The Power of Authentic Relationships in Church Stewardship
Rev. Dr. David S. Bell
A Personal Experience-
Recently, I had a revealing experience with a nonprofit organization that I’ve known for nearly four decades. Despite this long-standing connection, I had never been personally asked to contribute to their cause. While I had received direct mail campaigns, social media outreach, and the occasional chain phone call, these efforts always felt impersonal. My response was minimal, revealing that even years of connection cannot replace the power of a personal relationship. It struck me how often fundraising – or, in the case of churches, stewardship efforts – can become a numbers game, driven by metrics rather than genuine relationships.
My perspective changed about this nonprofit when a newcomer to the advancement profession took a genuine interest in my family and me. This person’s approach was not about a financial ask right from the start. Instead, the focus was on building an authentic relationship and showing a sincere commitment. As a potential contributor, I experienced the approach as both refreshing and effective. When I was eventually asked to consider making a gift to benefit the nonprofit, it felt like a natural progression of our relationship, rooted in mutual respect and understanding.
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