PUT A SPRING IN YOUR STEP

            As I’m writing this, I can look out my window and see the sun shining. I can even see bare ground (in between piles of plowed up snow), but I also know that starting tonight, a winter storm is going to come through, so it’s not spring…yet!

            Too often, once we’ve gotten past our fall financial campaigns, and Advent and Easter, and breathe a sigh of relief in the new year. We’ve come through it all; everything is fresh and new, and we can ignore talking about money and stewardship for several more months…right?   Wrong!

            We should be talking about stewardship year-round. I’m not saying that we spend every message, every sermon, every prayer and every meeting talking about money or the budget or the needs of the church.

            We know the church has needs, and I’m not saying keep it a secret, but if every time we talk about stewardship, we’re complaining that we don’t have enough to pay our bills, it will become a self-fulfilling prophecy, and people will stop giving less (why try to bail water out of a ship that is full of holes?), and we really won’t have enough to pay our bills. 

            I am aware that people give when there is a need, but is the need REALLY to pay the heating bill, or is the heating bill something that needs to be paid because children are nurtured through Sunday School and learning about Jesus; because disciples of Jesus Christ are made during worship and prayer; because lives are changed because your WHY isn’t to keep a building heated, but to change lives in a b building that has the Holy Spirit alive and well?

            Look at every item on your line-item budget, every bill paid, are they there because of ministry, or are they there to keep a brick-and-mortar building open?

            This is the type to spend this time doing some analysis of:

• ·         Your church’s why - Why do you exist? How are lives changed? How are disciples made? How are leaders cultivated?
• ·         Your church’s assets – People? Building? Money? Land? Gifts and Graces?
• ·         Your church’s employees – Their gifts and graces? Their jobs? The needs of the church’s ministry?
• ·         Your church’s generosity – How often is money talked about? How is generosity encouraged? How do leaders communicate their own generosity?

            I have worked on financial analyses for some churches. It is a fascinating process and so much can be learned by going through some of these topic and questions? If you are interested in more information on this, please contact me at susanranous@unyumc.org. I’d be happy to work with your church on this and send you some questionnaires and information to pull together to make this a fruitful experience.

            This is the opportunity to put some spring in your Spring!

            REMINDER: The Stewardship Academy is being held April 23^rd, May 21^st, June 18^th and July 16^th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. If you are interested in a registration form or information on the academy itself, please let me know (susanranous@unyumc.org)

 

                                           STEWARDSHIP ACADEMY #5

            The Stewardship Academy has been announced, and is being held on the Saturdays of  April 23^rd, May 21^st, June 18^th and July 16^th. At least the first three will be held via Zoom.

            This week I am introducing the fourth session, which will be held on July 16th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Various topics will be covered at this session:

1.    Generosity - Giving is spiritual before it is financial. Any gift is an external sign of inward spiritual growth. Too often we focus on the need of the church to receive, when we should be focused on the need of the giver to give.

2.    Generosity Audit – We usually think about money when we hear the word audit, but a generosity audit is completely different. Rev. Clayton Smith has created the idea of a generosity audit; and we will spend time looking at what this involves and the audit guide that he has created. A generosity audit is a process that can inform your decisions about what ministry initiatives, mission projects, or programs in your church could be continued, improvement, started or discontinued.

3.    Developing Personal and Corporate Theology – Theology of stewardship include the principles of ownership, responsibility, accountability, and reward. But how are these principles embraced by you personally? How do these principles govern the ministry of your church? Acknowledge the source; give as a response to discipleship; educate throughout the year; and make stewardship a ministry.

4.    Climate of Commitment – We talk about discipleship, and this cannot be separated from stewardship. They are intertwined and dependent upon each other. Just as membership isn’t discipleship; giving as a matter of obligation isn’t commitment. Are people in your church experiencing a climate of commitment? What does that look like?

5.    Healthy vs. Not Healthy – Is your church financially healthy? Has it analyzed its financial health and ability? What are the differences between a financially healthy church and a financially sick church? Hint: it isn’t necessarily based on the balance in the church’s checking account.

