising from Mystery to Ministry

FOR RELEASE UPON RECEIPT

DATE:    July 6, 2000

CONTACT: Dorsey E. Levell, 2249 E. Cragmont, Springfield, MO 65804, Telephone, 417-881-1140, Email, info@ChurchFundRaisingWorks.com

PARTNERS SEEK TO HELP CHURCHES TURN
FUNDRAISING FROM MYSTERY TO MINISTRY

Two ministers have formed a partnership to help turn fundraising from mystery to ministry by showing church leaders how to integrate fundraising activities with stewardship education throughout the year.

With contributions shrinking as a percentage of discretionary income, mainly because of competing priorities, churches are looking for new ways to fund ministries that go beyond the short-term results of offerings, bake sales, and car washes," says Dr. Dorsey E. Levell, one of the partners. A growing body of research confirms that integrating stewardship education and fundraising increases understanding of giving. Increased understanding is the foundation for long-term successes."

Levell and his partner, Wayne E. Groner, first collaborated as authors of the 1999 book, The Pastors Guide to Fund-Raising Success. Now they have started publishing the only free email newsletter on the integrated approach, at www.ChurchFundRaisingWorks.com.

The integrated approach creates seamless ministries and establishes an ongoing forum for understanding giving," says Groner. The Bible story of the widow who gave her last penny is an example of how people give as they understand not as they are able. So is the story of the ruler who was not willing to sell his assets and give to the poor." Groner points to George Barna, Kennon Callahan, Doug Lawson, Norma Wimberly, and Donald Joiner as among the leading researchers and writers on the growing subject of understanding church giving.

Since fundraising and stewardship are not taught in most seminaries too many pastors and other church leaders are afraid of talking about what many consider to be touchy subjects," says Levell. They may think a tithing sermon once a year is enough, or that fundraising is somebody elses job, or they may have tried fundraising once and it didnt work." He and Groner recommend that church leaders schedule a variety of activities throughout the year, including:
1.   Brief presentations to each church department and Sunday school class.
2.   Frequent contacts with major donor prospects.
3.   A tithing letter and brochure from the pastor mailed to each congregant before tithing sermons.
4.   An annual estate planning workshop.
5.   Regular letters and phone calls to thank donors.
6.   Pulpit announcements of successful ministries that include thanking specific donors.

Groner and Levell have prepared a sample plan using the integrated approach that
includes a list of books and training resources. It is available free by sending an email to info@ChurchFundRaisingWorks.com. Ask for the 14-Month Plan.    

Levell was founding executive director of the Council of Churches of the Ozarks for 31 years. He built the council into 15 service agencies with an annual budget of $12 million, 120 employees, and 1,000 volunteers. He is a minister of the United Methodist Church.

Groner is a Certified Fund Raising Executive who has been in higher education fundraising since 1977, including nine years as a vice president for development. He is a hospice chaplain, literacy tutor, and minister of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

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