Stewardship Kaleidoscope...Why Give to the Church?

Did you know that 50 years ago "church" received 50% of all charitable giving?  The further back you go, the more the church received.  For awhile, we were the only game in town doing charitable work.  Today, the number of non-profits grows every year.  And they have moved our receipts to around 35% in 2010...and they will continue to compete with us.

I have no doubt that God can work through non-profits.  None.  But we must pay attention to why much of our church money has moved to the non-profit sphere.  Why?  Because they ask.  They treat fund-raising like a business.  They have development budgets and are staffed with fund-raising professionals.  They have become expert at saying who they are and what they do--how they change lives.  We, the church of Jesus Christ, tend toward sitting in our pews and thinking that we will get money "because we're the church."  

Clif Christopher (Not Your Parent's Offering Plate) lifted up this perennial problem to this stewardship conference, reminding us (like we didn't know at some level already) that times have changed.  But he also articulated well what we know (but again, need to be reminded) that we, God's church, are very different than any non-profit on the face of the earth.  Sure, sometimes we do some of the same things.  But the purpose of the church of Jesus Christ is unique.  We change lives through and for Jesus Christ.  

We don't ask people for their money to pay the light bill or to pave the parking lot.  We use money that people generously share to change lives.  As we come together to worship and teach and serve together, we park on those parking lots, and we need those lights and air conditioners, but they are the means to an end, not the end itself.

Can your stewardship team have that conversation?  Do they know our purpose?  On top of the fundamental purpose we all share, do they know the specific call to which your church has been gifted and positioned?  

Christopher uses the St. Jude commercials as an example of good communication.  You don't see the salaries of the doctors and nurses or the cost of the equipment, though the healing could not proceed without those things. What you see is their purpose...healed children.

I work with youth at my church, youth who have been nurtured by my congregation, many from birth.  I see how their lives are shaped and changed by the faith nurture they have received.  We have recently had several young families visiting with young children.  I look at those children and can say--children nurtured in the faith in this church will be changed into disciples of Jesus Christ.  We make and keep our baptismal promises.  That's what your money goes for here.  That is what we are called to do.  That is what the Holy Spirit is enabling in this time and place.  Thanks be to God.

Learning from non-profits is a good thing.  It doesn't make us less "Christian."  It makes us more effective disciples.  We are not becoming a "fund-raising" business.  We have already become a people of God--who have been given the distinctive purpose of changing lives for Christ.  Let's speak joyfully about our call.  Amen and Amen!

Stewardship Kaleidoscope...Dollars and Conflict

Wish you were here...especially if you are involved in a leadership position and responsible for interpreting stewardship with and for your congregation.  Next year in St. Louis...start planning now.

The workshop yesterday that I signed up for focused on money and conflict.  (Can you imagine those two things going together?  me either, but just on the off chance they do, I went.)  The fundamental assumption was that we, as human beings, disagree about things.  All kinds of things.  Good things.  Stupid things.  Important things.  Ridiculous things.  Disagreement is etched into our DNA.  I learned in school at some point that the DNA code that makes up all life is expressed in an alphabet of four letters...A, C, T, G.  I think there is an additional code for those humans who have opinions about something...about anything...that adds two additional letters...N, O.  It is an oppositional streak that is stronger than Superman, and we can only recognize it in the "other."  We, of course, don't have that oppositional streak.  Our opinion is right, so our "no" is justified.

Here are three thoughts, probably not new thoughts, but thoughts worth remembering as we, the people of God, live together with our oppositional DNA code.

Conflict is as deeply theologically grounded as anything else we discuss.  Have you read your Bible?  You simply cannot escape conflict.  Adam and Eve in the garden + snack time = conflict.  First offspring, brother + brother = conflict.  It goes from there...Why would we think we can now agree completely on everything?  Our most recent major conflict is simply another in the list.  If and when ordination standards are agreed upon (and I list that one because it is the reason most commonly given this year for refusing to participate together as a presbytery at many levels, from financial giving, pulling out of the denomination, or thinking we cannot work together to change lives for Jesus Christ), if and when we agree on that issue, another will appear.  Always has, always will, as far back as just after in the beginning.

Our workshop leader suggested we need diversity, disagreement with others, to remind us that we just might be wrong.  Isn't that one of the great tenets of our faith, the inevitability of our sin? our wrongness?  Well sure, we say, except on this issue, where we are absolutely right.  Period.  He reminded us that Paul actually used monies given by some of the smaller churches to support the "saints in Jerusalem." (Who were, highly critical of these other churches BTW.  Imagine that campaign.  Choose a church with whom you disagree.  Take a collection and send it to them for their ministry in Jesus' name.  That going to happen?)