6.    Stewardship of Self – We won’t be successful in the areas of stewardship and discipleship in the church or the world if we don’t care for ourselves. The notion of self-stewardship is found somewhere between consumption-focused hedonism and deprivation-focused asceticism. The focus is more on being the “better version of one’s self” regardless of one’s circumstances. Being that better version is not only uplifting for ourselves, but it promotes better relationships with others.

7.    Reviewing Projects and Plans – During the course of these four sessions, many topics and ideas will be touched upon. Each attendee must then choose a topic or idea or practice that they will create a project, plan it out and institute it, reporting back as to the results. We will spend time discussing topics and sharing ideas.

            My hope and desire for this first Stewardship Academy is to provide resources that you can use to benefit your local churches and yourselves. While money and finances are certainly part of stewardship, it is not the whole picture. When we can embrace money and the necessity of that, and also embrace the holistic and theological ideas of stewardship, we can come to the realization that God provides everything needed; how we use it is up to us!

            If you want additional information the Stewardship Academy, please feel free to contact me at (315) 427-3668 or susanranous@unyumc.org.

            If you wish to register for the Stewardship Academy:

Stewardship Academy Registration

 

Full Name
Email
Phone Number
Address
Street Address
City/State/Zip
Register
Stewardship Academy (Clergy)	ÿ  (check if appropriate)
Stewardship Academy (Laity)	ÿ  (check if appropriate)
Cost:	$300.00
Check payable to:	“Susan Ranous”
Mail form and payment to:	Rev. Susan Ranous 201 Candee Avenue Syracuse, NY 13224

 

Any questions:  (315) 427-3668            or        susanranous@unyumc.org

 

 

                                          STEWARDSHIP ACADEMY #4

            The Stewardship Academy has been announced, and is being held on Saturdays, April 23^rd, May 21^st, June 18^th and July 16^th. At least the first three will be held via Zoom.

            This week I am introducing the third session, which will be held on June 18^th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Various topics will be covered at this session:

1.    Financial Statements – we will look at the various financial statements that are typically used in churches, learning the basics, how to read them and interpret them. What are the financial statements really telling us. We will also spend time “using” the financial statements that will allow us to do the ministry that we are called to do.

2.    Restricted vs. non-Restricted Assets – There are assets that are given to us by donors, with donor restrictions. There are other assets that have also been restricted but have been restricted by the church, and there are assets that are completely unrestricted. What is your gift acceptance policy and how are we allowed to use these different types of assets?

3.    Audits – Audits increase the financial transparency of the church and is a critical element of financial vitality. They are mandated by The Book of Discipline. They are not a symbol of distrust, but are a mark of responsibility, good stewardship demonstrated for all to see, and is a message to local church donors that you care about their gift. We will look at what is required for an internal church audit by GCFA, and how to approach an audit if you are doing it and also if you are preparing for one.

4.    Narrative Budgets – They are a way of talking about the future needs needed to carry out mission and ministry, and don’t just present a spreadsheet style budget with columns of numbers under different headings, i.e. Property, Personnel, Evangelism, Education. A narrative budget tells a story, which is the congregation’s story of mission and service and how the different components of the budget contribute to that specific community of faith being able to live into its God given vision.

5.    Goals – What are the financial goals of your church? What should be the financial goals? How can you accomplish them?

6.    Financial Analysis – A financial analysis is more than looking at the balance in the checkbook. It also must involve looking at all assets (buildings, land, people, ministries). It involves looking at revenue, expenses, employees, and financial health. Generosity needs to be reviewed, as well as how budgets are done. Discipleship, stewardship, and membership are all important.

            Each week covers many topics. If you are interested in more information or in participating in the Academy, please contact me at susanranous@unyumc.org or (315) 427-3668.

 

                                          STEWARDSHIP ACADEMY #3

            The Stewardship Academy has been announced, and is being held on Saturdays, April 23^rd, May 21^st, June 18^th and July 16^th. At least the first three will be held via Zoom.

