“”The secret of staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly and lie about your age.”–Lucille Ball  

One way to answer the question “Who gives the money?” is to analyze giving according to age groups.  Two methods of analysis can be used: Computing the total dollars given by each age-group and/or computing a per capita giving average within each age group.  These calculations allow the church to identify giving patterns within the church and determine if any of its member groups are lagging behind.  With this information the church would then be able to engage in strategic, focused stewardship education.

 For instance, if the younger groups in the church are lagging in giving, (which is often the case) the church could provide personal financial management programs aimed at young families (Dave Ramsey for instance) rather than conducting a church-wide “Stewardship Emphasis Sunday” (which is the usual approach.)

On the other hand, if the largest giving seems to be coming from the Boomer generation a different strategy may be called for.  As this group approaches retirement it may be time to implement a planned giving campaign.

Verne Hargrave is the Church and Ministry partner at PSK LLP and author of the book, Weeds in the Garden.