The reality is we are all missionally oriented.  Our unity is in Jesus Christ.  God calls us into different congregations, uses our gifts to accomplish different things, to reach different people.   I wish we were more unified in the human sphere.  I do believe that is what God would want.  But I also recognize that we are still in the betweens...waiting for the Kingdom to fully come.  Believe me, I disagree with the theology and philosophy of some churches in our presbytery, and I know they disagree with me.  But I believe with my whole heart that they are called by God, as am I, to do God's work in the here and now. I trust if it is not God's work, God will take care of that.  So conflict is not the end of the world because we are all part of the mission of Jesus.  Our call is not to stop disagreeing.  Our call is to serve and disagree while we are unified in Christ.  That is our hope and our foundation.

Finally, we are called to be pastorally oriented.  Our call is to avoid ostracizing each other.  In first grade, my son would come home from school angry and mean.  He yelled at his family.  He abused his siblings.  He fought anything and anyone who crossed his path.  After several days of this, and a few weekends where he didn't have the problem, I (his somewhat slow mother) figured out there was a problem at school.  And there was.  All the frustration that built all day at school had to go somewhere.  Had I been somewhat more pastorally oriented, I might have understood earlier there was a problem.  But I just thought he was being oppositional.

Don't we do the same with each other?  What are our pastoral issues?  What are our fears?  What are our struggles?  This may or may not bring us to agreement, but we are called to love each other...even our enemies (meaning, biblically, those separate from us, those not like us).

God doesn't give us resources to control each other or punish each other or show each other our great strength or power or control.  God gives us resources to bring the good news of the gospel to our world in all times and places and to all people.  We may not be able to eliminate all our conflict, but we can joyfully live in the unity of the One who shares with us all that we have and all that we are.

One last thought.  We are called to be Presbyterians.  That means we live and serve in an organization who models its life together on unity in Christ.  We certainly aren't perfect.  Our diversity means "we might be wrong."  But we see this ideal set forth before us in the scripture and we make the attempt to live into it.  It's hard.  Mega-churches are often mega-churches because they have the luxury of serving a pretty homogeneous crowd and they don't usually have to share their sandbox with others.  They get to do what they want.  We choose a different way.  We choose a way that requires listening to God, to each other, and most importantly, requires trust that God is at work as we work and serve with those who are "other"--in more ways than we can count, in more ways than we can work out.

The good news is that our oppositional DNA is rewritten by four more letters...YHWH...our Almighty God of love and radical servanthood, revealed to us in Jesus Christ.  Thanks be to God!

Here are some interesting numbers for you.  Add up the amount your church gives in undesignated contribution plus the "per capita" for synod and GA of $7.43.  Divide the total by the number of active members in your congregation.  That is the dollar amount you give per member per year.  

This information was sent to clerks of sessions with the commitment materials and forms.  Questions?  Give me a call...336.847.2280.   

Say Thank You

Asking people to make a commitment to the work of your church's ministry in 2012.  Received a promise? Then do what your momma taught you and say "Thank You!"  Gather a group of folks to hand-write a note.  Use the following as a guide, filling in your congregation's ministries instead of ours. Personalize the notes by writing to people you know and choosing two or three ministries they are connected with.  Believe me, your congregants are receiving thank-yous for every other donation they make.  Let them know they are making a difference to the kingdom of God.

Dear__________________,

·      Thank you for your financial commitment to the mission and ministry of ___ church. 

·      Your gift makes possible our

o  Nurture of children and youth in the faith that nurtured us

o  Support for addiction services in our community

o  Feeding the hungry through Mobile Meals, food pantries, West End ministries

o  Mission trips to partner in service outside our local community

o  Work with sister churches in Salem Presbytery who minister with us in central North Carolina

o  Nurture of discipleship through Bible study and fellowship

o  Support of young families and their children.

o  Support of people traveling through major life transitions.

o  Proclamation of the Word in reformed worship in the High Point community

o  Promise to be a provisional representation of God in our world, living and serving together as Jesus taught.

·      We trust with you, that your commitment to God will strengthen your faith and bring you joy in the coming year.

Signed,

Member                           Pastor

You have committed __________  weekly     monthly. (To be filled in by the financial secretary/treasurer.)

Narrative Budget...

A narrative budget helps people understand and visualize a church's ministry.  It gives them "connection points."  Here is the narrative budget presented at presbytery if you want to cut and copy into a document and them create a narrative budget for your church.

MISSIONAL BUDGET

Salem Presbytery Annual Budget

“Reaching, Growing and Sending Disciples”

            Listening to the churches and leadership from those churches who serve on Salem committees, the Council and staff shares with you this vision for ministry in 2012.  We encourage your participation in the conversation.

Our Plan of Ministry

A.     To REACH out to our community as a visible witness of Jesus Christ

a.     Our current work:

                                               i.     Together we support 2 current new church developments.  One, El Buen Pastor, is the fastest growing church in our presbytery, growing 20% a year.

