QUESTIONS FOR CLERGY AT NEW APPOINTMENTS                                                (AND THOSE AT CONTINUING APPOINTMENTS)

 

            As I am writing this blog, most United Methodist clergy who received new appointments have preached their first sermon at their new church, and are unpacking boxes, setting up their offices, meeting folks, and attending meetings!

            Now is the time to start learning and asking questions. While some of the questions might seem like “easy” questions, you have a good honeymoon period where you can ask these questions, and no one will think bad things about you.

• ·         How do you “do” the offering during worship?
• ·         How often is generosity usually preached on?
• ·         When do you usually “do” a stewardship campaign? What are they like?
• ·         How do you thank folks when they give and when they pledge?

And ask for a copy of the list of pledgers and givers in your church (with the amounts they give/pledge). I know this is uncomfortable for many, but our Book of Discipline tells us that clergy leading churches need to know this.

 It’s not because you are going to treat the big givers better, but wouldn’t you like to know why they are so generous? What is it about your new church that inspires that generosity?

And here’s something else; if you are in a continuing appointment, answer those bulleted questions above for your church yourself. I also encourage you to work with your leadership and do a generosity “audit”. If you aren’t aware of one, and would like a list of questions to use, please contact me at my information below, and I will send it to you. It can be an eye-opening experience!

If you’re in a continuing appointment, when was the last time you looked at your list of givers/pledgers? Do you know why people give? Do you know what it is about your church that motivates people to give?

Well, do you? Ask and learn! It could change everything.

 

Please feel free to contact me at (315) 427-3668 or susanranous@unyumc.org