Your Money and Your Life

1. INTRODUCTION : key points enthusiastically endorsed by General Synod in July 2009 Good practice for parishes � help to develop strategy and identify prioritiesINTRODUCTION : key points enthusiastically endorsed by General Synod in July 2009 Good practice for parishes � help to develop strategy and identify priorities

2. Your Money and Your Life

3. Relinquishing pride of ownership God is the owner and the giver of all that we have Psalm 24:1 1 Chronicles 29:11,16Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendour; for everything in heaven and earth is yours. All things come from you and of your own do we give you. Tom Hunter � it is not yours. McConville � the existence of the social laws on interest, slaves, loans etc means a willingness not to assert rights � what you have is not yours, it is gift and therefore enjoyment depends on the willingness of heart to relinquish those things, to let go of asserting rights. Tom Hunter � it is not yours. McConville � the existence of the social laws on interest, slaves, loans etc means a willingness not to assert rights � what you have is not yours, it is gift and therefore enjoyment depends on the willingness of heart to relinquish those things, to let go of asserting rights.

4. 100% Stewardship �The earth is the Lord�s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.� Psalm 24:1 We are stewards, and we are accountable for our stewardship. Whole of life � money, but not just money Spending, Saving, Giving

5. The rich ruler Luke 18:18-25 Godly upbringing Practiced tithing Sell your possessions alms to the poor don�t carry baggage He went away sad knowing full well what he was leaving behind Not the only model�

6. Zacchaeus Luke 19:1-10 Sign of salvation hospitality financial integrity generosity Models of living 50% will do! or 100%! or 10% or what? � Paul encourages the Corinthians to give according to what they have.

7. INTRODUCTION : key points enthusiastically endorsed by General Synod in July 2009 Good practice for parishes � help to develop strategy and identify prioritiesINTRODUCTION : key points enthusiastically endorsed by General Synod in July 2009 Good practice for parishes � help to develop strategy and identify priorities

8. Four words underpin the report�. There are four vital concepts underlying this report. - Discipleship � that how we handle money, wealth and possessions is a central part of our discipleship. Billy Graham has described the bank statement as a theological document � that it reveals our priorities and values in life perhaps more clearly than any other thing. - Lifestyle � that generous giving cannot be from that which is spare. King David refuses to give to God a sacrifice that cost nothing. Generosity will have an impact on our lifestyle � in how we decide to allocate our time, our money, our skills and talents. - Mission � that our giving (again of time, money and talents) resources God�s mission in the world. When we give to support our local church, we are also giving to resource Mission and Ministry. But often the connection is not made well and committed regular givers don�t really understand where their giving is going. - Generosity � that generosity is one of the values that should mark us out as Christians � whether the generosity in giving money shown by the widow�s mite, the generosity of the Good Samaritan in engaging with the needs of strangers, or our generosity in time or talents.There are four vital concepts underlying this report. - Discipleship � that how we handle money, wealth and possessions is a central part of our discipleship. Billy Graham has described the bank statement as a theological document � that it reveals our priorities and values in life perhaps more clearly than any other thing. - Lifestyle � that generous giving cannot be from that which is spare. King David refuses to give to God a sacrifice that cost nothing. Generosity will have an impact on our lifestyle � in how we decide to allocate our time, our money, our skills and talents. - Mission � that our giving (again of time, money and talents) resources God�s mission in the world. When we give to support our local church, we are also giving to resource Mission and Ministry. But often the connection is not made well and committed regular givers don�t really understand where their giving is going. - Generosity � that generosity is one of the values that should mark us out as Christians � whether the generosity in giving money shown by the widow�s mite, the generosity of the Good Samaritan in engaging with the needs of strangers, or our generosity in time or talents.

9. We have some deeply ingrained habits! This cartoon speaks of the challenge we face in encouraging generous giving right across the church. Whilst many church members are giving generously, many are not. Very often church members have deeply ingrained habits when it comes to their giving, however much they give � even a number of those who have tithed for a good number of years, giving away a tenth of their income, can be said to have deeply ingrained habits. St Paul tells the Corinthians that God loves a cheerful giver. This cartoon suggests that these givers are not experiencing too much joy or cheerfulness in their giving! One of the aspirations for �Giving for Life� is that it might help givers connect their faith with their giving, and reconnect with joy and cheerfulness in their giving. OPTIONAL SLIDES � if you want to build in some material from the General Synod debate, slides 13,14 and 15 can be inserted here.This cartoon speaks of the challenge we face in encouraging generous giving right across the church. Whilst many church members are giving generously, many are not. Very often church members have deeply ingrained habits when it comes to their giving, however much they give � even a number of those who have tithed for a good number of years, giving away a tenth of their income, can be said to have deeply ingrained habits. St Paul tells the Corinthians that God loves a cheerful giver. This cartoon suggests that these givers are not experiencing too much joy or cheerfulness in their giving! One of the aspirations for �Giving for Life� is that it might help givers connect their faith with their giving, and reconnect with joy and cheerfulness in their giving. OPTIONAL SLIDES � if you want to build in some material from the General Synod debate, slides 13,14 and 15 can be inserted here.

