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The Moravian Covenant Stewardship Series

A Manual to Teach and Foster

Biblical Stewardship A Word of Testimony and Dedication

Biblical stewardship has been an interest of mine for years. As for many people, it began with a realization that I have been given so much, nothing of which had much to do with what I had done or deserved. It just came my way…relationships, interests, talents, stuff…everything. The thought of how God gives in such abundance first came to mind because of my grandparents, people who lived simple and beautiful lives. I remember my grandmother saying to me, “Gary, if I did not have Jesus, I would not have you.” I didn’t understand what she meant at that time, but for some reason God would not allow those words to escape my memory. They now make perfect sense. God is the giver of all that we have. Stewardship is recognizing that all we have is a gift from God, belongs to God and is to be used to serve God and enjoy life. The psalmist writes, “The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world and all those who live in it.” (24:1) As I saw my grandparents live their faith, so I desire to live mine. Their words and their lives have been exemplary, something for me to strive for as a disciple and as one who desires to become a more committed follower of Jesus Christ. In all that they did in response to the grace and generosity of God, my grandparents lived each and every day in the following ways.

1. They wanted to glorify God in their thoughts, words and deeds. In all the ways that could be seen and heard, they wanted to live as Christ would ask and expect of a believer.

2. They wanted to bless the lives of those around them. So often I was the recipient of that spirit of giving. They extended and gave of themselves in ways that would help people to smile and to feel cared for…neighbors…both far and near.

3. They made efforts to strengthen the local church. Through their service and giving, their church was a stronger and more vital presence for Christ within the small town in which they lived.

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So, in memory of my grandparents, Mike and Fannie Bogino, I dedicate this manual. I pray for those who use even a portion of what follows that God may be glorified, that lives may be blessed and that our local churches will be strengthened to do the vital work of ministry. Gary T. Marsh Part One – The Annual Covenant, a Part of Our Rich Tradition

On September 16, 1741, during a Synod of the Moravian Church held in London, Leonard Dober, the first Moravian missionary, was then serving the Unitas Fratrum (early Moravian Church) in the office of Chief Elder. Because of the heavy load demanded of him, Dober declined to continue for another inter-synodal period. The church had rapidly grown under his leadership, but a change was needed as he felt the weight of increased expectations. Essentially, the task of the Chief Elder of the Unitas Fratrum was to lead in all spiritual matters pertaining to the Unity. With deliberation and prayerful focus, the synod considered those who had the necessary qualifications and would serve well. Several people were suggested, but not one received enough votes. It was after several attempts to elect a new Chief Elder that one delegate offered a question. “Would not the Lord our Savior be so gracious as to accept this office?” The idea that Jesus be the “Chief Elder” of the Moravian Church was founded upon the truth of scripture, thus at that Synod of 1741, Jesus Christ was affirmed as the only head of our Church. That decision and remarkable point in our history is celebrated each year within Moravian Churches across the Unity on November 13th. It is a time to remember the role of Christ in our lives and celebrate that truth at His Table. More to the point of what this “Moravian Covenant Stewardship Series” is based upon is the covenant that Moravian clergy share annually on September 16. On or very near that day, clergy who serve within our denomination participate in a unique and meaningful service. No matter if the format is a service of worship, retreat setting or fellowship meal, Moravian clergy are invited to personally examine their ministry and

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relationship to the Church. They are invited to commit to life in Christ and service to His Church. In celebration of the Chief Elder, clergy are asked to grow with intention and focus, serve with excellence and covenant anew for another year. To say the least, that service has meant the world to many who are ordained, for it is on that day that clergy can be very honest with God and one another as they “take a step forward” for another year, to commit to serve in ways that will glorify God, bless lives and strengthen the local church. Clergy are asked to see themselves clearly as followers, leaders, and disciples of Jesus. They are asked to grow and again take very seriously their calling and the importance of the Church. Part Two – A Covenant for All

Membership in the Moravian Church has a sacred meaning. As a person joins, if it be through baptism, confirmation of faith or transfer from another congregation, a person commits to all that the Church stands for and the faith in Jesus that is our sure foundation. The day when a person becomes a formal member of the Church is a day is of great celebration, but so often the enthusiasm that was a part of that day seems to lessen. It may take years, but, for many, commitment fades. It is obvious to us, for the Moravian Church has been in decline for years. Many members who once committed themselves to Christ and the Church have become far less committed. Some have left the church, no longer involved. Those who search for “church” often look elsewhere, to a congregation that is vibrant and alive. To be honest, not always is it a Moravian Church. We tend lose more folk than we bring in. The extent to which this has become true can be seen within our denomination across all of North America. Why is this the case? Perhaps it has to do with the fact that we have not expected enough of what it means to be a member of the Body of Christ. Perhaps we have not nurtured and helped to build people up in their faith. Perhaps it is because we have not asked members to take steps of faith formation and growth. Perhaps it is because we have not reminded them, as clergy are reminded annually, of how important their ministry and participation in the Church is. Perhaps is it because we have not really asked our members to grow as followers and disciples of Jesus Christ. If we do, if we sincerely ask believers and members of our churches to grow as followers and as disciples, I believe that the Moravian Church will be strengthened in ways that will be glorious. If we do, I believe that the

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Moravian Church will see the best years yet to come. If we do, we will most certainly see members of our churches begin to glorify the Lord in every aspect of their lives, bless others and strengthen their Church. This can and will happen if we help people to take steps forward in faith formation, discipleship and commitment. Although clergy have been asked to take such steps each year, few members have been asked or even encouraged to do so. Because of that, many churches are underachieving, many members are stagnant and our witness for Christ is not what, I believe, He expects of us. God’s expectations of believers is the premise of this series. In these pages you will find a program that will invite, encourage and demand that members of the Moravian Church take bold, exciting and possible steps forward…each year…in ways that will cause their lives and the Church to shine for Christ. Part Three – The Heart of Stewardship is Discipleship

Jesus did not say to go into the world and make budgets. Jesus did say to go into the world and make disciples. Every Church needs a discipleship strategy to help grow people into givers and whole-life stewards. In “Stewardship for Your People”, a DVD produced by the Evangelical Covenant Church, we note that a successful stewardship strategy must be based upon the fact that:

God’s grace is the foundation. God’s abundance is the context. God’s economy encourages the discipline of giving.

In his book What’s So Amazing About Grace? Philip Yancey writes, “Grace means there is nothing we can do to make God love us more.” He also writes, “Grace means that there is nothing we can do to make God love us less.” Because we have received so much from God, all free gifts of grace, we are invited to freely give. God’s abundance is clearly seen in the act of creation, that within this marvelous world created and sustained by God there is all that we need for all creation to have enough and for all creation to experience sufficiency. Yet, we live within a culture of scarcity. Although abundance is the reality, we have allowed the scarcity assumption to dominate our thinking in ways

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that cause people to avoid steps of discipleship. Because of a “scarcity mentality” observed even within the Church, we have become a people who selectively obey God and often avoid biblical generosity. This can change as we teach and celebrate God’s grace and abundance that can lead to the disciplines of generous giving. Compare and consider these points of abundance vs. scarcity. What do you see played out most often in the world that you live in, including the church? Abundance Scarcity Hope and promise vs. Fear and anxiety Using resources vs. Hoarding resources Using vs. Complaining Focus on assets vs. Focus on needs Half full vs. Half empty Energizing vs. Debilitating Focused on God vs. Focused on self Encouraging vs. Discouraging Because even people of the Church live lives dominated by scarcity thoughts, lives are often not blessed and the Church is often not strengthened. God’s economy is the key. To believe that the Lord God has created and provided in abundance is the key. To believe that God gave so that we can give is the key. Such belief begins as biblical stewardship is taught. Such belief develops as people of faith are asked to take steps each year to be increasingly committed followers and disciples of Jesus. In “The Personal Life of a Disciple”, the Rev. Kevin Frack writes, “When Moravians describe what it’s like to live as a follower of Jesus, we describe it as a journey. We know where we’re going and whom we are growing to resemble, but we haven’t yet arrived. A poster caption sums up how we view the Christian life: ‘I’m not perfect...but God is not finished with me yet.’ When Paul wrote to the Christians in Philippi he referred to the greatness of knowing Jesus Christ. ‘I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection…I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. One thing I do, forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I

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press on toward the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ.’ (Philippians 3:10-14)” Christ has not finished with any of us, or with His Church. The best is yet to come for us and for the Church. It will demand our best. It will demand our taking seriously what the scripture asks of us. It will take striving and even straining toward what is ahead. It will take all of us. It will take embracing opportunities, intentional opportunities, that help members of our churches grow as disciples. This is the covenant, a part of our rich and valued tradition. This is at the very heart of stewardship success.

