Those present were:  Nancy Cline, Sarah Hunter, Jack Pennington, Alan Simpson, Drema Simpson, Sue Overmiller, Carol Wood, Tim Pyles, Ellen Pyles, Fred Jackson, Doug Bonifacio, Jeremiah Johnson, Karen Johnson, Karen Vaughn, Libby Baker and Linda Chaney.

Not present were:  Sue Pennington, Ella Mae Craven, Patty Johnston, Jeff Simpson and Lisa Simpson

 The evening began with prayer, song, scripture, motivation and communion in The Chapel by Pastors Dan Johnson and Mona Jackson.  Thanks to both of them and to Jim Songer, for participating with the group.

 The group moved to Conference Room A at The Place for the remainder of the evening.

The group quickly reviewed information provided by Linda per her review of four past programs UMT has used for the stewardship campaigns.  Other items in the manuals, but not discussed in depth included an article on apportionments, a “to do” list, misc. suggestions and sayings.  Members are to read over this information prior to our next meeting!

Small breakout groups were set up and four questions were given to all to discuss and share the answers.  Listed below is each question with the total group answers.

#1.  Who has been an example in your life on what true giving is all about?  Why?

Other Christians.  Church leaders.  Jesus.  Parents.  Other family members.

Grandparents--the Depression guided that age group into writing the Church’s check first before any other bills were paid.  They were regular givers and still are to this day.                  

People on fixed incomes. 

Note:  As children, some of us received our own church envelopes and began learning about giving. 

We should be striving towards tithing.

FOCUS:  Explore the mentality of writing the first check to God.

FOCUS:  Explore the biblical foundation of tithing—what is it exactly?

 #2.  What, in your opinion, are the ingredients for a successful stewardship campaign?

Communication

Reach all the families—100% coverage.            Involve all members.

Honesty. Enthusiasm.  Spiritual growth.  Provide a “message package”.

Feeling of commitment.  Emphasize spirituality.  One-on-one home visits.

Keeping the congregation informed—where are we and how are we really doing?

Make our church members feel special.

Empowerment of a large dedicated work force to make the growth happen.  Get more people involved in the process.

 The Act of Giving

Current financial statements are too hard to understand.  Keep it simple.

Make the actual process of giving simple and spiritual at the same time.  We should look more into writing that first check to God versus auto draft versus Internet payments.  Once the true spirit of giving is in place, all else will come easily.

 Disclosing the Stewardship goals

Should we disclose the total dollar amount the Church needs or find other ways such as percentages of pledges received?  (Will discuss this further!)

 We must have credibility with budget and campaign questions and answers.  All of us should be answering the same questions the same way. When different answers are given, gossip begins and the members question the truth.

 #3.  What is your purpose on this committee (why are you here)?

I don’t sense a strong spiritual growth with our Church…and I want to feel it.

To support our Sunday school class and the betterment of the Church.

I know I have talents, I just don’t know what they are so I’m here to learn if this is one of my talents.

Looking for opportunities to extend our selves into more efficient service to the Church.

Help the Church.

Help people realize they own the Church and it’s not up to the staff.

Target the 20-30 year-olds.  Communicate and keep them in the loop.

Fellowship.

Need a Church that is financially sound in order to promote mission projects.

I realize there will be adversity in this project.  Adversity can and does bring people closer. 

#4.  What questions should we anticipate from our congregation in this stewardship campaign?

The Place—the negatives about the building—why did we build it when we couldn’t afford it?  Can’t we do more with the building than just sports-related programs?

What are apportionments?  Why do we need them?  What is in it for me?

Why are you asking for money again?

Where does the money go?

What can my little bit of money do?

How bad is our financial situation?

How can we hire a Youth Leader if we are in negative financial condition?

What are we doing with new members in recruiting them to give?

 Other comments regarding congregational issues:

We need to educate our members on everything we do have—what’s available for them to use.

We need to find out what does each member want or need from the Church?  What would get them more involved? (Needs assessment process!)

What are some of the congregational needs:  worship services, music, sermons, etc.

How can we voice our opinions on social issues such as gun control, resolutions that are being passed, and more?

 The Stewards of Hope need to know and understand 
the big picture in order to answer the questions.