Virginia Episcopalian Magazine Summer 2012 Issue | Page 32

DOV Q&A Diocesan staff provide answers to frequently asked questions about life in the Diocese. FRANCES CALDWELL Q. How does my church build a strong and effective stewardship program? A. 1. Define stewardship and then, use the word correctly.  Stewardship: All we do with all we have all the time – our work, wisdom and wealth - 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Stewardship is NOT the name of an annual campaign to fund the budget. 2.  Recognize the three components of our work in building God’s Kingdom. • Feed ourselves through worship and study – wisdom. • Feed others who are hungry, spiritually and physically – work. • Feed your church institution – wealth. 3.  mprove your communications. Your story is about ministries I that are changing and saving lives, not about the bills and the budget. Look at your publications. •  re your bulletins and newsletters appealing? Is the A content compelling? • Do your articles testify about your ministries? • Do the announcements tell the stories of ministry? •  o they motivate newcomers and current members to D be involved? FILM & VIDEO PRINTS & SLIDES transferred to DVD IMAGES present past & [phone] [email protected] 8mm/Super 8/16mm film Open reel /cassette tape STAY IN TOUCH WITH THE DIOCESE Here are just a few ways to stay up-to-date with the news, perspectives and discussions coming out of the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia. thediocese.net centeraisle.net facebook.com/VirginiaBibleChallenge flickr.com/EpiscopalDioceseofVirginia 30 VIRGINIA EPISCOPALIAN / Summer 2012 • Is your information current? • Are your publications making disciples for the Kingdom? 4.  ersonally invite everyone to take part in a ministry. The more P people involved in ministry the healthier the congregation. Develop relationships with newcomers and the people who sit in your pews every Sunday. 5.  lan a REAL year round stewardship program. P •  inter: During Lent, focus on planned giving by beginning a W process for creating or building an endowment fund. •  pring: Plan a time and talent pledging campaign. S •  ummer: Focus on feeding ourselves and each other through S study, group activities and prayer. •  all: Focus on the ministries funded by your annual giving F campaigns, NOT the line item budget. Tell your donors how their financial gifts are changing lives for both your church family and the community beyond your walls. •  ll Year Long: Tell people how their work, wisdom and wealth A are changing and saving lives.