Part Four – Discipleship Steps of the Covenant Allow me to begin with a premise and a promise. I believe that if the Moravian churches of North America would take these steps each year and offer members the opportunity and the expectation to take these steps each year, in 5 years our church will be transformed. By that I mean that we will no longer be declining, we will no longer be underachieving and we will have helped to develop a pool of active disciples who, each year, take steps to grow as increasingly committed followers of Jesus. In addition, these steps will lead to congregations that embrace their understanding of mission and purpose, experiencing that they have a “great commission” from the Lord and have been given all of the resources necessary to fulfill that mission and purpose. Days of decline, survival and maintenance will be a distant memory. Days of mission, purpose and vibrant ministry based upon core values of scripture and congregation will be experienced. This is a promise!! So what are these steps to be taken each year as part of an annual covenant? They are: Worship Pray Learn

Claim Serve Earn Give Save Spend

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Brief Definitions Worship - To worship means to be within the household of the faithful on the Sabbath to celebrate our faith as a body of believers. To worship means to be present with others who desire to praise the Lord in song, prayer, and liturgy and to learn of His eternal truth. To worship is not to be done reluctantly or under compulsion, but as a part of one’s desire and decision to grow in faith formation, a part of the discipline to grow as a disciple. Worship is the most important single activity of the local church. For the believer it is vital and expected. Pray - To pray means to be present before God. Prayer can take many forms and can take place at various times and places. It is not limited to but can include praise, thanksgiving, petition, invitation, and confession. To pray is not to be done reluctantly or under compulsion, but as part of one’s desire and decision to grow in faith formation, a part of the discipline to grow as a disciple. Prayer is vital and expected for the local church and for each believer. Learn - To learn means to be present in the Word of God. It means listening, reading, studying, sharing and being challenged by scripture. There are many ways to experience the Bible, from Sunday School to reading the Daily Text Book. To study is not to be done reluctantly or under compulsion, but as a part of one’s desire and decision to grow in faith formation, a part of the discipline to grow as a disciple. Learning of the Bible is vital and expected for the local church and for each believer. Claim - To claim means to embrace the spiritual gifts that God has entrusted to each believer. The scripture teaches that every person who claims Jesus as Lord has also been given specific talents and abilities to be used to bless lives and further the ministry of the church. To claim these gifts means to learn of these gifts, understand these gifts and use these gifts. To claim is not to be done reluctantly or under compulsion, but as part of one’s desire and decision to grow in faith formation, a part of the discipline to grow as a disciple. The biblical claiming of spiritual gifts is vital and expected for the local church and each believer. Serve - To serve means to use our spiritual gifts, abilities, passions and resources to bless the lives of people and to strengthen the local church. I know that I have used those same words often, but it not intended for redundancy. It is because to do such was the very project of Jesus as He blessed people’s lives in remarkable ways and laid the foundation for what the Church would be. Jesus was the perfect servant leader whose “project” was to bless lives and establish the Church. Jesus served to this end so that

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lives would always be blessed and the Church would always be strengthened. To serve is not to be done reluctantly or under compulsion, but as part of one’s desire and decision to grow in faith formation, a part of the discipline to grow as a disciple. Biblical serving is vital and expected for the local church and each believer. Earn - To earn means to use gifts and abilities that can produce needed income. Income allows us to meet our personal and family financial obligations as well as extend generosity. To earn means that no matter what I am employed to do, I will do it with grace, focus and with a desire to do my very best. All work is of value and all work is worthy of hire. To earn is not to be done reluctantly or under compulsion, but as part of one’s desire and decision to grow in faith formation, a part of the discipline to grow as a disciple. Biblical earning is vital and expected for each believer and will bless the local church. Give - To give means that the believer offers a portion of what is earned as a first fruits gift to the Lord. Giving from one’s first fruits means that from what is earned, God receives the first portion. This can be given to the local church as well as agencies and efforts to meet the needs of people, especially those who need food, clothing, shelter, and health care. Biblical giving is to be proportional, a percentage of what is earned with the goal of the tithe. To give is not to be done reluctantly or under compulsion, but as part of one’s desire and decision to grow in faith formation, a part of the discipline to grow as a disciple. Biblical giving is vital and expected for the local church and each believer. Save - To save means that I place to the side a portion of what I have earned for obligations to be met in the near future and goals for the more distant future. Saving can be done in many ways and can include any number of vehicles available at many savings institutions. Saving also creates a surplus, something that few people in our society ever experience. To save is not to be done reluctantly or under compulsion, but as part of one’s desire and decision to grow in faith formation, a part of the discipline to grow as a disciple. Biblical saving is vital and expected for the local church and each believer. Spend - To spend means to do so with discipline and responsibility, never spending more than is earned. To spend means that a person knows clearly the extent to which money can be spent for the obligations of home, family, and needs. Spending must be within the reality of one’s budget, a tool that is biblical and will lead to the responsible and Godly use of money as one earns, gives, saves and spends. To spend less than one earns is not to be done reluctantly or under compulsion, but as part of one’s desire and

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decision to grow in faith formation, a part of the discipline to grow as a disciple. Biblical spending is vital and expected for the local church and each believer. (Appendix F offers a listing of workshops and teaching sessions available from the Director of Stewardship, MCNP that are designed to offer greater detail about these discipleship steps of the covenant and faith formation. The Director is also available to guide your congregation in the process of implementing the strategies that follow.)

Part Five – Putting the Steps into Action…but First I hope that you have read all of the material before Part Five. It is my experience that many church leaders jump to the action steps of a program before they really read and consider the reason behind such steps. It is vital that leaders know what it is they are going to do and even more importantly to know why they are going to implement a tool for ministry growth. So, before reading any further, take some time as leaders to discuss each of the points made in this manual. Answer the following questions. Really dig into them and deeply consider what they mean to you, your life, the life of your fellow members and the vision that you have come to discern that God has for your church.

1. What have you learned from the disciples who have touched your life? Who are they? What did they do as people of faith that you want to do as a person of faith?

2. Have your Pastor share the meaning of September 16 and the value of the annual Cup of Covenant?

3. How do we need to nurture fellow members and help them grow as disciples and committed followers of Jesus Christ? What must we do as leaders to first grow as a disciple and committed follower so that we can better lead in this effort?

4. What is your vision for your congregation 5 years from now? 5. What is “God’s grace”? 6. What is “God’s abundance”? 7. What is “God’s economy”? 8. How do you see, experience and feel abundance vs. scarcity?

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9. What does it mean to you to worship, pray, learn, claim, serve, earn, give, save and spend?

