Stewardship
Stewardship is a term commonly used in religious organizations to describe the responsible management of resources, including financial gifts, facilities, and community relationships. It involves overseeing donations, managing church budgets, organizing giving campaigns, and ensuring that resources are used wisely to support the organization's mission. The concept extends beyond just handling money - it includes taking care of church property, managing volunteer programs, and developing sustainable practices for the organization's future. Similar terms you might see include "resource management," "development," or "advancement."
Examples in Resumes
Led Stewardship campaign that increased annual giving by 25%
Developed and implemented annual Stewardship education program for congregation members
Managed Stewardship and Development initiatives across multiple ministry programs
Typical job title: "Stewardship Directors"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Stewardship Directors
Professional Associations
Job Boards
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you develop a comprehensive stewardship strategy for a growing congregation?
Expected Answer: Should discuss creating annual giving campaigns, donor development programs, educational initiatives, and methods for tracking and reporting success. Should mention both spiritual and practical aspects of stewardship.
Q: How do you handle sensitive conversations about major gifts with donors?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate experience with relationship building, understanding donor motivations, maintaining confidentiality, and balancing organizational needs with donor interests.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What methods have you used to increase regular giving in a congregation?
Expected Answer: Should discuss practical experience with giving campaigns, educational programs, communication strategies, and implementing electronic giving systems.
Q: How do you approach stewardship education in different age groups?
Expected Answer: Should explain different approaches for various demographics, from youth to seniors, and demonstrate understanding of generational giving patterns.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is your understanding of stewardship in a religious context?
Expected Answer: Should explain basic concepts of responsible resource management, connection between faith and giving, and understanding of basic fundraising principles.
Q: How would you organize a basic stewardship campaign?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of campaign timelines, communication methods, volunteer coordination, and basic record keeping.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic fundraising principles
- Donation record keeping
- Volunteer coordination
- Communication with congregation members
Mid (2-5 years)
- Campaign planning and execution
- Donor relationship management
- Budget planning
- Stewardship education programming
Senior (5+ years)
- Strategic planning
- Major gift development
- Leadership and team management
- Long-term resource development
Red Flags to Watch For
- No experience with religious or nonprofit organizations
- Uncomfortable discussing faith and giving
- Poor interpersonal communication skills
- Lack of experience with donor management systems
Need more hiring wisdom? Check these out...
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