Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Sterardship E-News July 08
Stewardship E-News, July 08
Bob Tallent, RGTallent@Comcast.net, 856-778-6117
bobbybaptist.blogspot.com
Sunday Adelaja. [Add-Elijah]
I am always interested in new voices; guys who are “doing it well.” Pastor Sunday is unique. He is a native of Kenya. But he is pastor of the largest church in Europe---the Embassy of God in Kiev, Ukraine. About 6000! In a recent article in Ministry (July, p. 24) He lists several traps for the modern church: Infighting; Egocentric leadership; Egocentric followers; Size focus; and Fragmentary teaching.
He says it is OK to rejoice in God’s blessing but it is childish to be forever comparing ourselves with others. He also says that the antidote for incomplete teaching is having a “Kingdom View.”
On the positive side, he advocates preaching repentance and love. But repentance is to be preached redemptively, revealing a way of escape from sin.
I am just beginning to learn about this guy and this is not intended to be an endorsement but we need to be in tune with every possible wind of the Spirit.
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Good Financial Reports
There is an axiom in stewardship that people support what they are informed about. For some church treasurers, the regular (usually monthly) financial statement is a necessary evil and a routine exercise in drudgery.
Actually it can be a very effective tool for promotion of giving and even celebration. Here are some suggestions:
Ø Make it attractive. Use colored paper and, perhaps colored ink. Even clip-art.
Ø List all categories as “Ministries.” E.g. , The Ministry of Missions, Personnel Ministries, even “Facility Ministries.”
Ø Put Missions at the top of the list.
Ø Include the Pastor’s Social Security supplement if you give him one (and you should!) so that the congregation knows that he has to pay his own Social Security. (That is, don’t just lump it in with his salary.)
Ø Show the amount you spend (or didn’t) on Outreach, Evangelism, Education, Advertising---include everything.
Ø Make sure you language is understandable. Don’t assume that people know what abbreviations mean or who vendors are. Spell out what was purchased.
Ø Show all data; all that came in to the church and to which fund.
Ø Show all accounts: checking, savings, CD’s, any special funds so that the total monies of the church are reported.
Ø The exception to this in some churches is the Deacons’ Fund or Benevolence fund which may be administrated by the Deacons or other confidential agents.
Ø Get the report out in as timely a fashion is possible.
Ø Give the report as wide a circulation as possible. While members may have a special responsibility for approving reports, a good report may actually help a prospect to see the vision of the church and this may draw them into full church membership.
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