10. Why is each vital and expected of the local church and each member?

Part Six – Putting the Steps into Action…the Seasons of Giving Season One…Steps for Solid Faith Formation It is now time to consider how to present these biblical truths and practical steps that can be taken for faith formation and congregational success in ways that make sense and are possible. Again, let me say that to offer each member the opportunity and expectation to take steps in personal faith formation will produce results that, I believe, our Church needs and the Lord expects. Does it take work? Indeed! Does it demand intentionality? Yes! Will the efforts be easy? Hardly! Will the results be worth the effort? Without a doubt! Let’s go. Let’s continue to take steps (as you have already if you have read this manual and discussed the questions) that will lead to consistent growth for your congregation and your members. The steps of Season One that you will be teaching and inviting believers to take in the coming years are: Worship Pray Learn Claim Serve Why are seasons of remembrance and commitment important? The wisdom of the “Church Fathers” has proven that to celebrate seasons of remembrance is vital for all people of faith. Advent reminds and invites us to again consider Immanuel, God with us. Christmas reminds and invites us to celebrate the miracle and wonder of Lord’s birth. Lent reminds and invites us to be aware of our need for the Savior. Easter reminds and invites us to rejoice in the gift of Christ’s death and resurrection. Pentecost reminds and invites us to celebrate how God empowers us to live our faith each and every day. It would make no sense to skip any of these seasons. Why? We would forget not only their meaning but also what each season calls us to remember

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and live. Reminders and invitations to grow and develop one’s faith and faith practice are vital and expected…for the local church and every believer. A season to take steps for solid faith formation can take place during any portion of the year, but seasons that lend themselves to each of these steps are especially fitting during the days of Lent or Easter. This is true for a few reasons.

1. These days tend to see greater levels of involvement and attendance.

2. These days revolve around a clear understanding of our need for the Savior and what Jesus has done for us. We are called to respond.

3. There are “festal” days within each season that can be used to offer members a chance to respond, commit and covenant.

Creativity is the order of the day as it comes to planning these annual days of teaching and covenant. For the sake of example, I will use the season of Lent to define how these days can be used to invite people to learn of the biblical truths, values and expectations of faith formation in 5 key areas. Please know that Season One can be part of any season that the Boards and Stewardship Committee select. The key is to choose a season or series of weeks when people are more apt to be in attendance. Every Sunday from the second Sunday of Lent through Palm Sunday will present a single topic, a presentation of one area of faith formation. (Appendix A at the end of this manual suggests 5 biblical texts to consider as you present and teach each topic over a 5-year period of time. Again, if you teach, preach and offer an opportunity for every member to covenant with God to take steps in faith formation and what it mean to worship, pray, learn, claim and serve in Season One and to earn, give, save and spend in Season Two, another step covenant taken each year, the lives of believers, the future of the church and impact of Christ within each community will be dynamic and filled with hope and promise. Every year your church and your people will grow!) Select a Leadership Team Vital to the success of any program in the Church is a Leadership Team that will pray, plan, and organize the material and information. These people could be members of the stewardship committee or boards. However, the best teams are usually a special “task force” gathered for this

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specific purpose and season. It will serve under the guidance of the appropriate committees and boards and must include the Pastor at every level of its work. It is the task of the Pastor, as the primary individual who will preach and teach on Sunday mornings, to offer both theological and methodological leadership to all that will be presented. Members of this Leadership Team must be those persons who will understand the importance of faith formation and who have shown their desire to grow as disciples and committed followers of Jesus Christ in each area that will be asked of members. Use Visuals and Drama The Leadership Team will want to ask those members of the congregation with specific artistic gifts to make those talents available for the success of this series. There are many resources that can be purchased from a variety of places, but to have those within the congregation who have a talent use that ability expresses a visible understanding of what it means to offer God what God first gave. A new part of a “collage of creativity” can be presented each week to accentuate the specific focus for the day and to add to the theme of the series. Artistic and creative visuals to consider are:

1. Posters and bulletin boards. 2. Theme logos for newsletter and letter. 3. Design for the “My Personal Covenant with God - Season

One” card to be distributed on Palm Sunday (see detail of the basic design of this card below).

4. Brief drama skits and presentations, each a few minutes in length that are written and presented in ways to bring a smile to the congregation and deeper meaning to the topic.

Publicize the Moravian Covenant Stewardship Series…Season One About five to six weeks before the first Sunday of this series, the

Leadership Team should meet to discuss the detail of the program. The Pastor will have decided upon biblical texts to be the focus for worship planning and will have shared guiding thoughts with other worship leaders such as musicians and directors who also need to plan well in advance.

Another part of planning is to share with the congregation the coming of the “Moravian Covenant Stewardship Series – Season One”. Through newsletter articles over two months, a letter to the congregation written 3

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weeks before the beginning of the series and special announcements made during the worship hour for each of 3 weeks prior to the first Sunday of the series, every member will be invited to attend and prepare to make a covenant promise…a decision to take one step forward in what it will mean to worship, pray, learn, claim and serve. It is also vital that when the series is publicized it is made very clear of the fact that there will be no mention of money during this series. It is often the assumption of many within the local church that “stewardship” means that a person will be asked to part with money. That is not the case at all in this series. Season One will be an opportunity to teach the congregation that stewardship is about much more than money, but more importantly how one chooses to live the life of a disciple using all that God has entrusted to one’s care with understanding, compassion, generosity and obedience. To grow means that I will offer to God what God first gave to me. In Season One we will learn ways that we can offer to God and take steps to grow in our understanding and choice to worship, pray, learn, claim and serve. The First Sunday of Lent – Holy Communion This first day of the sacred and holy season of Lent will offer the third opportunity to publicize the series to begin next week. In addition, it can serve as a more formal part of the entire series as the Pastor clearly defines the love, grace and sacrifice of the Savior, calling upon all believers to consider ways that they will respond to the full meaning of the cross and the Lord’s Table.

The Second Sunday of Lent – Worship A brief definition of worship appears in Part Four. The Leadership Team, as part of its planning, can further and prayerfully discuss worship, what it means and what it wants the members to more fully understand. Worship will be designed and planned to convey the biblical understanding of the topic of “worship”. This will take place in four ways.

1. As a part of the worship experience, a layperson will offer a 3-5 minute personal witness about what worship means to him or her. This will be a time to offer individual testimony, the experience and meaning of worship to that person. It is not a time to challenge members to do more, but a time to touch individual hearts of those who listen, those who will

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be inspired to consider growing in their understanding and practice of worship.

2. The Pastor will present a sermon on the topic and theme of worship. This will not be a personal testimony, although the Pastor may offer a bit of what worship has meant to him or her. It will be a time to lift the biblical theme of worship and its application to people who worship today. The sermon is a “craft” and “skill” that every pastor takes very seriously, thus this manual will not offer a specific sermon to be preached. Rather, as was written earlier, 5 passages specific to the themes of what it means to worship, pray, learn, claim and give appear in Appendix A, passages for consideration as this series is taught each year over the coming five years.

3. A member of the Leadership Team will tell those in attendance that on Palm Sunday, as a part of the celebration and meaning of that day, each member will be invited to complete a “My Personal Covenant with God – Season One” card and indicate that he/she will take a step of faith in worship. It is important for members to know that each covenant is personal and not prescribed. This may mean that the person who worships twice a year will covenant to worship 10 times a year. It may mean that the person who worships 10 times a year will covenant to worship 26 times a year. It may mean that the person who worships frequently throughout the year will covenant to prepare for worship in new and vital ways each Sunday through prayer, silent mediation or reading the assigned texts that the Pastor will be preaching on. Each step is a personal choice evidencing a decision to follow where God will lead that individual.

(Appendix B offers suggested ways for the Pastor and Boards to track and help members of the congregation fulfill a basic covenant and the fair and needed expectations of membership related to worship attendance and financial support.)

4. A brief letter will be mailed to all members on the following

Monday. It will be a review of what those who attended worship experienced and inviting those who were not in

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attendance to consider. The letter will also serve as a tool to inform about the themes for the coming weeks and invite members to attend.

