Rev. Lynn Benson – Director of Legacy Giving, UMF
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 6th “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 your 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 average giving in percentage giving churches is 4.6% per capital or three TIMES more than churches who just take offerings or those who 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.
Your Foundation wants to help your congregation with faithful stewardship and that’s why we are offering New Consecration Sunday Guest Leader in-person training May 19th, 10-1:00pm in the Dixon Chapel in the Methodist Building. 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! Did I mention this is FREE? Free is good right? Clergy – bring a layperson with you! Laity – bring your pastor! Just make sure to register anyone coming.
Here’s the link to register to attend (space is LIMITED).
What does faithful stewardship look like?
Here’s how I define it: Handling God’s Blessings, God’s Way, for God’s Glory!
Join us May 19th and let us help you strengthen your stewardship muscles!