As the new year begins, stock news is dicey at best, we're still in the middle of a mortgage mess and while gas prices are falling, many wonder about jobs. For your ministry, there could be concern about future donations. Will your friends stay with you?

A good idea:
Have a "recession" appeal letter in your back pocket
I got a phone call recently from one of our LifeTrends family members, needing an "economic freefall" appeal letter, which reminded me that we never know when this letter might be needed. Your center may be easing through this time with funds in the bank (I just met with a center that easily has three months operating budget in the bank — which is perfect), or you might be wondering whether the staff will be paid at the end of the month.

Either way, it is important to have an appeal letter in-hand during turbulent economic times. The economy could strengthen tomorrow and we'll never have a true recession. Or, we could see the downturn continue. That's why having this letter around is important. It's a "just in case" letter that — if needed — you can pull out of your pocket quickly and put in the mail. Perhaps this letter will never be needed and will sit in your pocket forever. That's what we want. Stewardship requires however, that we look down the road and follow the Three C's: (Click on each bullet to find out more - Editor)

• Consider all possibilities



• Clarify our responses to each situation



• Create a plan of action for each contingency

The Three C's of Stewardship: Now more than ever
A sound ministry should always be a good steward of its funds; and an important aspect of stewardship is managing income and potential income — along with expenses. The three C's above will help you form a plan. If the economy cuts our income to the point where we need to reach out to our constituents, we can put this into action within ten days. As we said, perhaps this will never be needed. But if so, we're ahead of the game!

• A sample letter for your back pocket (pdf)

Reprinted by permission from Boards of Excellence, a LifeTrends publication. If you'd like to know more about the resources provided by LifeTrends that can be used to encourage your volunteers, educate your Board and reach your supporters, or if you're looking for a great speaker for your next banquet, contact Kirk Walden at kirk.walden@comcast.net.