The Third Sunday of Lent – Pray

The Fourth Sunday of Lent – Learn

The Fifth Sunday of Lent – Claim

The Sixth Sunday of Lent – Serve The format for each of these Sunday services of worship will be the same as for the Second Sunday of Lent. For each of the themes, a brief definition appears in Part Four and the Leadership Team is asked to prayerfully discuss the meaning of each theme for themselves and what they want the membership of the congregation to experience and understand. I suggest that the worship service for each Sunday be designed and planned to convey the biblical understanding of the theme for that day. The same four styles of presentation should take place each Sunday and will again include a personal testimony by a layperson, sermon by the Pastor, explanation by a member of the Leadership Team of what will take place on the Sixth Sunday of Lent (Palm Sunday), and a letter to be mailed on the following Monday highlighting the theme of that Sunday and inviting members to attend in the coming weeks. The Sixth Sunday of Lent – A Time to Covenant and Celebrate At the end of this final service in this series there is to be an atmosphere of celebration. Throughout the entire season, the goal has been to have all members participate with their attendance during each of these six Sundays. Each service builds upon the one previous. Members are learning of the vital calling of Christ, that as part of their faith formation intentional steps can be taken in each area of focus. On this final Sunday, after the sermon, a member of the Leadership Team, preferably a layperson, asks the ushers to distribute a card to each person in attendance that day. The card is titled “My Covenant With God – Season One”. The card may be designed using the artistic talents encouraged earlier, but should also include the following:

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My Covenant With God – Season One As a member of this congregation and believer who desires to grow in my faith, I choose to take a step forward in the coming year to become a more committed follower and disciple of Jesus in the ways that I check below: _____Worship _____Pray _____Learn _____Claim _____Serve Name__________________________________

After the cards are distributed, the card is read and briefly explained. During a time of silence or quiet music, members are asked to prayerfully decide which areas they want to take a step forward in faith formation during the coming year. It will be important for the person giving direction to invite people to take steps that are both challenging and yet achievable. As has taken place each week, that person is to help them consider where God is inviting them to grow. The goal is to have people now covenant to take personal and intentional steps of faith formation. After a few minutes, invite those who are able to come forward and place their card on the Communion Table, a covenant of hope and desire for the coming year. When all cards are on the table, the Pastor will pray, asking God to bless these decisions. Following the service, the congregation will gather in a large meeting area such as a fellowship hall for a “Covenant Celebration”. This will simply be a time to share in food, fellowship and celebration of all that has taken place throughout this “Season One - Steps for Solid Faith Formation”. The Leadership Team may plan this celebration or ask others to carry out the detail of this important closing activity. A final mailing will go out on Monday to remind and inform all members about the theme for that Sunday. Also included in this mailing will be a “My Covenant With God –Season One” card for those who have not yet had a chance to commit for the coming year and as a means for those who were in worship to be reminded of their commitment. It can serve as a keepsake and tool to be kept in a place where it can be seen and read frequently.

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The entire congregation has had an important opportunity during this Season One of stewardship education. Again, it is vital that members realize that stewardship is far more than money. The biblical use of money will be covered in Season Two. Personal steps of financial stewardship result best as they follow the primary disciplines of faith formation…to worship, pray, learn, claim and serve.

Season Two – Steps for a Solid Financial Foundation

But First, A Word about Money It is now time to consider how biblical truths can lead to practical steps that can be taken for continued faith formation that include a solid financial foundation. As I wrote before, the Church and its leadership must offer each member the opportunity and expectation to take steps in personal ways that the Church needs and that the Lord expects. Does it take work? Indeed! Does it demand intentionality? Yes! Will the efforts be easy? Hardly! Will the results be worth the effort? Without a doubt. Let’s go. Let’s continue to take steps that will lead to consistent growth for your congregation and for your members. When I assumed the position of Director of Stewardship for the Moravian Church, Northern Province, I also began a relationship with other stewardship professionals through the Ecumenical Stewardship Center. Through this agency I get together with ecumenical stewardship folk several times a year. It is outstanding to be in the company of those who have been around the stewardship block for lots longer than I have. It was at the first of those gatherings that I heard someone say, “Stewardship is about much more than money…but it is about money!” What did he mean by that? As much as we understand the core disciplines of faith formation (worship, pray, learn, claim and serve), people of faith must also decide how to use money as God would ask and direct. This is a tough one because money has a hold on all of us in ways that we

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can’t deny. For most Christians, the biblical use of money is a challenge, a part of life that we would prefer God know little about. Mark Vincent wrote these probing thoughts in his book A Christian View of Money – Celebrating God’s Generosity (Harold Press, 1997, page 9), “Money has a god-like power. I think about it a lot. How and when I might get more of it. What I will do with it once I get it. How much of it I want to share. How much I want to keep for myself. What I would do with it if I suddenly came into a large amount. Money consumes my waking moments and shows up in my dreams. “Even when I do not think about currency, credit cards, checking accounts or investments, I wonder about good prices on automobiles, clothing, and generic medications should one of my children get an ear infection. I try to keep my taxes down, improve energy-saving measures in my home and seek a cost-effective way to travel from point A to point B. In North America, where being a consumer is considered a birthright, money’s hold is so powerful that one-third of all adults say financial worries prevent them from sleeping or relaxing.” In more whys than I want to admit, I am right there. We all are to some extent. Money is a very important part of our faith and faith expression. It is critical that those within the church be given every possible encouragement and tool to live as an increasingly committed follower and disciple of Jesus. Money is a part of that life. How do we live our life of faith and handle money? The answer begins with the fact that the heart of stewardship is discipleship. As I wrote earlier in this manual, the answer is built on the belief that: God’s grace is the foundation. God’s abundance is the context. God’s economy encourages the discipline. I need to give permission of pastors and congregational leaders to do something in your local setting that you may not have done before. We all know that there tend to be three topics that many churches do not want spoken from the pulpit. The topics do not include worship, pray, learn, claim and serve. Those are very easy to preach and teach. The BIG three tend to be sex, politics and money. Yet, we also know that each of those topics needs to be taught and preached within the life of the local church. We are not to invade personal privacy at all, but still, sex and politics and money are part of life and a part of the biblical testimony. The Bible offers

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guiding words about how to best handle life as it relates to sex, politics and money. I will not touch sex and politics. I will leave that writing to another, but I will write about money so that you may better teach, preach and extend to your people what the Bible says. It will be a blessing and will lead to a stronger faith formation and a more sure financial foundation, for the Church and its people. Season Two – When to Offer this Series As I wrote earlier, the time of year that a congregation chooses to implement these covenant seasons is a decision for those who lead. The important thing is to have a “whole-life” stewardship series that helps believers grow as committed followers and disciples of Jesus, a season for faith formation and a season for considering the importance of the biblical use of money. There are many creative ways that these discipleship steps of the covenant can be presented, but the key is to present them. I see these steps as vital for the local church and for each believer. So, if you want to blend these seasons into one, go for it (See Appendix C). If you want to have a series that lasts for two seasons back to back, such as Lent and then Easter, go for it. Again, the key is to allow members to understand these core discipleship steps, decide to use them as tools to grow as disciples and committed followers of Jesus. That is the reason for this manual, to offer a plan that will bless lives and strengthen the church. For the sake of example, I will use the Sundays of October for Season Two. Select a Leadership Team Vital to the success of this series is the Leadership Team that will pray, plan and organize Season Two. It will be selected by and will serve under the guidance of appropriate committees and the boards. The Team will again include the Pastor as he/she gives theological and methodological leadership to all that is presented. Members of the Team must be those persons who understand the importance of faith formation and its relationship to how one uses money. You will want people who are committed, practicing and disciplined in their use of money according to biblical principles.

