Vital Congregations and Generous Disciples in Difficult Times

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Vital Congregations and Generous Disciples in
Difficult Times

• Tri-State Association David Schoen

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Becoming Vital Congregations and Generous
Disciples in tough times

• Plan for the future! Seize this as the opportune
  time to reposition your congregation for a
  healthy and robust future.  This recession will
  pass.
• What steps can you take now to become the vital
  generous church that Gods calls us to be in the
  future?

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Focus on Identity and Mission

• A congregation's agreement as to who it is and
  why it exists will make tough financial decisions
  more manageable and greater generosity possible.
• Do Not focus on Churchs needs, but on how the
  church meets peoples needs
• Contributions are up for hard time needs
• Tell and Show the Churchs mission
• Create a picture and narrative budget
• Create a video

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Initiate Financial Relief and Wellness Ministries

• Financial Relief and Wellness Ministries
• Financial Discussions and Small Groups
• Local Finance Resources and Speakers
• Faith and Tough Times on www.ucc.org
• http//www.ucc.org/stewardship/faith-and-tough-eco
  nmic-times/
• 360 Degrees of Financial Literacy
• http//www.360financialliteracy.org/
• Employment Networks and Support

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Learn about People and Money

• Understand people and their use of money in
  todays culture
• Consumers/Spenders not Stewards/Givers
• Make the case for contributions
• What does my money purchase
• Learn to Ask for Contributions
• Build relationships with contributors
• Know how and to what people contribute
• Different people require different approaches
• Thank you, thank you, thank you

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Pastor Has Primary Role

• Pastor talks about money and faith
• Jesus talked more about money and possessions
  than He did the Realm of God
• Pastor shares what and why they give
• Pastor knows how much people give
• Giving is a signicant indicator of personal
  concerns and spiritual development

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Recruit Generosity Team in Church

• Bring together a team of generous contributors in
  the church
• Lead annual appeal
• Promote year round discussion and opportunities
• Seasonal/monthly messages and special appeals
• http//www.ucc.org/stewardship/
• End of the year appeal
• Share personal witness
• Participate when appropriate in asking

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Pastors and Leaders Learn about Fundraising and
Stewardship


The Lake Institute on Faith Giving Insights on
Faith Giving Newsletter lfi_at_iupui.edu
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On line and Electronic Giving

• People purchase, give and pay bills on line
• Create Online and Electronic Giving
• Put A Give Button on your church web pages
• Initiate Electronic Contributions
• Vanco UCCStillspeaking Money
• www.Ucc.org/stewardship/still-speaking-money
• American Church, Inc
• www.Americanchurch.com
• Online Giving Workshop Resources
• Creating an Online Fundraising Strategy
• Increased Giving with Online Tools
• www.ucc.org/vitality/web-university/

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Questions

• What are you doing to prepare for the future
  during these difficult times?
• What will you take from this presentation back to
  your church?

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Thank You!

• Thank you for your Vital Leadership
• Thank you for Your Support of Our Churches
  Wider Mission
• Changing Lives Thats Our Churches Wider
  Mission