                                              ii.     Together we support ministry candidates who will fill the pulpits of our churches in the future.  17 candidates and 13 inquirers receive financial support for their studies.  As Salem presbytery, we also provide a portion of their psychological testing expenses.

                                            iii.     Together we provide a facility that supports meetings and activities and a place for staff to meet and work.  Our building is a visible sign to North Carolina of our existence.

                                            iv.     Together we support Campus Ministry salaries, providing a visible connection between our congregations and students.  Many students explore their faith connections during this time, and we witness to the grace we have through Jesus Christ. 

                                              v.     The staff we employ work in Salem churches, central NC and at the regional and national levels to reach out as visible witnesses.

b.     Current budget                                                    @ 245,000 (rounded)

(This total includes a percentage of salaries and other expenses supporting our REACH ministry.)

c.      Our vision for next year includes:

                                               i.     Providing a modest raise (3%) for our staff who have worked diligently for four years with no raises. (This, however, requires no raise in the expense line due to staffing redesign.)

                                              ii.     Providing more scholarship support to our Candidates and Inquirers to meet the requested need.  (Helping our theological students graduate debt-free increases their ability to serve our smaller congregations.) ($35,000)

                                            iii.     Being able to provide support for churches in transition and for the possible exploration and support of Salem churches who recognize the need for a Presbyterian presence in a community and answer God’s call to seed new churches. ($25,000)

                                            iv.     Providing a modest raise (3%) for our staff who have worked diligently for four years with no raises. (@$2000)

d.     The budget with our visioning                        @307,000

B.     To EQUIP and strengthen our congregations and leaders for ministry in the world

a.     Our current work:

                                               i.     Regular meetings for fellowship, support, and training for CLP’s and interims.

                                              ii.     ACTS 16:5 Initiative training and support for transformation and renewal in Salem churches.

                                            iii.     Youth retreats providing leadership opportunities for youth through Presbyterian Youth Connection as well as the retreat opportunity.

                                            iv.     A resource center for churches and their people in partnership with the Moravian Church in Winston-Salem.

                                              v.     Training and support through regular workshops at Presbytery meetings

                                            vi.     Staff support for training and leadership in congregations.

                                           vii.     Training and leadership opportunities for program and support staff and volunteer leaders.

                                         viii.     Working with congregations toward healthy congregational life, believing that healthy congregations are better able to focus on mission and ministry. (This includes COM work.)

                                            ix.     Support for Camp Grier.

                                              x.     Uniquely skilled staff support for African American congregations.

b.     Current budget                                                    @ 348,000

(This total includes a percentage of salaries and other expenses supporting our EQUIP ministry.)

c.      Our vision:

                                               i.     Support of the Equip Associate position as Diana merges her work with the Equip position

                                              ii.     Providing a modest raise (3%) for our staff who have worked diligently for four years with no raises. (@$4000)

                                            iii.     Support for the presbytery part of ACTS Initiative training ($15,000)

d.     The budget with our visioning:                        @ 367,000

C.     To inspire and model local and global mission (SEND):

a.     Our current work together:

                                               i.     Staff and volunteer support of our Mexico mission partnership.

                                              ii.     Participation and leadership in the NC  Council of Churches.

                                            iii.     Provision of uniquely skilled staff support for Hispanic Ministry.

                                            iv.     Provision of travel expenses for the Hunger Action Advocate. 

                                              v.     Prison ministry support (salary)

                                            vi.     Required support of our regional and national mission (@253,000)

b.     Current budget                                                    @308,000

(This total includes a percentage of salaries and other expenses supporting our SEND ministry.)

c.      Our vision is:

                                               i.     Work toward supporting the Hunger Action Advocate’s entire salary from the operating fund so that all donations to hunger funds are used directly to alleviate hunger. (@$15,000)

                                              ii.     Restore our giving to GA Mission to 10% of our operating budget. (a zero line item currently) ($25,000…1/4 of the way there)

                                            iii.     Provide financial support for local church mission. ($10,000)

                                            iv.     Providing a modest raise (3%) for our staff who have worked diligently for four years with no raises. (@$5,000)

d.     Our budget with visioning                                     @363,000

D.    Our support budget for our primary ministries (SUPPORT):

a.     Our current work:

                                               i.     Maintaining office space and supplies for staff and volunteers

                                              ii.     Travel expenses for staff and volunteers

                                            iii.     Support staff salaries

                                            iv.     Council and committee expenses

b.     Current budget                                                @ 359,000

c.      Our vision is:

                                               i.     3% raises for support staff (@7,000)

d.     Our budget with visioning                                    @$366,000

The total budget for our vision of mission and ministry together in 2012 is @ $1,403,000.

Specific Stewardship Materials...

If you are already looking to get down to brass tacks on a stewardship campaign, here are several links that might give you ideas, or from which you might order.