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Use Visuals and Drama The Leadership Team will again want to ask those with specific gifts to make use of those talents for the success of this series. Money is a more challenging topic than those in Season One. Artistic expression can lead to lots of fun through creativity, and as one talks of money, one certainly wants people to smile!! A new part of an artistic “collage of creativity” can be presented each week to accentuate the specific focus for the day and to add to the theme for the series. Artistic and creative visuals and drama to consider are the same as listed for Season One. Publicize the Moravian Covenant Stewardship Series Early in September, as a part of the publicity surrounding the beginning of new season of church activity now that summer is past, begin also to publicize with excitement the season to consider financial stewardship. Already you may be thinking that to be a “bummer”, but it must be cradled around the fact, even more than belief for many, that we are a blessed people. Each day we have the chance to celebrate the abundance of God. We celebrate as Rally Day kicks off another year of Sunday School, as choirs form with voices in harmony, as numbers swell and the Church begins a series of weeks unlike any other. It is a wonderful time! About five to six weeks before the first Sunday of this series, the Leadership Team should meet to prayerfully discuss the detail of the program. The Pastor will have decided upon the biblical texts to be the focus for worship planning and will have shared guiding thoughts to other worship leaders such as musicians and directors who also need to plan well in advance. Through newsletter articles for September and October, a special letter to the congregation written mid-September and special announcements made 3 weeks prior to the first Sunday of the series, every member will be invited to attend and prepare to make a covenant promise…a decision to take one step forward in what it means to use money as a believer and follower of Jesus. Many church leaders feel that people will avoid church if there is any mention of money. Please allow me to say that our people need to hear money taught from a biblical perspective at least once a year. Why? Because a person can’t travel around any town or city for any portion of one day and not see hundreds of devices that will try to pry money from people and have them use money in very self-centered ways. Money is a gift. Money is an asset, an excellent part of God’s design. But, God also has a prescription as to how money is to be used. If we do not teach the use of

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money well, it will not be used well. People know that because they have seen and experienced it not being used well. We can’t leave the teaching of money to MSNBC, “Money Magazine” and Suzie Orman only. Please, if we teach the biblical use of money and teach it well, people will attend. They need it and they want it!! People and the Church will be blessed. Here are some hard, cold facts about money in North America. In the DVD mentioned earlier produced by the Evangelical Covenant Church is listed a “Financial Audit of Americans”. It states that:

- 8 out of 10 Americans spend more than they make. - In the year 2000, the average person spent $1.17 for every $1.00

earned. - 9 out of 10 people have no consistent savings plan. - 80% owe more than they own. - 7 of 10 people will live in debt and die in debt. - Average consumer debt, excluding car and house, is $9,000. - The average American family owes 15 to 19k on credit for cars. - More than 60% of failed marriages cite money problems as a root

problem of divorce. - 63% of bankruptcies cite credit card abuse as the root cause. - The percent of income that Christians give has been on decline for

the last 26 years. - The percentage of Christians who tithe is less than 5% (17% say

they do). - The average church member gives about 2% of after tax income to

benevolent agencies, the church being one. - 1/3 of churches are severely under-funded. - Typically 1/3 to ½ of church members financially support their

church. - Typically 37% to 50% of adults attending church give $0. - 80% of the money given to church is by members over age 55. - 90% of churches have no stewardship program.

Stewardship is recognizing that all we have is a gift from God, belongs to God and is to be used with compassion, wisdom, understanding and obedience…to bless lives and strengthen the Church.

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The First Sunday of October - Worldwide Communion Sunday - Earn A brief definition of “earn” appears in Part Four. The Leadership Team, as part of its planning, can further and prayerfully discuss what it means to earn and what it wants the members to more fully understand. Worldwide Communion Sunday can be an excellent time to consider the idea of what it means to earn as we also consider that we are at the Lord’s Table with many of the Christians of the world. It can be an annual opportunity for those in worship to understand the fact that 2/3rds of the world’s population lives in poverty. This does not need to promote a “guilt trip”. A reality is that most of the world’s population has very little and that most in North America have so very much. Again, an effort must be made to dismantle the myth of scarcity. I recently heard someone asked the question, “How much is enough?” The person carefully considered his answer. He had a delightful family, a comfortable home, opportunities to travel and vacation, money in the bank and very real hopes of a comfortable retirement. His answer was, “A little more than I have now!” Are we rich? By the world’s standards, we are incredibly rich, but most people do not see themselves as rich. Look at the “Audit of Americans” again. In the pews across America are people who want more, think they need more, misuse money, have no clue how to use it better and biblically, and would love to be able to feel “secure’ in its use at every level. Merchants won’t teach this. Advertisements won’t teach this. Our consumer driven culture won’t teach this. For obvious reasons, most families don’t teach this. Our market based economy tries to teach this, but selectively. The Church must teach this with a desire to help people to live as those who have been blessed to be a blessing to others...even with their money! The worship service will be designed and planned to convey the biblical understanding of the topic “earn”. This will take place in four ways.

1. A layperson will offer a 3-5 minute personal witness about what it means to earn a living, to use one’s skills, abilities and interests to bring needed income into the home. This will not be a time for this person to “preach” how to use that money or how to earn that money, but a witness of what it means to be gifted, trained and able to earn an income.

2. The Pastor will present a sermon on the topic and theme of what it means to earn. This will not be a personal testimony, although the Pastor may refer to ways that he or she has earned over the years. It

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will be a time to lift the biblical understanding of what it means to earn and the scriptural application to life. Appendix One offers a few suggested scripture passages for consideration.

3. A member of the Leadership Team will tell those in attendance that on the final Sunday of this series, as a part of the celebration and meaning of that day, each member will be asked and encouraged to complete a “My Personal Covenant with God – Season Two” card and to indicate that he/she will take a step of faith in what it means to earn. This is a personal covenant, not prescribed. It may mean that a person will strive to see his/her work as a calling from God and a place to give witness to God. It may mean that a person will commit to searching for a new kind of work, one that will be more satisfying and in harmony with that person’s skills, interests and abilities. It may mean that a person will strive to be content with his/her work and level of earning. Each step is a personal choice evidencing a decision to follow where God will lead that individual.

4. A brief letter will be mailed to all members on the following Monday and written as a review of what those who attended worship experienced. It will invite those who were not in attendance to consider these same points. The letter will also serve as a tool to inform about the themes for the coming weeks and invite members to attend.

The Second Sunday of October – Save The Third Sunday of October – Spend The format of each of these Sunday services of worship will be the same as for the first Sunday of October. For each of the themes, a brief definition appears in Part Four. The Leadership Team is asked to prayerfully discuss the meaning of each theme for themselves and what they want the membership of the congregation to experience and understand. The same four styles of presentation should take place each Sunday complimented by artistic creativity as chosen. Again, the thoughtful presentation about the disciplines of saving and spending are of critical importance as they relate to the understanding of biblical stewardship and use of money. The Fourth Sunday of October – Give If one were to list how money should be used after it is earned, the order would be to give, save then spend. In fact, there is a “how to handle money formula” that can be well substantiated in scripture. I believe that a perfect

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“biblical recipe” for sufficiency and the use of money that is earned and received is “10-10-80”. Those simple numbers mean: Give 10% of what is earned to the Lord to support the work of the local church and bless those in need. Save 10% of what is earned for future needs and goals. Spend 80% on one’s regular financial needs and obligations. I want to offer a bit of additional guidance about this fourth Sunday. A biblical understanding of giving and generosity is the goal of this series. At the end of this service members will be invited to covenant with God and the church to be specific about the ways that they will choose to handle money and give to the Lord through the local church. A phrase and an image that appears throughout scripture is “first fruits”. The Interpreter’s Bible Dictionary (Abington Press, 1962, Volume 2) defines “first fruits” in light of the fact that “early Semitic peoples held that, inasmuch as God was the creator of all living things, vegetable, animal and human, they belonged primarily to God, and therefore were endowed with the quality of sanctity and were ‘holy’.” The idea prevailed that one’s sacrifice to God, the giving back to Him of a portion, was to be the first portion and the best portion. This giving of the best and first fruits was further defined as the giving of the first 1/10th of these first fruits, or tithe. The tithe was instituted by God as a means to give of one’s produce and income for the support of a priesthood, religious institution and purposes related to that religious body. Compassion for the poor and destitute is closely connected with what believers do in response to their faith and connection to the religious community. Even though there are discrepancies about the exact meaning of “tithe”, it is consistently connected with giving to God a portion of what God has created and first given. Such contributions are expressions of devotion to God, a means to support the work of the “Church” and a way to create pools of sufficiency for all. Paul writes, “We want you to know, brothers and sisters about the grace of God…in order that there may be a fair balance. As it is written, ‘The one who had much did not have too much, and the one who had little did not have too little’.” (2 Corinthians 8:1-15) Paul further writes, “Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

