Steward the Gifts of Your Congregation
Ministry thrives when your congregation embraces its role as faithful stewards of God’s gifts. LCEF’s stewardship processes are designed to deepen engagement and cultivate a culture of generosity, helping members live out their calling to serve and support the work God is doing in your congregation. Connect with us today to see the possibilities for your ministry.
Ministry Partnership Journey
This program moves LCMS congregations from transactional giving to Gospel-centered ownership of the ministry’s mission. When congregation members participate as co-owners of the mission, stewardship becomes more meaningful.
Each financial need for your ministry turns into a kingdom opportunity—not just another line item.
How it works
The Ministry Partnership Journey guides your congregation through a strategic series of consultations tailored to your unique ministry context. This focused program equips your people to cultivate a lasting culture of stewardship.
Month 1: Discover
We learn about your current ministry and assess financial patterns.
Month 2: Develop
We help you establish ministry vision and team unity.
Month 3: Engage
We help you develop support throughout your ministry.
Along the way, your congregation will make crucial mindset shifts, including:
Stewardship campaign → Partnership journey
Budget items → Kingdom investments
Volunteers → Ministry partners
Annual event → Lifelong engagement
Grow a culture of stewardship that lasts
When members see their active participation as a direct investment in God’s kingdom, stewardship becomes something to look forward to—not something to dread.
Start your journey towards joyful stewardship today. Contact your District Vice President (DVP) to learn more about the Ministry Partnership Journey.
Ministry Partnership Journey FAQ
How is the Ministry Partnership Journey different from a traditional stewardship campaign?
Traditional campaigns focus on church budget needs and ask people to “pay bills” for the ministry. The Ministry Partnership Journey focuses on ministry vision and invites people to invest in transformation. We help you shift your congregation’s mindset from transactional giving to relational partnership, emphasizing ongoing discipleship rather than annual obligation.
What about very large congregations (300+ members)? Will the Ministry Partnership Journey still work?
We scale the process by working through existing leadership structures and ministry teams. Larger churches may need additional communication strategies and longer timeline for congregation engagement, but the core principles remain the same.
How much increase in giving should we expect after the Ministry Parntership Journey?
Typically, we find that giving changes vary based on church size. Here’s a breakdown of what we’re seeing so far:
- Larger churches (100+): Typically 15-25% increase in annual commitments.
- Smaller churches (40-80): Usually 10-20% increase.
The most important changes, however, involve improved consistency, reduced dependence on major donors and increased participation rates. The cultural transformation often produces ongoing growth beyond the initial process. This growth applies to churches of all sizes.
What if people in our congregation aren’t able to increase their giving in this economy?
The Ministry Partnership Journey process emphasizes ministry participation alongside financial giving. Many families discover they can contribute more through involvement, skills and time. We also help people see that faithful stewardship isn’t always about increasing amounts—it’s about intentional, joyful partnership in ministry.
Will this program work for our small church (under 100 members)?
Absolutely! In fact, smaller congregations often see more dramatic results because personal relationships and individual conversations are already more natural. We adapt all materials and processes to fit your size and culture. Small churches actually have an advantage in this program.
Can this work if we're in financial crisis?
Yes, but with important adaptations. When churches are in crisis, members need hope and vision more than ever. We focus heavily on ministry impact and community connection. However, realistic expectations are crucial; the process may stabilize finances rather than dramatically increase giving initially.
Ready to get started?
Contact your LCEF District Vice President to start your journey towards joyful stewardship today.
Estate Planning Tools
You can make intentional decisions about how you can care for both your loved ones and the ministries you care about. Resources from Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) are available to make your legacy preservation as smooth as possible.
Free Estate Planning Guide
Download your complimentary estate planning guide or request a printed copy by mail. Whether you are beginning or updating your plans, this guide offers faithful guidance for each step. It helps you reflect on the blessings entrusted to you, care for loved ones, and support the ministries and causes that reflect your faith and creates a legacy that honors God for generations to come
Use the form on this page to get started.
Ask the expert: Estate Planning Workshop
Would you like an estate planning workshop at your congregation? Contact Diana Raasch at 314-885-6476 or email diana.raasch@lcef.org.
Shared Interest Program
While many of your members may have investments with LCEF already, providing low cost loans for LCMS workers and ministries, they can enhance their impact by donating their interest earned to the ministry of their choice.
Download your free Estate Planning Guide
Meet the Gift Development Team
Get to know the dedicated team committed to helping you align your generosity with your faith and support ministries that matter to you.
Diana Raasch
Director of Donor Relations and Gift Development
Diana.Raasch@lcef.org
314-885-6476
Consecrated Stewards
This multi-week process guides your congregation through a stewardship journey to giving. It features studies, sermons and promotional materials designed to make implementation of the program as easy as possible for your leaders.
The Process
Basecamp Project Management
Instead of binders, the Consecrated Stewards program “lives” inside of our easy-to-use project management software Basecamp. Each person on the leadership team will have access and be able to use the platform to stay on top of tasks as well as access all the materials at any time on their phones, tablets or computers.
Consecrated Stewards Leadership Team
This team is formed to work with your Consecrated Stewards consultant to bring the congregation through the process. Various positions make up the team, each with clear role descriptions, tasks and examples.
Stewardship Studies
The first nine weeks of the process feature studies that are easily member-led and customized for every age group. Your consultant will work with your leadership team to discover ways to engage each member of your congregation.
Ready to learn more?
Diana Raasch
Director of Donor Relations and Gift Development
Diana is honored to serve the churches, schools and RSOs of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, working alongside partners in ministry for His glory. As a member of First Immanuel Lutheran Church in Cedarburg, Wisconsin, she is happy to share her life and faith with her husband, Randy, who serves as the church’s administrative pastor.
Diana’s educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in business and an MBA from Concordia University Wisconsin (CUW). After spending many years at CUW in Advancement and Alumni & Parent Relations, she joined Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) in 2013, where she continues striving to make a meaningful impact.
Outside of work, Diana enjoys spending time with her family, including her two grown daughters, their husbands and four grandchildren. She loves gardening, cooking and baking and is passionate about supporting ministries in a variety of ways.
Al Koepke
Senior Development Officer
Al and his wife, Joan, have been active members of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Des Peres, Missouri, since moving from Milwaukee in 1993. He earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Concordia University, Nebraska, and a master’s in educational psychology from UW–Milwaukee.
After teaching at Martin Luther High School in Greendale, Wisconsin, Al spent over 30 years in development roles with Concordia University Wisconsin, Lutheran Hour Ministries, Concordia University Nebraska, and Lutheran Senior Services in St. Louis. In 2022, Al joined Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF), where he is privileged to help individuals and congregations turn their generosity into lasting ministry impact.
Al and his wife are blessed to have two children and two grandchildren nearby. When time allows, he enjoys golfing, fishing, and working in the yard. His passion is helping people fulfill their desire to support the ministries they love.
Beth McAnallen
Gift Development Coordinator
Beth is proud to be a member of Resurrection Lutheran Church in Sappington, Missouri. With a rich background in marketing and operations, she spent eight years at DMB&B Advertising Agency in St. Louis collaborating with major clients like Anheuser-Busch and Southwestern Bell Telephone, while facilitating marketing planning between the agency and its clients.
In addition, Beth also served as Director of Operations at Grace Place Wellness for 10 years, contributing to the organization’s success in various donor relations roles. In 2022, she joined Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF), where she continues working to make a positive impact.
Outside of work, Beth enjoys spending time with her husband, Ray, their two grown sons and their significant others and their beloved granddaughter.