Best Strategies for Growing Donors & Building Trust Post-Pandemic
Every church, no matter where in The World they are, is having to navigate a very difficult time. Growing Donors & Building Trust Post-Pandemic You are probably in the same boat.
You might be facing a long period of social distancing, or extended quarantine situations, and not in much contact with your donors or sponsors. Or perhaps, your church may be allowed to accept a few people at a time in small groups.
Whatever the case, we have all had to make adjustments to deal with the current situation. looking on the bright side of things, one thing that has become normal is the virtual role in education, business, and yes even in churches.
Those who want to thrive and continue feeding leading and guiding their church members must adapt and plan strategies that utilize digital online tools. For example, apps and online giving options for donors.
If you are facing this new challenge and are finding that your church members and owners are reluctant to give their trust online, here are some practical things you can do for rebuilding and re strengthening your bonds.
1. Build meaningful connections
Work on building meaningful relationships even if they are virtual ones. this could be as simple as taking the time to answer questions online, respond to comments on your pastor blog, or set up small groups online for meaningful connections within the church.
Showing up on a regular basis will strengthen the trust people have in you. you may not be able to meet in person, but anyone who has access to the Internet can still avail of your guidance and leadership.
2.Accept and Promote Digital offerings Building Trust Post-Pandemic
Nowadays there are so many ways to give, instantly. Long gone are the times when one had to send a cheque in the post office or stand in long lines at the bank to offer their donation. Make sure that your church is set up with digital options for giving.
Some examples:
· having a PayPal button on your website
· donation links in your social media that connect to your fund raising pages
· landing pages for those who do banking transactions on line to access your donation page
These types of online transactions are fairly simple to set up. If you don’t have one yet on your website, partner with a good IT company who can get you up and running.
3. Work on transparency and trust
People are losing their trust in each other, in their governments, in the education system. But they don’t have to lose their faith. as ministers and leaders of the Gospel, it is our responsibility to ensure transparency and trust within the church.
You will find as you continue to serve that there are new problems, new fears, knew anxieties. Don’t be afraid to address these problems to your congregation. Don’t be afraid to appear vulnerable. remember your job is not to be perfect. Your job is to provide hope and a little light in these dark times.
4.Always ask for Feedback Building Trust Post-Pandemic
Encourage feedback as much as you can. Prompt people to send their questions online. Have a public email address available where folks can send in their feedback. This open line of communication is vital.
You may not have all the answers to the questions, but the important thing is that your donors and sponsors know that you are there for them, and someone will be online to take their call. Encourage the youth especially, to get involved, have conversations and be free to communicate any questions they may have.
5. Stay on top of your data and statistics
Data is not just a technical word. It is a digital tool that helps you look back on your statistics and plan the best strategies for success in the future. Make sure you are partnering with a good team in charge of managing your data and setting you up for success.
These details can tell you a lot about the people searching for you and your ministry. They can give you potential leads to future donors. data can help you know what to plan for in your next church service. Knowing your statistics is a wise investment of your time and resources.
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God bless you as you continue to grow in Grace, and Light. Don’t forget the beautiful Psalm 139:7-12:
“Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend to heaven, You are there;
If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the dawn, If I dwell in the remotest part of the sea, Even there Your hand will lead me, And Your right hand will lay hold of me.
If I say, “Surely the darkness will overwhelm me, And the light around me will be night,” Even the darkness is not dark to You, And the night is as bright as the day. Darkness and light are alike to You.”
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Remember that we must use this time post-Covid time to strengthen our flocks and fellow church leaders. Use this time to strengthen online relationships with your donors, through digital thank you cards, personal emails, or newsletters.
At DonorWerx, we have the tools you need to create the above strategies. For example, online courses every church leader needs to build deeper relationships, and strengthen the bonds between fellow church members. Contact us today to find out how we can help you grow your ministry.