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And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:7-8) The message seems to be clear throughout the testaments that God is creator and giver. God has created and given in such a way to promote sufficiency for all and for those who have an abundance to give to those who are lacking. Also, God gives that we may give to support the primary institution through which He may be known…the Church. It is through the Church that people come to know God, worship God, commit their lives to God, serve God and help God to be known. The success in all of this has to do with faithful biblical stewardship. To give with the goal of the tithe means that a person of faith trusts that God will supply all that is needed through what is earned. That person will be able to give according to the discipline of the tithe, to save responsibly for future needs and goals and meet the realities of one’s personal needs and obligations. The “first fruit” of that faith is the tithe, committing to the Lord the first 1/10th. Most people do not tithe. Most people do not even give a specific percentage of what they earn to the Lord. Because the Church must depend upon the generous gifts of its members to support and develop its vital ministry, teaching percentage giving with the goal of the tithe is very important. All is based upon the need of the giver to give for his or her spiritual benefit as well as for the benefit of the ministry of the Church and to create pools of resources for those in need. Tithing and percentage giving is not a form of legalism but is a faith commitment for which God has empowered us. People need to know that God has given in such a way to most believers for this to happen, that people can REALLY earn, give with the goal of the tithe, save and spend far less than is made. God has made it possible to financially strengthen the Church, bless the lives of those in need AND maintain a personal spending plan. There is sufficiency! There is enough! God has provided and asks that we trust His plan…10-10-80. At the end of this final service in this series there is to be an atmosphere of celebration, potential and opportunity. Throughout these weeks of October, the goal has been to have as many members as possible be in attendance during worship. Each Sunday builds upon the one previous, and members are learning of the vital calling of Christ, that as a part of their growing faith formation, they can take intentional steps in each area related to managing money.

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On this final Sunday of Season Two, a member of the Leadership Team, preferably a layperson, asks that ushers distribute a card to each person in attendance. The card is titled “My Covenant with God – Season Two”. The card may be designed using the artistic talents encouraged earlier, but should also include the following:

My Covenant with God – Season Two As a member of this congregation and believer who desires to grow in my faith, I covenant to take a step forward in the coming year to become a more committeed follower and disciple of Jesus in the ways that I check below: ______Earn using my abilities and doing my best ______Save a portion of my income ______Spend less that I earn ______Give in ways that will bless lives and strengthen the Church I further covenant with the Lord and this congregation to: _____Be a percentage giver. _____Take a step toward tithing. _____Begin tithing. I will covenant to contribute $_______ weekly/monthly. (circle one) Name/s (please print)____________________ _____________________

After the cards are distributed, the card is read and briefly explained. During a time of silence or quiet music, members are asked to prayerfully decide which areas they want to take a step forward in faith formation and commitment during the coming year. It will be important for the person giving direction to invite people to take steps that are both challenging and yet achievable. As has taken place each week, help them to again consider where God is inviting them to grow. The goal is to have people now covenant to take personal and intentional steps of faith formation and that will lead to a solid financial foundation. After a few minutes, invite those who are able to come forward and place their card on the Communion Table, a covenant of hope and desire for the coming year. When all cards are on the Table, the Pastor will pray, asking God to bless these commitments and decisions.

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After the service, the congregation will gather in a large meeting area such as Fellowship Hall for a “Covenant Celebration”. This will simply be a time to share in food, fellowship and celebration of all that has taken place throughout this “Season Two – Steps for a Solid Financial Foundation”. The Leadership Team may plan this event or ask others to carry out the detail of this important closing activity. It is an excellent idea that a projection of committed and anticipated contributions to the financial ministry needs of the congregation during the coming year be announced at this gathering, comparing that total to the contribution level given and anticipated during the past year. Almost certainly that number will increase by as much as 10-15% because of the teaching that has taken place during this series. A final mailing will go out on Monday to remind and inform all members about the theme for that Sunday. Also included in the mailing will be a “My Covenant with God – Season Two” card for those who have not yet had a chance to commit for the coming year and as a means for those who were in worship to be reminded of their commitment, a keepsake and tool to be kept in a place where it can be seen and read frequently. Although the specific amount to be contributed to the local Church is to be held in confidence, that amount will appear on a confirmation note sent from the financial secretaries confirming both the total amount to be contributed for the coming year by that giving unit and the amount to be contributed weekly or monthly. A quarterly report should be sent to each giving unit during the year to express thanks for their faithful contribution, allow them to check the record of giving, and encourage their continued support. Part Seven – Concluding Words about Covenant, Mission and Purpose As this series is conducted in the local church, believers will have opportunities to take intentional steps in personal faith formation, financial foundation and stewardship education through the covenant, a means to help every member become an increasingly committed follower and disciple of Jesus Christ. Many have, and many will continue to take additional steps throughout the year and in years to come as this program is taught. The results will be rewarding and even amazing as more and more believers and members:

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Worship Pray Learn Claim Serve Earn Give Save Spend A probing question still looms. Why? Why is this effort worth it? What is the real goal in all of this? Is it to go beyond being a church that has been on the decline for too long? Is it to beef up the numbers? Is it to bless lives? Is it to strengthen the Church? Yes to each, but the true reason is far more important. It has to do with what Jesus had in mind, said and did. In Matthew 16:13-18, Jesus made it very clear that the Church would be built upon the foundation of faith as expressed by Peter. That “organization” of people was never to become a club to serve itself. Members are believers whose calling is to become disciples, increasingly committed followers of Jesus and servants in His name. That is how lives are blessed. It would be in that growing faith expression that the world would know that God exists, loves, sustains and gave Himself in the ultimate form of sacrifice, that all people would come to know the gift of everlasting life, abundant life, joy and celebration in Christ. It is to happen through us. We must help to make that happen, thus the call to grow as believers, disciples, followers and whole-life stewards. As committed followers of Christ, our Chief Elder, we are to go forth into all of the world and make disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We are to extend the goodness of Jesus with the hope that all people may come to know Him. This is our calling. This is at the heart of our purpose, our mission and our covenant. It can happen. It must happen. Lives will be blessed and the Church will be strengthened as we take these steps as believers. May the Lord bless you with continued and growing success for the Lord in your ministry.

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Appendix A – The Biblical Foundation This is a list of some passages as they relate to key steps for faith formation and to establish a firm financial foundation. Of course, there are many others. I simply suggest that each of these disciplines be taught annually with intention, clarity and focus, encouraging members to take an annual step in each area, steps that will allow them to become increasingly committed followers and disciples of Jesus. Over 5 years of teaching and prayerful expectation, churches will be transformed as the lives of believers and members grow in the Lord. These are primary passages for your consideration. I generally offer only a verse or two of each passage in this listing as a resource for those planning, teaching and preaching. Read what is written before and after each verse to gain better understanding of the complete text and its context. Select parallel passages for each service to compliment the theme and service of worship being created. Most importantly, have fun as you teach and guide the members of your congregation to understand and live the truths and commands of scripture. All selections are from the New Revised Standard Version.

Worship (2 Kings 17:35-36) “The Lord had made a covenant with them and commanded them, ‘You shall not worship other gods or bow yourselves to them or serve them or sacrifice to them, but you shall worship the Lord, who brought you out of the land of Egypt with great power and with an outstretched arm; you shall bow yourselves to him and to him you shall sacrifice’.” (Psalm 66:4) “All the earth worships you; they sing praises to you, sing praises to your name.” (Matthew 2:11) “On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” (Philippians 2:9-11) “Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Hebrews 10:24-25) “And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and do good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

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Pray (Matthew 6:9-13) “Pray in this way: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give to us our daily bread. And forgive our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not bring us to the time of trial, but rescue us from the evil one.” (Colossians 4:2) “Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18) “Pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Jesus Christ for you.” (Hebrews 4:16) “Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (James 5:16) “Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective.”

Learn (Deuteronomy 6:6-9) “Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart. Recite them to your children and talk about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when your rise. Bind them as a sign on your hand, fix them as an emblem on your forehead, and write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” (Psalm 143:8, 10) “Let me hear of your steadfast love in the morning, for in you I put my trust. Teach me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. Let your good spirit lead me on a level path.” (Proverbs 22:6, 17-19) “Train children in the right way, and when old, they will not stray. Incline your ear and hear my words, and apply your mind to my teaching; for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you, if all of them are ready on your lips. So that your trust may be in the Lord, I have made them known to you today – yes, to you.” (Matthew 5:1f) “When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up to the mountain; and after he came down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them saying…” (Luke 24:27) “Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, Jesus interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures.”

