wfn.org | Stewardship issues highlight consultation with African

["Disciples Off. of Communication"<wshuffit@oc.disciples.org>]

American pastors
Date: November 22, 1999
Disciples News Service
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Contact: Clifford L. Willis
E-mail: CWillis@oc.disciples.org
on the Web: http://www.disciples.org

99b-79

  INDIANAPOLIS (DNS)   Stewardship issues in African
American Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) congregations
headed the agenda of a Nov. 15-16 consultation here, sponsored
by the Church Finance Council.

  The meeting was designed to identify and help overcome
barriers between African American congregations and general
church structures, said Lois Artis Murray, CFC president. She
also hoped to spark increased support for Basic Mission Finance,
Reconciliation and Week of Compassion. 

  The 14 clergy present discussed Christian stewardship, which
they defined in part as, a "lifestyle that reflects the love of God in
giving in the areas of time, talent and treasure." Stewardship, the
group, added, "is intentionally prioritizing the covenants of God,
family, church and community."

  The first task toward addressing stewardship issues in
congregations is examining one's own practices, said the Rev.
Alvin O. Jackson, Washington, D.C. The pastor of National City
Christian Church was a co-convenor of the consultation. 

  Jackson identified local church concerns over giving as a
heart problem rather than a money problem. Using a high jumper
as an analogy, he said if we "throw our hearts over the bar all
else will follow. When you give God your whole heart, you'll
give your money too." 

  General Minister and President Richard L. Hamm said that
another problem was the low number of Disciples clergy who
tithe. Stewardship is right at the core of the spiritual disciplines,
he added. "Once you invest your money, your heart follows." 

  Small group discussions over stewardship education, support
for other ministries beyond the congregation, and forging
stronger partnerships rounded out the agenda. 

  Taking part in the consultation were the Revs. LaTaunya
Bynum, Columbus, Ohio; Vivian and Leroy Bryant, Little Rock,
Ark.; Raumone Burton, Flint, Mich.; Kenneth Davis and Eugene
Reynolds, Martinsburg, Va.; William Edwards, Cincinnati; Karey
E.L. Gee, Jacksonville, Fla.; Eva Husser, Goose Creek, S.C.;
Byron Singleton, Houston; Perry Spencer, Los Angeles; and
Raiford Wheeler, East Orange, N.J. 

  Also taking part were the Revs. Robin Hedgeman, Cleveland,
who served as the facilitator, and Samuel Murray, pastor of Faith
United Christian Church, Indianapolis, which was the host
church for the event.

                   - end -