Stewardship co-ordinators can be the foundation on which churches can build their mission.
The aim of having a co-ordinator or Parish Giving Link person in every parish is being promoted by the Christian Giving department as part of a new way of working.
Each colleague would be provided with materials and resources, and will be offered support and training by the PFU. They would not be expected to work alone.
Every co-ordinator or stewardship link will be asked to ensure that church undertakes four key tasks during the year:
-
Write a ‘thank you’ letter to every giver. The letter gives an opportunity of saying where money has been spent and givers are made aware of the church’s mission. (For an example click here. Others can be supplied on request.)
-
Make sure the church has an annual renewal where congregations and the wider church (ie everyone on the electoral roll) are asked to focus on Christian stewardship. It also offers the chance to link mission with money and starts to integrate stewardship into the calendar of the church. (Again all materials are available, plus one-to-one back up from the PFU).
-
Get an article on stewardship published in the church magazine. (Samples are again available).
-
Ensure the Church PCC links mission with finance, so that it is always aware of the need to budget and fully resource its plans.
A number of churches are already doing some of these key tasks, whilst others have been unable to take them on because they have been fearful of the work involved. No longer does that need to be the case.
A few other dioceses have used this method to integrate stewardship more fully into church life over the past few years and it is also being endorsed nationally. This will mean there are further resources available to make the tasks easier.
Presentations to deanery synods, visitations, and PCCs have already been undertaken by the PFU as part of a promotion exercise and many have become involved.
For examples of the resources click here.
Could your church benefit as well? Call Neil Bradley Tel: 01827 704444 Email: bradnsj@aol.com