The Need to Give (part 2)

6 ideas to help your church become a better communicator of specific needs:

[Let's use the following need as an example: replacing old, faded, worn-out carpeting]

1. Be specific - explain to your church body exactly what carpet needs to be replaced. Is it really all the carpet in the building, or maybe just in the front lobby and hallways?
   
2. Use Visuals - numbers, graphs, pictures, video. Map out how many square feet and locations in building where carpet will be replaced. What is cost per square foot, and total cost of replacement carpeting and labor.
   
3. Before and after pictures - show pictures to the church body of how bad the carpet looks right now next to a picture of a new carpet sample. This would probably have the biggest impact of any of these suggestions.
   
4. Get it in writing - mail out letter, church bulletin insert, email with specifics, numbers, and pictures. Clear communication to your church body is always a good thing.
   
5. Demonstrate a track record of fiscal responsibility and oversight. Use committee team lay leaders to reassure the people that money given will be spent wisely and for the specific need.
   
6. Testimonials - find someone in your church who has been impacted by church decor. For example, when they first visited your church, they were immediately impressed with a clean, well maintained facility, and this was possibly one reason they decided to join your church. Think about this: how many restaurants do you avoid because they're dirty and unpleasant to eat in? Atmosphere and ambiance do matter to many people!
   

People will enthusiastically give to a need that is truly perceived as just that, a real need and not just a "want." Be sure you present a true need in a clear and compelling way.