It’s ‘T’ Time!Churches Can’t Continue to Want More, and Give Less [This article (with image) first appeared in The Living Church on November 16, 2003.] by the Rev. Rita Nelson One of the most successful stewardship campaigns I ever experienced was a non-event. There was no theme, no witnessing, no begging, no “thermometer of giving,” going up week after week, and no every-member canvass. There was only one letter from the vestry sent to every member. There wasn’t even a pledge card attached, or in the pew next to the hymnals. The letter outlined the needs of the church for those three “Ts” – time, talent, and treasure – and then pointed out that what you gave to each of them was between you and God. That’s all. No follow-up phone calls, no follow-up letters. The giving that year was substantial. It covered all expenses and all necessary human resources. I imagine that happened because the people of God were responsible only to God. In the 1950s and 1960s, mainline churches experienced a surge in growth. The post-war economy was in full bloom, and suburban sprawl began. From 1946 to 1964, a baby boom spurred the buying and building of new and larger homes. Churches flourished, and in order to accommodate burgeoning attendance during this period, new churches were built, and smaller churches were expanded. Churches thrived. The needs for time, treasure, and talent were spread among many people, and were met without a second thought. But things have changed. continue reading | 
