Financial Literacy Month
What does faithful stewardship look like?
Here’s how I define it: Handling God’s Blessings – God’s Way – for God’s Glory!
Rev. Lynn Benson
Woo-hoo!!! April is Financial Literacy Month.
Okay … maybe you don’t get as excited as I do about this nationally recognized event, but since 2004 April has been designated as the month to focus on this vital topic. In fact, NC is ranked as the No. 6 “most financially literate” state. Now that’s something to celebrate!
I wonder if that means that churches across our state are also financially literate? What does it mean to be a financially literate church? Would clergy and parishioners define faithful, financial discipleship differently or the same? What does it mean to be a faithful steward, both inside and outside the church walls?
One of the ways we at the Foundation aim to assist churches in becoming faithful stewards of all the resources God has entrusted to our care is through teaching, training, and supporting an EXCELLENT stewardship model, New Consecration Sunday (NCS). NCS is a stewardship program that encourages percentage giving.
National research shows that the average giving in percentage giving churches is 4.6% per capital or three TIMES more than churches that just take offerings or ask for pledges. NCS is a percentage-giving, spiritually based model that promotes the importance of faithful management of all resources…and this model brings transformation.
The average giving in percentage giving churches is 4.6% per capital or three times more than church that just take offerings or ask for pledges.
The United Methodist Foundation wants to help your congregation with faithful stewardship which is why we are offering New Consecration Sunday Guest Leader in-person training Thursday, May 19. Sessions will be from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM in the NC UMCC, Dixon Chapel. During this event, you will hear from laity and clergy who have successfully offered this program in their churches, receive training materials, and enjoy a catered lunch! ALL FOR FREE! Clergy – bring a layperson with you! Laity – bring your pastor! Just make sure to register anyone coming here. Space is Limited
Join us Thursday, May 19, and let us help you strengthen your stewardship muscles!
This article is written by Rev. Lynn Benson, Director of Legacy Giving for the United Methodist Foundation, Inc. If you would like more information regarding UMF, you can contact Lynn at [email protected].