wfn.org | Church agencies jointly produce stewardship resource packet

[NewsDesk <NewsDesk@UMCOM.UMC.ORG>]

June 4, 1999 News media contact: Linda Green*(615)742-5470*Nashville, Tenn.
10-71B{317}

NASHVILLE, Tenn.(UMNS) -- Four United Methodist agencies are cooperating in
what might be their first joint project on stewardship: a resource kit
designed to encourage church members to increase their financial support of
the denomination's work.

The "Sharing God's Gifts" project was developed jointly by United Methodist
Communications (UMCom), the churchwide Council on Finance and
Administration, the Board of Discipleship and the Board of Higher Education
and Ministry. It stems from a series of meetings held over the last two
years as part of a larger emphasis called "Promotion of Giving." Laypeople,
clergy and others from all levels of the church came together to develop a
comprehensive message related to financial stewardship.

The effort, launched in May, offers pastors and other local church leaders a
variety of practical tools to interpret the work of the church and improve
financial support of local  ministries. The initial resource kit is being
sent to all 39,061 United Methodist pastors in the United States.

"Clergy and lay leaders have asked for help in telling the stories of the
ways United Methodists are responding and serving in Christ's name and
making a difference in our communities and around the world," said the Rev.
Arvin Luchs, director of UMCom's Division of Promotion, Benevolence and
Interpretation.  

Although United Methodists have faithfully supported the church's work,
giving has not increased as fast as inflation-driven costs, Luchs said. As a
result, he said, "our financial resources have fallen short of our need." 

He described the stewardship project as "a splendid example" of cooperation
among the agencies in listening to members from all levels of the church and
responding in a different way to the critical issue of giving. 

"Many people do not realize that the general church agencies cooperate
regularly to develop programming, training and resources," he noted. "But
this may be the first time this many agencies have combined efforts to
address the issue of stewardship."

The kits are being financed with promotional money set aside from each of
the denomination's eight apportioned funds.

The resources in the package describe the ministry of the congregation in
the categories of nurture, outreach, education and administration, placing
them all in the context of the denomination's biblical and Wesleyan
heritage. The kit's design and message are crafted to help a pastor link the
ministries and budgets of the local congregation with the regional and
worldwide mission of the United Methodist Church. 

What separates the current giving project from other stewardship packages is
its attempt to move away from the "one size fits all" approach and  present
a variety of resources that can be adapted and used in ways that are
appropriate to an individual congregation, Luchs noted. 

"In other words, the effort is a new style of resourcing our connection," he
said. "It's a smorgasbord of ideas, images and  resources to encourage
pastors to take as much as is helpful and adapt them in whatever ways are
effective in their community."

A central element of the resource materials is a new hymn, "All Because of
Jesus." Written by Wayne Tester, in cooperation with MCA Records, the song
witnesses to the power of giving through Jesus Christ. The song is performed
by the Rev. Cynthia Wilson-Felder, minister of music at Ben Hill United
Methodist Church in Atlanta and the music director for the 2000 General
Conference. The hymn is featured in a series of short videos included in
each kit. A full-length compact disc version of the hymn will be available
for purchase soon.  

In addition to the hymn, other materials included in the "Sharing God's
Gifts" kit are leaflets, an overview booklet, pastor's letter, leader's
guide, poster, video, lyric sheets, bulletin, letterhead, pledge card, logo
and offering envelopes.

"We feel we have provided pastors and local church leaders with everything
they need to use this program successfully," Luchs said. The materials may
be used in a variety of settings such as worship, administrative meetings,
Sunday school classes and new member confirmation classes. "Our intent is
that these resources be used throughout the church year so that members hear
the giving message more than once and in more than one setting," he added.

The four churchwide agencies want the campaign to enhance United Methodists'
understanding that God's gift of Jesus Christ is a basis for giving back to
God through the church. 

"We want to help people understand that giving is rooted in God's very
nature, and as we practice the disciplines of giving, we grow in faith and
love for Christ and for our neighbor,"  Luchs said. "That can really change
the attitudes about supporting our mission."

The kit is one element of a multiyear "Promotion of Giving" campaign. Other
emphases include increasing giving in specific annual conferences,
increasing awareness and support of churchwide funds and enhancing
understanding of stewardship among the clergy. 

"The message to all prospective and active clergy is the same: financial
stewardship is vital to discipleship growth, and as each congregation
contributes their fair share, ministry to God's children everywhere can
happen and we will reverse the trend of financial shortfalls," Luchs said. 

The trend may already be turning. United Methodists in the United States
gave over $1 million more to churchwide mission and ministry last year than
in previous years, according to figures released by the denomination's
financial agency.

Receipts for the church's eight apportioned funds -- "askings" paid by
annual conferences, based on a fair-share formula -- rose nearly 1 percent
to a total of almost $105.4 million, contrasted with $104.5 million in 1997.

Church leaders who have not received kits can call UMCom toll-free at (888)
UMC-3242 and ask for item #843694.

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