I heard it said that
“a ministry only gets one chance to make a good first
impression!” What is
the first (and oftentimes lasting) impression people have of your
ministry? Use the
following checklist with your staff and board to assess your
ministry and determine areas where you need to take steps to
improve.
PHONE
CALLS
q
Pleasant voice answering the telephone.
One ministry has their staff answer the phone, “This is
_____ with __________. How
may I assist you.”
q
Crystal clear recording if an answering machine or
voice mail is used.
q
Knowledgeable staff or information about commonly
asked questions close at hand.
q
Standardized policies so callers do not get
incorrect or conflicting information.
q
Prompt return of phone
calls/messages/correspondence by all staff.
PUBLIC RELATIONS/IMAGE
q
Printed (vs. photocopied) letterhead.
q
Professionally designed logo and stationary.
q
Quality appearance of written communications.
Use of an
easy to read format/design in your publications.
q
Up-to-date and accurate information on all printed
materials.
q
Communication
and/or promotional materials available and/or sent out on
a consistent and timely basis.
q
Understandable sign-up or registration forms that
collect all needed or helpful personal information.
q
Newsworthy newspaper releases (with photos whenever
possible) emailed to local and community newspapers.
q
Actively collecting (and requesting or writing
down) testimonials (you will use in publications) from parents,
grandparents, families, kids, pastors, ministry leaders, etc..
q
Up-to-date slide, video or Power Point presentation
that provides a motivational overview of your vision and ministry.
q
Professional
looking website that is kept up-to-date.
q
Quality 2-4 minute slide or video show that could
be shown during at a church service or program.
OFFICES
q
All offices neat and orderly (minimal clutter) and presentable to
the public. Office furniture in good repair.
q
Office/Guest restrooms CLEAN, orderly and
attractive.
q
Adequate/comfortable seating for guests (vendors,
sales people, appointments, visitors, etc.).
q
All office equipment in good working order.
Discard or donated office equipment, supplies, etc. that you no
longer use.
q
Mailing list actively maintained with updated
information.
q
Easy to understand directional signage to office(s)
and other facilities.
q
Clear maps and directions to locate your ministry,
including parking instructions.
FUNDRAISING
q
Information readily available and actively used
funding programs/opportunities.
q
A board approved12-month fundraising calendar with
realistic goals and tasks.
q
100% financial support by everyone on the board of
directors.
q
Phone, address, fax, email and website addresses
appear on all fundraising appeal response cards.
q
A board-approved list of current
capital/renovation/building projects awaiting funding.
q
Director’s regular contact with the top 12
existing and/or potential major donors.
q
Stock Brokerage account maintained so people can
give you appreciated stocks (then regularly mention this giving
option in your newsletter and funding appeals).
q
Ability for people to donate to you electronically
(through monthly Electronic Fund Transfer programs, internet site,
credit card transactions, etc.).
q
Donor database information regularly recorded,
reported, and analyzed.
q
Board committee and/or board members that take an
active role in the fundraising planning and implementation process.
GROUNDS
q
Directional signs/welcome signs (Outdoor:
coordinated
lettering 8”-18” high – with no peeling paint. Indoor:
3"-5" high).
q
Well-maintained property (flowers, shrubs
aesthetically placed/trimmed, grass cut).
q
Buildings in good repair.
q
Adequate parking space and parking areas in good
repair.
q
Accessibility for disabled.
q
All areas and buildings cleared of debris, garbage,
old equipment/vehicles.
STAFF
q
Servant
spirit.
q
Cheerful and pleasant attitudes.
q
Hardworking.
q
Clean/neat clothing.
q
Name badges and/or name/titles on office doors.
q
Mandated time for a day of rest each week.
q
Active in a local church and/or weekly Bible
study/fellowship group.
Sources:
Adapted from an articles by Brian Kluth, the Journal
of Christian Camping,
the Successful School
Development & Marketing newsletter and personal experiences. Used in Brian
Kluth's book, "Out of the Woods - A Guide to Funding Christian Camps and
Conference Centers".
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Brian Kluth is a national and international speaker and writer
on Biblical generosity and financial matters.
He is also a church pastor and the founder of MAXIMUM Generosity, a public ministry dedicated to advancing Biblical generosity through inspirational preaching, leadership training seminars, writing, resources and the media. Brian’s written materials have been distributed to more than 350,000 Christian leaders in more than 100 countries .For additional materials or to contact Brian, email:
bk@kluth.org or visit:
www.kluth.org
© www.kluth.org.
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