The Commitment Phase is the vital period between Commitment Sunday (commitments are received in worship) and Celebration Sunday (commitment totals are announced), when the congregation continues to respond to God’s call to invest in the mission and ministry for the coming year…it never happens all on one Sunday! This phase provides a valuable opportunity to follow up, encourage, and inspire participation before the official announcement of total commitments raised to date.

During this time, the focus is on ensuring that every household has the opportunity to be part of this shared vision. The Commitment Phase allows for renewed energy, gentle reminders, and visible encouragement throughout the church community.

 

Key Goals and Actions During the Commitment Phase

 

1. Follow-Up with Households

• Conduct personal reminder calls to households that have not yet been heard from.
• Prioritize follow-up with the Church Board, Stewardship Team, Staff, and all households who pledged in 2025.
• Follow-up calls are an opportunity to thank members for their engagement and invite their participation if they have not yet returned a commitment.

 

2. Visible Access to Commitment Forms

• Beginning on Commitment Sunday, place Commitment Forms in the pews or chair racks throughout the sanctuary. Commitment Forms can be made available online or weekly through digital communications.
• Keep Commitment Forms readily available through Celebration Sunday to make it easy for members to participate.

 

3. Weekly Worship Announcements

• Each Sunday leading to Celebration Sunday, make a brief announcement reminding the congregation that we are in the Commitment Phase of the annual stewardship appeal.
• Point out that Commitment Forms are available throughout the sanctuary, can be completed, and placed in the offering during worship.

 

4. Encouragement and Challenge

• Share the congregation-wide goal of [5 – 20] new households making a first-time pledge (pick a number based on the size of your congregation).
• Reinforce the campaign’s heart: “This is not about what the church wants from our members, but what the church wants for our members.”

 

5. Member Testimonies

• Continue inviting members who have made a commitment to share a brief testimony during worship.
• Personal stories help others connect emotionally and spiritually to the church’s mission.

 

6. Campaign Visibility

• Keep all campaign materials—brochures, FAQs, prayer resources, Commitment Forms—visible and accessible on a “Stewardship Center” Table located outside the sanctuary.
• Have a member of the Stewardship Team or Church Board stationed at the table to answer questions and provide guidance. Refresh the display weekly to maintain attention and engagement.

 

7. Be Creative!

• Consider additional ideas to build enthusiasm, such as:

 – Sharing short video testimonies and social media highlights.

 – Including a “Commitment Phase Countdown” in bulletins or on the worship screen.

 – Hosting a “Celebration Sunday Preview” fellowship event to celebrate progress.

 – Sending a mid-phase email or letter from the pastor thanking appeal contributors and encouraging others to join in.

Purpose and Spirit of the Commitment Phase

The Commitment Phase is a time of gratitude, encouragement, and inclusion. It ensures that no one is left out of this defining moment in the life of the church. Every household is invited to prayerfully consider their part in helping your church live into its vision for the next year of ministry—together in faith, generosity, and hope.

John V. Clark, President/Partner
The James Company
Phone: (815) 353-8997
Email: jclark@jamescompany.com