Archives
|
Unparalleled needs and opportunities are confronting local churches today. The ability of the local congregation to respond constructively is in direct proportion to its available resources. The resources, both individual and financial, depend upon the effectiveness of its stewardship program.
Few congregations have effective year-round programs stewardship education, tithing and planned giving. Most need help. SALT will supply that need.
SALT, through information provided by "Church stewardship & Growthcenter" will meet the needs of your church by bringing you news of what others are doing in the stewardship field, suggestions on new programs, displays, literature and training materials. It will give you and your congregation the satisfaction of more effectively meeting the needs of the work of Jesus Christ.
You can help! Share with others the ideas you have found effective.
Send you ideas to Editor SALT@Neibauer.com. Comments also appreciated.
Walter J. Waddell, III
Church Publishing Manager
|
|
|
How to design your Stewardship Program
First, evaluate four basic methods; Home Visitation, Dedication Sunday, Small Groups, Mail, in the light of:
1. Basic principles of communication, learning and decision making:
Face?to?face communication is ordinarily more effective than paper communication.
Learning depends on interaction ? the greater the interaction between people the greater the learning.
To the extent that a person shares in the decision?making process, he is likely to commit himself to the decision ? whether it is an idea or an action.
Visitors and leaders must be trained to be effective. Begin each training or planning session with prayer.
2. Christian understanding of other Christians:
There is a need to respect the dignity, and freedom of each individual, under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
Sensitivity is needed in order to avoid manipulation and coercive practices.
To place trust in the other person is important to any Christian concern.
3. An evaluation of your church's special needs and circumstances:
In order to help your members make their commitment this year, which of the following emphases do you think most needful: Straight information on the budget? Inspiration of a special kind? Detailed interpretation of your church's program and/or of the mission of the church at large? Examination of Christian responsibility and stewardship? What was the giving level of the church? percentage, number of givers?
What method did you use last year? Or in the last several years? Do you need a new approach? ? a change of pace this year? If in one year you have an intensive stewardship program, you may want to follow with a moderate pattern in the succeeding year. If you have never had a stewardship program, perhaps you should go "all out" this year. Have you tried to educate your congregation? Have you read what others are doing?
Considering the limit of time and available help in your church, which methods can be best implemented?
Is there any problem in your church, which might work against a successful stewardship program this year? What method, or methods, would best help you overcome the undesirable effects, or even help solve the problem?
As you can see, no simple or single method will meet the needs and objectives of every parish every year. Your own best thoughts will be needed to put together a suitable stewardship program. Be sure to consider every method before you make your final decision.
|
|
|