10. God loves a cheerful giver�.. But many church members have lost the joy in their giving, and parishes find it hard work to �raise funds�. St Paul tells the Corinthians that God loves a cheerful giver (2 Cor 9:7), and encourages a �generous gift� rather than one �grudgingly given�. As I travel the country I frequently come across parishes where money is talked about reluctantly, and where stewardship doesn�t mean �how we care for that with which we�ve been entrusted by a generous God�, but stewardship has come to mean giving to the church, on a Sunday to pay the bills because we are a bit short! �Giving for Life� seeks to take a completely new approach. To emphasis this, we�re not even using the word �stewardship� � vital though the underlying concept of us being stewards is! St Paul tells the Corinthians that God loves a cheerful giver (2 Cor 9:7), and encourages a �generous gift� rather than one �grudgingly given�. As I travel the country I frequently come across parishes where money is talked about reluctantly, and where stewardship doesn�t mean �how we care for that with which we�ve been entrusted by a generous God�, but stewardship has come to mean giving to the church, on a Sunday to pay the bills because we are a bit short! �Giving for Life� seeks to take a completely new approach. To emphasis this, we�re not even using the word �stewardship� � vital though the underlying concept of us being stewards is!

11. Resources for parishes�. Parishes receive a pack of resources � containing : a clergy guide to help clergy use the resource effectively within their parish. ten copies of the PCC guide which will help the PCC develop strategy and identify priorities. ten copies of the individual leaflet. This will help the parish identify whether it wishes to use this tool with its wider congregation.Parishes receive a pack of resources � containing : a clergy guide to help clergy use the resource effectively within their parish. ten copies of the PCC guide which will help the PCC develop strategy and identify priorities. ten copies of the individual leaflet. This will help the parish identify whether it wishes to use this tool with its wider congregation.

12. The PCC guide is the key tool�. develop a strategy rather than ad-hoc build momentum within the life-blood of the church identify priorities. The PCC guide is the key tool. In many parishes there is no strategy - we tackle the money issue as and when there isn�t enough of it!! (And sadly, it is often not off the agenda!). This can convey a sense of crisis, and church members may perceive pressure to give. This doesn�t help build the joy and cheerfulness in giving. What�s better is a regular pattern of simple actions, ones that fit with the ebb and flow of church life. The Giving for Life parish guide seeks to help PCCs develop a rhythm to handling giving by incorporating it into the pattern of church life, and in so doing establish some momentum. As a part of this, the PCC will need to establish some priorities � not every parish can do everything, but there is something for every parish.The PCC guide is the key tool. In many parishes there is no strategy - we tackle the money issue as and when there isn�t enough of it!! (And sadly, it is often not off the agenda!). This can convey a sense of crisis, and church members may perceive pressure to give. This doesn�t help build the joy and cheerfulness in giving. What�s better is a regular pattern of simple actions, ones that fit with the ebb and flow of church life. The Giving for Life parish guide seeks to help PCCs develop a rhythm to handling giving by incorporating it into the pattern of church life, and in so doing establish some momentum. As a part of this, the PCC will need to establish some priorities � not every parish can do everything, but there is something for every parish.

13. Pointers to Action helps build strategy�. The first way that Giving for Life supports parishes is the simple �Pointers to Action� tool on pages 7 and 8, which PCCs can use to assess strategy. Its recommended that PCC members first complete this individually, and then the scores are assessed. This allows people to express a diversity of opinion, rather than feeling they ought to agree with the first person to speak. People can quite legitimately have different views on these pointers, and understanding this diversity can lead to stronger action. The first way that Giving for Life supports parishes is the simple �Pointers to Action� tool on pages 7 and 8, which PCCs can use to assess strategy. Its recommended that PCC members first complete this individually, and then the scores are assessed. This allows people to express a diversity of opinion, rather than feeling they ought to agree with the first person to speak. People can quite legitimately have different views on these pointers, and understanding this diversity can lead to stronger action.

