COMPREHENSIVE STEWARDSHIP A Program of Spiritual Development Comprehensive

COMPREHENSIVE STEWARDSHIP A Program of Spiritual Development

Comprehensive stewardship rests on three distinct yet interdependent parts: Part 1: Part 2: Part 3: Year Round Stewardship Annual Events Periodic Emphases

These three parts comprise a program with great potential for Christians to grow in their relationship with God and neighbors.

The program is a guide with concrete activities designed to develop the Christian as a steward of the manifold gifts of God.

The key is to focus the believer’s attention on God’s resources. They have been generously and freely given. They are to be used to the glory of God and the betterment of the neighbor and creation.

PART ONE: YEAR ROUND STEWARDSHIP The elements of a year round stewardship program include:

A DEDICATED COMMITTEE OR TEAM

COMMUNICATION OF BIBLICAL TEACHING ON STEWARDSHIP Newsletter Bulletin Website Temple Talks Sunday School Curriculum Youth Group

MISSION INTERPRETATION Congregational ministries Synodical ministries Churchwide ministries

NEW MEMBER INTEGRATION Pledge Time/Talents Ministry Orientation Spiritual Gifts Inventory

SELF CARE Exercise programs Family care

CARE OF COMMUNITY Seeing Jesus in the least and responding

Care of Creation recycling litter prevention car pooling

REGULAR REPORTING Quarterly statements of financial giving compared to pledge / estimate Thank you notes

FOLLOW UP Prayer, encouragement and concern for those who are behind or absent.

ELECTRONIC / AUTOMATIC GIVING Alternative and convenient ways to give A card for the offering plate

CHURCH SEASONS EMPHASIS Advent/Christmas food) - gifts to better the lives of others (clothes, Epiphany/Lent - spiritual disciplines (prayer/devotions, Bible, worship, fasting) and the use of time, ministry commitments, visioning Easter/Pentecost and season after Pentecost - mission, ministry, and outreach through the three expressions of the church, care of the environment, financial response, storytelling budget

PART TWO: ANNUAL EVENTS FINANCIAL RESPONSE Many different programs available Typically a six week program in the fall

MINISTRY COMMITMENTS An opportunity to discern involvement in the life of the congregation

STORYTELLING BUDGET Details how the budget connects to mission and vision Mission Support for Synod and Churchwide

VISION FOR MINISTRY What is God’s preferred future for us? Listening for God’s invitation

Earth Day (National Environmental Education Week is April 12 -18, 2009 Be Water Wise!)

National Day of Prayer (May 7, 2009)

PART THREE: PERIODIC EMPHASES MONEY MANAGEMENT Ø ENDOWMENT FUND Ø WILLS AWARENESS Ø PRE RETIREMENT SEMINAR Ø MINISTRY FAIR Ø STEWARDSHIP FAIR Ø HEALTH FAIR Ø GREEN FAIR Ø SPIRITUAL GIFTS INVENTORY Ø