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Claim (Romans 12:5-6) “We, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually are members of one another. We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us.” (1 Corinthians 12: 4-7, 11) “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. All of these are activated by one and the same Spirit, who allots to each one individually just as the Spirit chooses.” (1 Corinthians 12:27-28) “Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers; then deeds of power, then gifts of healing, forms of assistance, forms of leadership, various kinds of tongues.” (1 Corinthians 14:1a) “Pursue love and strive for the spiritual gifts.” (Ephesians 4:11-13) “The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ.”

Serve (Mark 10:43-45) “Whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.” (John 12:26) “Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honor.” (John 13:12-17) “After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned to the table, he said to them, ‘Do you know what I have done for you? You call me teacher and Lord - and you are right, for that is what I am. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you’.” (Philippians 2:5-7) “Let the same mind be in your that was in Christ Jesus, who though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant.) (James 2:14-17) “For what good is it, my brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but do not have works? Can faith save you? If a brother or

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sister is naked and lacks daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, keep warm and eat your fill’, and yet you do not supply their bodily needs, what good is that? So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead.”

Earn (Genesis 2:15) “The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden to till and keep it.” (Exodus 23:12) “Six days you shall do your work, but on the seventh day you shall rest.” (Deuteronomy 8:17-18) “Do not say to yourself, ‘My power and the might of my own hand has gotten me this wealth.’ But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, so that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your ancestors, as he is doing today.” (Colossians 3:23) “Whatever your task, put yourselves into it, as done for the Lord and not for your masters.” (1 Timothy 5:8) “And whoever does not provide for relatives, and especially for family members, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”

Give (Malachi 3:10) “Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in my house, and thus put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, see if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you an overflowing blessing.” (Matthew 10:42) “And whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple – truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward.” (Luke 12:48b) “From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and from the one to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded.” (2 Corinthians 8:1-15) “We want you to know, brothers and sisters, about the grace of God…in order that there may be a fair balance. As it is written, ‘The one who had much did not have too much, and the one who had little did not have too little’.” (2 Corinthians 9:7-8) “Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share in every good work.”

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Save (Proverbs 6:6-11) “Go to the ant you lazybones. Consider its ways and be wise.” (Proverbs 21:20) “Precious treasure remains in the house of the wise, but the fool devours it.” (Ecclesiastes 5:10) “The lover of money will not be satisfied with money; nor the lover of wealth, with gain.” (Matthew 25:23) “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your master.” (Romans 13:8) “Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.” Spend (Deuteronomy 28:47) “Because you did not serve the Lord your God joyfully and with gladness of heart for the abundance of everything, therefore you shall serve your enemies whom the Lord will send against you, in hunger and thirst, in nakedness and lack of everything.” (Psalm 35:27) “Great is the Lord, who delights in the welfare of his servant.” (Luke 12:15) “Take care! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.” (Philippians 4:11b-12) “I have learned to be content with whatever I have. I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need.” (Philippians 12:19-20) “And God will fully satisfy every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.”

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Appendix B – Tracking Worship Attendance and Financial Support Research continually proves that the most healthy, vibrant and growing churches are the ones that “raise the bar” of membership expectation. Churches that are most effective in developing people who are committed followers and disciples of Jesus are also churches that help those same people become active in the life of the congregation. Why is it that many Moravians in leadership find it difficult to hold members accountable to fair expectations? Why do leaders tend to shy away from approaching people to ask more of them? Biblical images abound of Jesus doing just that. Jesus spoke to Peter, John, James and the other disciples of what was expected of them to be the disciples Jesus needed them to be. Jesus spoke with expectant and authoritative words to the scribes, Pharisees, Rich Young Ruler and many others about what being a believer was all about. On many levels, Jesus held people accountable to what it meant to be a believer. I believe that we must do the same. Worship is the single most aspect of the Church. It is through regular and consistent worship that believers begin the process of growing as committed followers and disciples of Jesus Christ. To help members worship on a regular basis, the Pastor and Boards must oversee attendance. The Rev. Darryl Bell teaches a strategy that I have embraced for some time, an intentional plan that will develop the worship patterns of all members, especially those whose worship attendance is beginning to slip. I have come to call that strategy:

“6-3-6-1-2” I will explain. As part of the pastoral care of members, the Board of Elders creates a means to track the attendance of each member. An ideal way to track attendance is to use a “Pew Fellowship Pad” that is kept in the Book of Worship rack in each pew. This traditional pad is distributed to all who attend so that guests may register their attendance and all may indicate their need for a visit or prayer. This “Pew Fellowship Pad” can also be a way to track attendance. If this strategy is adopted, it is important for the members to know that attendance records are being kept as a means to extend excellence in pastoral care. The process described below can be summarized and explained, and in doing so members will be more inspired to participate and sign their name as the pad is passed. At the end of the service, the pad sheet for that day is collected. Early in the week, a volunteer records all information for the Pastor and church

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office, including worship attendance. As it is easy for someone to have been in attendance and not sign the pad, the weekly attendance record is later reviewed to check for accuracy. This check by someone who was in worship and knows members is vital to the success of this plan. Now what is “6-3-6-1-2”? The meaning of “6”. After a member is recorded as having been absent from worship for 6 consecutive weeks, a member of the Board of Elders makes a caring phone call. All Elders are to be trained and practiced to do this. It is not a difficult call, but an effort to extend care and to invite that person to worship the next week. It has been my experience that 6 weeks is a critical point in the life of the person not in attendance. It is long enough that a person does not feel as though he or she is being checked up on. It also serves as a simple way for a person to know that he or she has been missed and is cared for. It is amazing how many people have been absent because of a pastoral concern such as illness or some form of crisis. They are often delighted that the church now knows and cares. It is also amazing how many people who were “just getting a bit lazy” received a word of encouragement that led to them being in church the next week. The meaning of “3”. The same kind of call is extended after a member has not been in attendance for 3 months. This time an Elder or the Pastor makes the call, again asking how that person is and inviting them to be in worship the following week. Again, it is amazing how much people appreciate being cared for and missed. Many respond by attending in a coming week. The meaning of “6”. At 6 months another contact is made. This phone call must be made by a member of the Pastoral staff, asking to visit that person in their home or someplace face to face. 6 months is a stage of inactivity that is now a concern. This is an opportunity to both extend care and a concern about lagging involvement. The Pastor can explain the importance of having every member covenant to be active in the life of the congregation, the most important aspect of involvement being worship attendance, a very fair expectation for all believers. All of this is done in absolute love, but also to clearly convey an understanding of membership, its expectations and the importance of worship attendance. Some would respond to what I propose by suggesting that to reactivate those who are inactive is a waste of time. I would agree that this strategy is not easy and does take time, but I believe that it is vital and a fair

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expectation of leadership. We are called to “make disciples”, and that may mean catching them as they fall away from activity. Scripture supports going after those who have strayed and are even lost, to reach out and gather those who have strayed and invite them back to the family of faith and worship. It is worth the time and it does bear excellent results. If this process is done each year, fewer and fewer members will need to be contacted as regular worship attendance will be the norm and the joy! The meaning of “1” and “2”. After one year of absence, the Pastor makes another visit. It is now up to the inactive member to make a decision to maintain membership and fulfill the basic expectations of membership or to remove one’s name from the role of members. This decision does not need to be made at that moment, but during the coming year. Four contacts have been made. The member now has 12 additional months to make a decision. During that time full communication will continue and the member will be kept aware of what is taking place in the life of the congregation. For the person still not attending, as the 2nd year nears completion, a reminder call is made encouraging that person to again covenant to increased levels of worship. If it is decided that this is not the person’s desire, that person’s name is removed from the membership roles. It is only after at least 5 personal contacts have been made that a letter is written informing the individual about the decision to remove that person’s name from the membership roles. The door is always left open and a warm welcome will always be extended. This strategy is a proven way to create a realistic membership list of those who are active in the life of the congregation, especially worship. Making regular and committed contributions to the financial needs of the congregation is also a fair expectation of all members. Although worship attendance is by far the most crucial aspect of membership, financial support is also an aspect of membership that is vitally important and can be recorded and tracked. It will not be the task of those recording contributions to inform the leadership of the congregation as regularly about members not fulfilling basic financial expectations. Such records should be reviewed at least annually. Sending quarterly financial contribution forms to all members is an excellent means of reminding members of their covenant, commitment and contribution level thus far. It also serves as a way to express thanks and to remind all members about the need for faithful and consistent contributions to be made weekly or monthly throughout the year.