14. Four Key Tasks

15. Four Key Tasks : 1 Preaching & Teaching Within a context of discipleship; Holistically on money, not just giving. Lots of opportunitiesin lectionary. Learning, not just teaching : breadth ofstyles required. Giving for Life identifies four simple actions that make a real difference; and provides some resources to support parishes in these key tasks. There is something for every parish, and PCCs are encouraged to identify where they might start. The first task is to preach and teach regularly on issues of money and generosity - not to raise funds, but to raise faith - within the context of discipleship. The preacher�s task is not to raise parish share, but to create habitually generous disciples. The topic of money, wealth and possessions arises frequently within the lectionary, and when it does, it is important that the whole passage is preached, so that money is not seen as a topic to be avoided in church. In addition to preaching, it is good practice to offer opportunities for people to reflect on, and discuss, the principles preached and how it matches with the questions that every day experience throws up.Giving for Life identifies four simple actions that make a real difference; and provides some resources to support parishes in these key tasks. There is something for every parish, and PCCs are encouraged to identify where they might start. The first task is to preach and teach regularly on issues of money and generosity - not to raise funds, but to raise faith - within the context of discipleship. The preacher�s task is not to raise parish share, but to create habitually generous disciples. The topic of money, wealth and possessions arises frequently within the lectionary, and when it does, it is important that the whole passage is preached, so that money is not seen as a topic to be avoided in church. In addition to preaching, it is good practice to offer opportunities for people to reflect on, and discuss, the principles preached and how it matches with the questions that every day experience throws up.

16. Individual Leaflet available withaccompanying talk. Within the Giving for Life resources there is a leaflet and accompanying talk (with optional PowerPoint presentation) for congregational use. This resource clearly lays out the context of God�s generosity to us, and our progressive journey of generosity as we respond to him. The leaflet can be taken away by church members to reflect on their own journey of generosity. (NOTE : the talk is an outline with a series of �pick & mix� resources, illustrations and quotations. This provides much more flexibility than a simple suggested script, and allows the speaker to personalise it more easily.)Within the Giving for Life resources there is a leaflet and accompanying talk (with optional PowerPoint presentation) for congregational use. This resource clearly lays out the context of God�s generosity to us, and our progressive journey of generosity as we respond to him. The leaflet can be taken away by church members to reflect on their own journey of generosity. (NOTE : the talk is an outline with a series of �pick & mix� resources, illustrations and quotations. This provides much more flexibility than a simple suggested script, and allows the speaker to personalise it more easily.)

17. Individual Leaflet available withaccompanying talk. Within the Giving for Life resources there is a leaflet and accompanying talk (with optional PowerPoint presentation) for congregational use. This resource clearly lays out the context of God�s generosity to us, and our progressive journey of generosity as we respond to him. The leaflet can be taken away by church members to reflect on their own journey of generosity. (NOTE : the talk is an outline with a series of �pick & mix� resources, illustrations and quotations. This provides much more flexibility than a simple suggested script, and allows the speaker to personalise it more easily.)Within the Giving for Life resources there is a leaflet and accompanying talk (with optional PowerPoint presentation) for congregational use. This resource clearly lays out the context of God�s generosity to us, and our progressive journey of generosity as we respond to him. The leaflet can be taken away by church members to reflect on their own journey of generosity. (NOTE : the talk is an outline with a series of �pick & mix� resources, illustrations and quotations. This provides much more flexibility than a simple suggested script, and allows the speaker to personalise it more easily.)

18. Life Giving Giving starts with God Giving is at the heart of God�s character. �God gives what God is � his life. The gift is not a substitute for God. It is God, God in motion, God in action.� Rowan Williams Jesus giving his life for us is the ultimate demonstration of God�s generosity and grace

19. Giving throughout Life Life is a journey As with many aspects of discipleship, many Christians find that they are on a journey when it comes to giving.

20. Giving Life When we give, we give life. Regular giving enables the life and mission of the Church Giving time and hospitality transmits love and compassion. Giving to church and to charities enables new life, new vision, new hope.

21. Giving in all of Life We are challenged to be generous in every aspect of our lives. Not just about giving of money, but including the giving of money. Also hospitality, time, skills�.. at home, at work, in church. Giving is the outworking of faith.