            This week I want to introduce the second session, which will be held on May 21^st from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Various topics will be covered at this session:

1.    1.Campaign Types – There are many types of campaigns. There are the campaigns that simply ask for an “upgrade” in giving. There are also the campaigns that approach those that haven’t given before to start giving. Is the campaign done simply during Sunday worship, or is there in-person visitation? Letters? Telephone calls? Emails?

    2.   Essential Parts of ALL Campaigns – Do a good job; have a plan and follow it; it’s all about relationship; have specific requests; visit; talk about the mission of the church; don’t be afraid to ask; and say “thank you”.

 

    3. Year-Round Stewardship – Stewardship should never just happen in the fall. There are letters, information, work that can and should be done throughout the year. We will go through different scenarios and ideas for monthly stewardship work.

4.    Three Types of Giving – Operating, Capital and Planned. Any good stewardship program; any effective financial work done by a church must include all three. What are they, and how are they different?

    5.    Planned Giving – This includes giving through annuities, beneficiary designations, bequests, life insurance, real estate, transfer on death, payable on death arrangements and trusts. It is also referred to as deferred gifts. It can include current giving arrangements that require legal or tax planning. It is often done through wills or trust documents or beneficiary designations.

6.    Planning Commitment – Planning is vital to a good stewardship program, and for the givers as well. It provides tremendous opportunity for Christians to make a powerful witness to their faith and their values, and helps maintain the work of the church and its related institutions. Larger charitable gifts than might otherwise be possible become possible. Permanent living memorials for givers and others are established.

            Each week of the Stewardship Academy will cover many topics. The first week covers stewardship and theology, while this second week talks about campaigns and giving.

            If you are interested in more information or in participating in the Academy, please contact me at susanranous@unyumc.org or (315) 427-3668.

 

                                    STEWARDSHIP ACADEMY #2

            The Stewardship Academy has been announced, both on my blog last week and on the Upper New York Conference website, and in this week’s Conference Digest. It will be held on Saturdays, April 23^rd, May 21^st, June 18^th and July 16^th. At least the first three will be held via Zoom.

            Last week, I talked about some of the resources and books we will be using during the Stewardship Academy. This week I wanted to introduce the first session, which will be held on April 23^rd from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Various topics will be covered at this first session:

1.    Theology of Stewardship/Money/Giving - We must challenge the false connection between money and blessing; stewardship is not Legalism; materialism is the ultimate de-humanizer; and our theology of money impacts the church and impacts our personal stewardship.

2.    United Methodist Stewardship – John Wesley said: "Of the three rules which are laid down ... you may find many that observe the first rule, namely, 'Gain all you can.' You may find a few that observe the second, 'Save all you can.' But, how many have you found that observe the third rule, 'Give all you can'? Have you reason to believe that 500 of these are to be found among 50,000 Methodists? And yet nothing can be more plain than that all who observe the first rules without the third will be twofold more the children of hell than ever they were before."

3.     Economy – Stewardship and money are always affected by the economy, but stewardship and money and church have all definitely changed during the pandemic and the effects of all of that. How do we “do” stewardship in the “new normal”?

 4.    Sins of Stewardship – Here are some of the ways we “mis-use” stewardship: confusing stewardship and finances; begging instead of motivating; lowering the river instead of raising the drawbridge; selling vs. marketing; assuming everyone is alike; not having targets for giving; selling dead horses; protecting the people; talking only about one pocket; and not encouraging people.

 5.    Leadership in the Area of Stewardship – As leaders, we must transform challenges into opportunities; we must take action; and claim the power of our purpose.

6.    Giving in the Local Church – there are three ways of giving in an effective stewardship program of a local church: operating, capital and planned.

            If you are interested in more information or in participating in the Academy, please contact me at susanranous@unyumc.org or (315) 427-3668.

 

 

                               UPCOMING STEWARDSHIP ACADEMY #1

            The Stewardship Academy has been announced, both on my blog last week and on the Upper New York Conference website, and in this week’s Conference Digest. It will be held on Saturdays, April 23^rd, May 21^st, June 18^th and July 16^th. At least the first three will be held via Zoom.

