Look at Each Other- Eye to Eye, One Person at a Time

Bill Clontz, Stewardship Consultant

Long before I became a stewardship consultant, I recognized that my fellow Unitarian Universalists often have find it difficult to talk to each other about money, stewardship, and related topics. That realization is one of the reasons I became a stewardship consultant – I knew we needed get past this speed bump of community.

I see this reticence expressed in some congregations having not employed visiting stewards as a part of their conversations since – ever. People cite the awkwardness of conversations, the challenge of getting people to accept visits, etc. None of this need be the case, but that is a topic for another blog. For now, recognize the loss of one on one contact that such visits offer; this is a loss for more than stewardship – it’s a loss of community.

Many of those who have experienced such meetings done well share that these have been among the most meaningful conversations they have had. Many trace their closest friendships to those conversations. I always accept a commitment card from someone by looking them in the eye and saying thanks. Checking the card for legibility, etc. can wait – this is an opportunity for two friends with a shared commitment to their congregation to bond and to note what this is all about. That moment of eye contact reinforces our connections.

This past weekend I saw another example of powerful one on one contact. A congregation was having its Celebration Sunday, with everyone bringing their commitment cards forward. Everyone was encouraged to attend, invited to celebrate the generosity and purpose of the congregation. Attendance at both services was high.

When it came time to bring forward the commitment cards, rather than a collection bowl set up, members of the Stewardship Team stood up front with small baskets to collect cards, one at a time, as people came forward. Each time they did so, they looked the member in the eye and said “Thank you.” The smiles, laughter, and fleeting small talk lifted the feeling in the room, and carried over into coffee hour. People experienced a close, personal exchange, shared a moment of commitment, and were inspired by the experience.

Not everything has to be done in a group setting. Don’t pass up the opportunities to talk with each other one on one. Make eye contact and make that human connection.

Bill Clontz is a stewardship consultant with the Stewardship for Us Team, supporting the UUA. You can reach Bill via email at bill@stewardshipforus.com ,  via the UUA’s Congregational Life Directorate (http://www.uua.org/finance/fundraising/index.shtml ),       or through your regional staff.

This blog has a new posting no less than once a month. You may find it and more at our website, www.stewardshipforus.com. Comments and discussion are always welcome. You are welcome to sign up for stewardship updates at https://stewardshipforus.com/subscribe/