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Members realize that they are expected to support the financial needs of the ministry. Members also realize that it is their offerings that allow the ministry to be financially solvent. It is the responsibility of the Boards and pastoral staff to convey the financial needs to the congregation, giving them opportunities to contribute. If this series is followed, members will certainly learn of “first-fruits” giving. Many will contribute according to that principle. Not all members will. Some may not respond at all. It is the responsibility of the Boards and pastoral staff to make loving and caring contact with any member who is not making financial contributions to the ministry. A visit must be made and fair questions must be asked. Worship is vital, far more than money, but making financial contributions is also vital. Members need to know that. Again, the goal is to have an ever-increasing percentage of members who regularly worship and offer financial support. Appendix C – A Shorter Version of the Seasons Although I recommend having a “Season One” lasting 5 weeks and a “Season Two” lasting 4 weeks, this may not be possible within the reality of your setting. If this is the case, I would urge that you have at least one “season” each year to intentionally teach the principles of biblical stewardship, inviting your people to take steps each year as committed followers and disciples of Jesus as it relates to faith formation and the use of money. For those who need a shorter version, I offer two. The detail for each shorter season of 4-5 weeks can be easily designed from the information in this manual. Specific themes can be one of the following: 1. A Season of Spiritual Growth and Biblical Stewardship

Sunday One – Worship Sunday Two – Learn Sunday Three – Serve Sunday Four – Give

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2. A Season to Develop a “Handful of Habits”

(The idea of “A Handful of Habits” comes from The Promise Church of Lewis Center,OH. Pastor Darryl Bell asks that all who want to join the fellowship of The Promise covenant/commit to growing each year in each of these Handful of Habits.)

Sunday One – Regular Worship Attendance Sunday Two – Participation in Sunday School or a Small Group Sunday Three – Daily Quiet Time with God Sunday Four – Tithing or Intentionally Moving Toward Tithing Sunday Five – Participate in a Personal Ministry Appendix D – Proven Principles of Stewardship Success (These “proven principles” were developed by the Eastern District Stewardship Commission.)

1. Stewardship is a biblical concept that is also a matter of faith and response. The greater one knows of and has experienced the love of God, the greater will be the response as one offers to God his or her gifts of time, energy, talent and financial resources.

2. People give to a cause that will make a significant difference in people’s lives and in the world. People will give more to a cause than they will to simply support an organization. To expect generous support, the organization must know its true mission, vision, purpose and core values. All members know them. The greater the mission, vision, purpose and core values are understood and “owned”, the greater the giving.

3. The practice of Christian stewardship is more than an obligation. It is a privilege. All that we have is a gift from God that God entrusts to our care to use with wisdom, compassion, generosity and obedience. The Moravian Covenant for Christian Living states, “We deem is a sacred responsibility and genuine opportunity to be faithful stewards of all that God has entrusted to us: our time, talent and our financial resources. We view all of life as a sacred trust to be used wisely.”

4. When a person recognizes the countless ways that God blesses lives, that person is naturally drawn to support ministries that bless others.

5. Participation in the Church is vitally important to the life of the Church and the individual person of faith. Church “membership”

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includes an expressed desire and commitment to worship, learn, serve and give throughout the year.

6. The Boards will make an annual review of each member’s participation in the life of the Church. For those less active, caring efforts will be made to help them once again commit to the obligations of membership. For those who choose to be inactive and after several caring efforts are made by meeting with them, their names will be removed from the roles of membership.

7. The Church and its leadership will not focus on the need of the Church to receive but the need for the giver to give to a cause and a purpose that will glorify God, bless lives and strengthen the Church, opportunities that will result in joyful and generous support.

8. The Church will offer each person of faith an annual opportunity to learn of and understand their spiritual gifts, areas of ministry interest and ways to use those gifts and interests within the local ministry of the Church and community.

9. The Church will conduct an annual stewardship program lasting for 4-9 weeks that will teach the importance of faith formation, a bible-based, God-honoring budget and allow each person of faith to make a covenant to the mission and purpose of the Church. Percentage giving with the goal of the tithe will be taught and modeled.

10. Leaders must be willing to ask for what is needed. Communicate the need for the gift, where it will go and how it will be used. People want to know and deserve to know.

11. Fund-raising will not be used to underwrite the annual budget. Opportunities will be given throughout the year for people to support specific benevolent causes beyond the budget that may include the fun, fellowship and benefit of fund-raising.

12. The Pastoral staff will give theological and methodological leadership to teaching, preaching and modeling all areas of biblical stewardship education.

13. Board members will be leaders in these efforts, striving to grow in their understanding and practice of biblical stewardship.

14. The Church will gladly assume and make every effort to make full payment of denominational benevolences and quotas as part of the annual operating budget.

15. Intentional recognition and thanks will be extended for all gifts of time, energy, talent and financial resources that are given throughout the year to support the mission and ministry of the Church.

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Appendix E – The Model Stewardship Church Some congregations will be called by the Lord to develop their stewardship ministries and become a “Model Stewardship Church” for other congregations. The Eastern District Stewardship developed the following. A model church is one that:

1. Has Boards that are committed to the concept of biblical stewardship and will work cooperatively to create an effective stewardship program.

2. Is willing to collectively model positive principles of biblical stewardship.

3. Has an established and funded stewardship committee meeting regularly throughout the year and under the direction of the Joint Board.

4. Is prayerful for needed change and further development as the Spirit of God will reveal.

5. Participates in active Bible study for children, youth and adults. 6. Believes in the concept of tithing and educates its members in this

biblical principle. 7. Establishes an annual stewardship focus comprised of:

a. 4-9 Sunday services of worship developed around specific themes of biblical stewardship.

b. The request of all members to make an annual covenant/faith promise to the Lord to:

i. Worship. ii. Pray.

iii. Learn. iv. Claim. v. Serve.

vi. Earn. vii. Give.

viii. Save. ix. Spend.

8. Works cooperatively with District and Provincial agencies. 9. Provides educational resources for individual members. 10. Provides time and resources for leadership within the congregation to

be available to other congregations in the local region to give witness and teach about concept and values of biblical stewardship.

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11. Will welcome other congregations within the region and District to visit the congregation to see the positive results of successful stewardship programs and ministries.

12. Practices full financial support of District and Provincial ministries, programs and administrative needs.

13. Is a center for study and creative implementation of principles of biblical stewardship.

14. Willing to host events and workshops as they relate to biblical stewardship.

Appendix F – Additional Resources from the Director of Stewardship

1. Regular “Stewardship in Focus” newsletter distributed to all local church leaders 3-4 times each year. This is a tool to coach, inspire and inform leaders about new opportunities within the field of biblical stewardship. Look for these mailings sent to the pastor or ask to be added to the mailing list. 2. Web page updated regularly throughout the year.

www.mcnp.org/stewardship Highlights include:

a. Resources, workshops and leadership retreat themes for all ages. Each of the points within this manual are further developed within a workshop or learning setting. These sessions can be done within the local congregation or region.

b. Links to excellent ecumenical resources and agencies. c. Stewardship quotes and “nuggets” for newsletter, bulletin

and teaching. 3. Set up a visit for consultation or to schedule a workshop/retreat:

Gary T. Marsh 610-867-7566

800-732-0591 gary.marsh@mcnp.org

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