120-Day Giving Check-Up - Measure Progress, Build Momentum

Most annual ministry funding plans rely on a set-it-and-forget-it strategy, but the key to unlocking sustained generosity lies in intentional reflection and recalibration.

That’s where a 120-day Check-Up comes into play—allowing you to measure progress, overcome challenges, and set the stage for long-term momentum. 

At Horizons, we’ve worked with tens of thousands of churches and faith-based nonprofits for over 30 years to cultivate generosity and achieve measurable ministry impact. What we’ve discovered is simple yet profound: regular assessment empowers transformation. Here’s how church leaders like you can leverage this 120-day milestone to inspire intentional generosity. 

Why a 120-Day Check-Up Matters

A lot can happen in 120 days. Giving trends may shift, new donors may engage, and unforeseen challenges might arise. Without a focused review process, it’s easy to lose momentum or miss critical opportunities. A 120-day check-up isn’t about pointing out failures—it’s about discovering where God’s provisions have taken root and preparing the soil for what’s ahead. Leaders who adopt this periodic review often report insight-driven strategies and adjustments that result in:  

• Higher giving as households take steps along their giving pathway.  
• Increased first-time giving as more households take their first step on your giving pathway.  
• Stronger connections with financial leaders that result in more impact-giving for 
  specific ministry projects.  
• Fewer lapsed givers as the connection is made with discipleship and impact.

Here’s how to ensure your check-up drives progress and builds excitement for the months ahead.

1. PREPARE: Revisit Goals and Gather Data

Reflection requires preparation. Revisit the foundational goals of your Ministry Funding Plan.  

• What are our measurable goals? First-time engagement, household growth, financial goals, etc. 
• Have our ministry priorities shifted? Should we align our giving messages with any new initiatives? 

Once the goals are clear, gather the data you’ll need: 

• Giving totals by age and giving segment/band (stratified by the previous 12 months of giving) 
• Participation rates by demographics and giving channels. 
• Giver behavior (new, recurring, and lapsed givers). 

Bring your Generosity Team together—executive pastors, stewardship leaders, finance committee members—and create an agenda focused on reflection and forward progress. Remember, God calls us to steward both the resources and relationships we’ve been entrusted with. 

Pro Tip: Use dashboards or tools to visualize giving trends so your team can easily identify successes or gaps.

2. Measure Progress and Celebrate Wins

Your next step is to evaluate where you stand compared to your original goals. Here’s what to track:

• Financial Metrics: How does the total received align with your 120-day and annual goals? Are there patterns in giving peaks or dips?
• Giver Engagement: How effectively are you retaining and growing current givers and attracting new ones? What percentage of the church participates in stratified household engagement along your giving path or giving by segment? 
• Generosity Effectiveness: Which efforts (such as text-to-give, events, or emails) drove the most impact? Were there missed opportunities?

Celebration is an essential part of this process. Give thanks for the generosity demonstrated, and don’t forget to acknowledge the hard work that made the ministry's impact possible. Share inspiring stories of how generosity has positively resulted in life changes and ministry goals achieved. For example:

• “Thanks to your generosity, we’ve supported 50 local families through our outreach program!”
• “Your giving enabled us to complete phase one of renovations for the children’s ministry space.”

Encouraging gratitude opens the door for continued generosity.

3. Address Challenges with a Solutions-First Mindset

Every ministry funding plan faces hurdles, and identifying them with honesty is a strength, not a setback. Use this time to pinpoint where adjustments are needed:

• Are giver growth or recurring commitments below expectations?
• Is your communications plan connecting personally with the congregation?
• Have economic conditions or external factors impacted giving preference (like cash vs. digital)?

Seek feedback directly from your congregation. An anonymous survey or casual conversations can uncover barriers like a lack of clarity, time, or emotional connection. Use these insights to redirect your energy toward solutions.

Prayerfully consider this important question: “How can we align our efforts even closer with our mission and God’s will?”

4. Build Energy and Momentum for the Year Ahead

A thoughtful 120-day check-up doesn’t just look backward—it builds a bridge to what’s next. By creating intentional steps, you’ll maintain momentum and inspire continued participation.

Here’s how to move forward:

• Set Mid-Year Priorities: Focus on dormant opportunities, like re-engaging lapsed givers or promoting recurring giving options.
• Equip Your Team: Provide resources and training for generoisty leaders.  
• Enhance Communication: Share results transparently with your congregation through emails, videos, and testimonials to reignite enthusiasm.
• Expand Giving Options: Enhance mobile and digital giving to boost accessibility, making it easy for everyone to participate.

Additionally, consider launching a mid-year giving campaign focused on a tangible mission such as community impact or facility updates. Introduce fresh themes and incorporate calls to action into weekly worship gatherings and events.

Visual reminders also have a significant impact. Use easy-to-understand visuals, such as charts or video updates, to showcase the progress and highlight the transformation that their gifts enable.

5. Close in Reflection and Prayer

Finally, remind your church of the ultimate purpose of giving—it’s not just about meeting budgets; it’s about spiritual growth and impact. Conclude your review process with intentional reflection:

• Celebrate God’s blessings and provisions through prayer.
• Reflect on testimonies of faith and generosity within your congregation.
• Remind members that generosity is both an act of gratitude and an act of worship.

Encourage those you lead to view giving not as an obligation but as an opportunity to engage in something greater—joining God in what God is already doing in your church and community. 

Take the Next Step with Confidence

The 120-day annual giving check-up involves more than just measuring numbers; it focuses on aligning ministry, mission, and generosity with God’s purpose. By identifying what works, addressing challenges directly, and building fresh momentum, you create pathways to achieve goals and inspire a culture of stewardship within your church. 

Are you looking to elevate your annual giving efforts? 

For decades, Horizons has assisted over 10,000 churches and faith-based organizations in cultivating disciples and funding ministry. Contact us today to discover tailored strategies for your church and learn how we can collaborate to achieve next-level generosity and lasting impact. Together, we will transform giving into an act of worship that advances your ministry’s mission. Let’s get started today.