"Saints Alive" materials are produced by the Ecumenical Stewardship center (the PCUSA is a partner in that). They come out with a theme every year. Your church could use it as is, or use it as a jumping off point and tweak it to suit you. It comes with pretty comprehensive theme for every year.  Materials from previous years are available if you like those themes better. The first copy of this year's material is free. I'll have a 2011 book to look at at the presbytery meeting if you want to look at before you order.

http://www.stewardshipresources.org/WebStore/tabid/55/List/1/SortField/0/Default.aspx

The UCC has stuff that your church might can take and use. The downside is that all the purchased options have UCC logos on them...but you might get some ideas (like you might use pics of your own congregations with the "Count yourself Blessed" theme). I find their theology very close to ours.
http://www.ucc.org/stewardship/stewardship-resources/


Slightly less complete for you, but good ideas for themes and an interactive feature that lets people share their ideas is from the Luther Seminary website.
http://www.luthersem.edu/stewardship/database.aspx


GBOD which is the United Methodist site has some stewardship resources. Much of theirs is geared toward the pastor, but snoop away. They link to another site that provides good graphics if any of their themes might connect with what you want to do.
http://www.leway.net/StewProgs.html 

We hope to provide some ideas from the presbytery as well, but it may take some time and if you are ready to start now, perhaps this will be helpful.

Deliberate Choice...

Individualism in America is revered...and non-existant.  Even the agreement that that we are "individualistic" is agreed upon as a value by the entire society.  So, really, as part of being in the world, and especially as part of being called to be different from the world, we need to be aware of our culture to the best of our ability.  That is hard.  There's a great story that illustrates the point...the little fish swam quickly home to his mom to tell her about his adventures that day.  "Mom, I jumped out of the water and you won't believe what I saw...it's beautiful...rocks, trees, birds."  And the mom says, "What do you mean you jumped out of the water?  What's water?"

We think we are making decisions that are well-reasoned and objective, we certainly understand all the influences shaping our thinking.  The reality is, we are constantly shaped by what's happening in our culture, most of which we are unaware of.  So what is happening in our culture relevant to stewardship issues?  According to the author of an interesting historical account of money and American Protestantism:

...American Protestantism has entered an era where--at least at the margin of residential growth--a denoninational family affiliation is perceived as a drag on, rather than a strength for, a local church. (p. 203)

This has happened accidentally.  Wealthy suburbs and extremely low interest rates in the 1990's and 2000's provided for a good bit of new church construction.  People independent of denominational structures were able to move more quickly and be more "specific" in their brand, and for every one mainline church built, several local and entrepreneurial organized churches are established.  That was no one's deliberate decision...just a response to opportunity..and a bit of the down side of working together in an endeavor--it always takes groups longer to move.

The author claims that the fact that the "new" religious outlets are not denominational has a couple of significant impacts.  First, the character of congregational life will be reshaped.  Mainline denominations will lose members, but also, because most of these new churches are independent, fewer people will understand life in church as something that serves beyond itself to a "regional, national, or even international expression."  The second major impact is a reshaping of existing denominational congregations.  If historical patterns hold true (and that is likely), the denominational churches are likely to become less denominational in practice, claiming for themselves a "independent" identity and becoming more critical and less supportive of denominational structures.

Sounds familiar to me.  Does it to you?  Certainly denominational budgets show that trend.  There is no doubt that some denominational structures make us unwieldy as churches trying to respond to immediate need and significant change all around us.  Certainly "reformed and always reforming" is a good thing.  But  I think these patterns raise some significant questions that we need to think about.

1. It is easy for wealthy areas to redefine, reinvent, and support new churches that are not necessarily denominational but support the needs of the community.  But poor people do not start new churches, they join existing ones, if they are able to attend at all.  Does Christianity become a religion of the middle and upper classes?  And the related question, does Christianity become a religion of the suburban, because small churches in rural areas are not likely to have the resources (financial or people) to build large independent churches.
2. Is it a sound understanding of our identity as a people of God to focus our existence and ministry to our local area, assuming that regional, national, or international ministries should be done by others, that ministry should only be local, or that we have nothing to learn from partnering with ministry outside of our local area?
3. Specifically as Presbyterians, what does our connectional system say about us and about who we think God is, should we be aware of that and be able to articulate it, and do we want to live into those understandings or should they change?
4. How deliberate and educated do we want/need to be about what our denomination is (and not just one or two divisive issues, but the whole spectrum of identity) and how to we reform ourselves to keep the best and remove the "unwieldy?"

We are well on our way as a culture to losing denominational identities.  Perhaps that is a good thing.  But perhaps, we should attend to that change in a way that chooses how we redefine ourselves and doesn't let culture choose for us without our knowledge.  We may find beauty and meaning beyond the denominational waters, but we may also find that the waters in which we swim give us life and support in ways that we never imagined because we never became aware until it was too late.