            There are a few books that I am suggesting to participants, which I wanted to talk about here, to encourage folks who are considering participating in the Academy, to consider reading.

 Ministry and Money by Janet T. Jamieson and Philip D. Jamieson. This book is, for me, a great read. The co-authors are husband and wife, with the wife being a Certified Public Accountant and the husband being an ordained elder. The book combines, in a wonderful way, money and faith. It is written to help pastors, in particular, better understand church finances, reports and budgets. All the stuff we don’t learn in seminary

Generosity Rising: Lead a Stewardship Revolution in Your Church by Scott McKenzie. This book is founded on the concept that what we have as a church right now isn’t working, and we have to change everything, essentially a generosity boot camp, forming a team, throwing out old money habits and creating new ones. For this to work, we need: (a) to start with a clear and compelling vision (not a vision statement, but a vision); (b) identify and embrace stories of changed lives; (c) make it easy to give; (d) say thank you; and ( e) embrace and enable leadership.

3.    Don’t Shoot the Horse Until You Know How to Drive the Tractor by Herb Mather. This is the very first stewardship book I ever read (and owned). It holds a special place in my heart. It was the first time, after reading this book, that I sat in a Finance committee meeting and talked about something that might be different from what we’d been doing all along!!

4.    Happy Surprises: Help Others Discover the Joy of Giving by David Heetland. The shares how he experienced the joy of fundraising, encouraging and inspiring others to see fundraising not as a necessary evil, but a joyful opportunity. I learned to always pray and say thank you. It became obvious that every church or organization must have three components in its fundraising: annual, capital and planned giving.

5.    Propel by Clayton L. Smith. This book offers a comprehensive course in church stewardship, giving clear instructions for the organization and implementation of annual campaigns, planned giving programs, memorial gifts, and much more. I have met Rev. Smith and heard him speak on a few occasions and this information comes from a heart for stewardship as well as realistic church work.

            I did book reviews for the books listed at 2 and 4 above. They are available on the Facebook page for Stewardship with Susan Ranous.

            I know not many of us read stewardship books for fun (unlike me), but these books are all excellent sources of information that will help anyone interested in stewardship or involved in church finances, including pastors, to better understand and implement good financial work in the local church.

            Some of what I will be sharing will come from these resources (and many others).

            If you are interested in more information or in participating in the Academy, please contact me at susanranous@unyumc.org or (315) 427-3668.

 

                                 UPCOMING STEWARDSHIP ACADEMY

 

            As some of you know, I am the Director of Stewardship for the Upper New York Conference of the United Methodist Church. As part of that appointment, I have been working on offering a Stewardship Academy. It will be four sessions, three of which will be via Zoom. They will be on Saturdays, starting April 23^rd, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

            Topics covered will include Theology of Stewardship, Generosity Audits, Finance Analysis, Narrative Budgets, and Giving in the Local Church.

            There will be a hands-on project, and is available for CEU for clergy and lay servant credit for laity. There are a number of readings suggested and other resources that we will be using.

            Copies of Power Point slides/outlines will be provided as part of the cost of $300.

            I hope you will consider participating, or letting someone know that you think might benefit.

            This is an opportunity to read and learn about stewardship and all that it entails.

            A brochure is available. At the bottom is a flyer of information.

            If you’re interested in participating, please feel free to email me (susanranous@unyumc.org) or call me (315-427-3668) for more information or to register.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Upper New York Stewardship Academy When 2022:     April 23   May 21   June 18   July 16     10am – 3pm Where Sessions 1-3 via Zoom   If interested, contact Rev. Ranous at susanranous@unyumc.org or (315) 427-3668	For: clergy and laity (those passionate about stewardship) cost $300 per person Why attend? To read and learn about stewardship and all it entails. Topics include Theology of Stewardship, Financial Campaigns, Generosity, Reports and Narrative Budgets Facilitator Rev. Susan Ranous, Director of Christian Stewardship for the Upper New York Conference