Currently I am working with Christ Our Redeemer in Staunton, Virginia that is only about two years old. At first, the ministry was receiving plenty of financial seeds from other churches, but they have dwindled in the last year.

My pastor has charged me with keeping the churches in our area connected with us so that they will continue to make an investment to help us grow.

Can anyone give me some suggestions? I was thinking about a monthly newsletter...but does anyone have any more creative ideas?

Thanks! Shaunna

-- Anonymous, August 18, 2003

Answers

Shaunna, my church is fairly new also. I have two girlfriends in my conference who also have fairly new churches. We laugh all the time about new churches in other denominations that give money to start new churches. I had a pastor in town who is american baptist who complained because her denomination was only giving her $10,000 to start a new church. Wasn't that awful, how could they make it, I told her we got $500.00 and a prayer. Our churches are still going strong and her folded. Why? They were focused on the money and waiting for the denomination to send them money every month, sometimes they would get it sometimes not. My church has focused on God and the fact that he will provide. He said he wanted a church so he would provide. We have gotten everything we need including brand new hymnals. Our members know we are the only ones to pay the rent, so they tithe generously, being dependant on God has freed us to create new and exciting ministries. We do not say we can't do that because we don't have the money, we start working on the ministry and then the money comes. Your pastor is asking you to do his "Stewardship Campaign" you will do a newsletter, then you will be making a phone call. What I have found helpful as a pastor is to clearly define what the vision of the church is. In my church we feel called to mission. So we are doing global mission work and local mission. This helps us understand what and why we need the money. it is to do God's work.

-- Anonymous, August 19, 2003

Reverend Rogers, the humble one's seem to receive a full measure of spirit. Needless to say, the folks in your congregation have an abundance of blessings of the spirit. Amen.

-- Anonymous, August 19, 2003

Our congregation is small, but mighty. All I can say is be prepared to work! Get totally invovled in the work God has set aside for the church that He started. God is already at work! It really centered us in the beginning and still centers us today. The money will come. Tithing really does help! I know it does! That being said you can not stop what God has started just hang on because He is moving right now. Recieve your blessings as we pray for you. Love one another as brothers and sisters. Study the word and let it lead you and your flock God has given you and stay sensitive. Loving is the key! Be blessed right now.

-- Anonymous, August 20, 2003

The news letter is a great idea. You could also make sure you visit each others congregations on a regular basis (i.e., have service together occasionally, or make sure you invite the other churches to your social events, even if its as simple as dinner). You could even "switch" pastors a couple times a year, maybe even without telling the congregation when:) Just one sunday you show up to church and, surprise surprise.

-- Anonymous, August 25, 2003