22. What can I do? Give thanks Give regularly Give generously Give yourself

23. Story and Context Personal Impact : our own money stories The context of parish stewardship

24. Four Key Tasks : 2Linking giving with Mission/Vision The tale of two pie-charts�.. One of the frequent questions church members have is how to divide their giving between charities and the church. Reasons to give to charity can be easy to find � many charities are excellent at explaining how money is used, and the benefit that it brings. But why should we give to the church? What happens to the money? There are lots of opportunities to express this, and it is important that we are good corporate stewards - transparent and accountable. The Annual Report, the APCM, setting the budget, and as we shall see later, a simple letter of thanks written to all who give in a planned, regular way to explain the outcomes of their giving - not just that we�ve paid our parish share, but that the church has engaged in primary school assemblies, comforted grieving families, provided a space for quiet prayer and reflection, received tourists and so on. Many givers just don�t make the connection between their giving to the church and what this enables. One of the frequent questions church members have is how to divide their giving between charities and the church. Reasons to give to charity can be easy to find � many charities are excellent at explaining how money is used, and the benefit that it brings. But why should we give to the church? What happens to the money? There are lots of opportunities to express this, and it is important that we are good corporate stewards - transparent and accountable. The Annual Report, the APCM, setting the budget, and as we shall see later, a simple letter of thanks written to all who give in a planned, regular way to explain the outcomes of their giving - not just that we�ve paid our parish share, but that the church has engaged in primary school assemblies, comforted grieving families, provided a space for quiet prayer and reflection, received tourists and so on. Many givers just don�t make the connection between their giving to the church and what this enables.

25. Four Key Tasks : 2Linking giving with Mission/Vision Why give to the Church? Express outcomes not just cost areas. primary school assemblies grieving families comforted Church open as spiritual space Marriage preparation Work with x young people One of the frequent questions church members have is how to divide their giving between charities and the church. Reasons to give to charity can be easy to find � many charities are excellent at explaining how money is used, and the benefit that it brings. But why should we give to the church? What happens to the money? There are lots of opportunities to express this, and it is important that we are good corporate stewards - transparent and accountable. The Annual Report, the APCM, setting the budget, and as we shall see later, a simple letter of thanks written to all who give in a planned, regular way to explain the outcomes of their giving - not just that we�ve paid our parish share, but that the church has engaged in primary school assemblies, comforted grieving families, provided a space for quiet prayer and reflection, received tourists and so on. Many givers just don�t make the connection between their giving to the church and what this enables. One of the frequent questions church members have is how to divide their giving between charities and the church. Reasons to give to charity can be easy to find � many charities are excellent at explaining how money is used, and the benefit that it brings. But why should we give to the church? What happens to the money? There are lots of opportunities to express this, and it is important that we are good corporate stewards - transparent and accountable. The Annual Report, the APCM, setting the budget, and as we shall see later, a simple letter of thanks written to all who give in a planned, regular way to explain the outcomes of their giving - not just that we�ve paid our parish share, but that the church has engaged in primary school assemblies, comforted grieving families, provided a space for quiet prayer and reflection, received tourists and so on. Many givers just don�t make the connection between their giving to the church and what this enables.

26. Four Key Tasks : 3Saying Thank You! Write and say �thank you� each year. Values givers January or April are good times Template letters available Link with what theirgiving has enabled. Writing an annual thank you letter which not only values givers, but also to help them see what impact their giving, and the giving of other givers in their parish has made. Some folk say we shouldn�t be thanking people � it�s their duty to give. It may be, but we might argue that it is our duty corporately to thank people. Charities have become very good at enabling their donors to understand what difference they make to their work, so much gives a goat, builds a well, sponsors a child. This is not a template for us to copy, but it again stresses the importance of communicating the degree to which mission and ministry is enabled by the regular, committed giving of church members.Writing an annual thank you letter which not only values givers, but also to help them see what impact their giving, and the giving of other givers in their parish has made. Some folk say we shouldn�t be thanking people � it�s their duty to give. It may be, but we might argue that it is our duty corporately to thank people. Charities have become very good at enabling their donors to understand what difference they make to their work, so much gives a goat, builds a well, sponsors a child. This is not a template for us to copy, but it again stresses the importance of communicating the degree to which mission and ministry is enabled by the regular, committed giving of church members.

27. Four Key Tasks : 4Help givers review their giving annually Covenants gave four year review. Annual review much better : It�s the way most of our finances work Maintains momentum Better link with mission plans & budget Variety essential! Larger programme once every 3 or 4 years Smaller activity in between. The third of the quartet of tasks is to do something annually to encourage people to review their giving. The old covenant system gave rise to a four-year cycle of review, but this really isn�t the best timescale. By the time the four years has come round again, things have fallen flat, and it can be hard to reinvigorate. A better cycle is an annual one which encourages momentum and fits more naturally with our personal finances and with the church�s budgeting cycle. Whilst the teaching and preaching element should seek to encourage church members to be generous in all aspects of their discipleship, this is the point at which we seek to motivate givers to give generously to the church � explaining how their giving resources the work and future vision of the church. This doesn�t mean that we should run a major giving programme each year - variety is key, and some years the focus may be more on teaching or thanksgiving. A number of tools are available to parishes �off the peg�. The third of the quartet of tasks is to do something annually to encourage people to review their giving. The old covenant system gave rise to a four-year cycle of review, but this really isn�t the best timescale. By the time the four years has come round again, things have fallen flat, and it can be hard to reinvigorate. A better cycle is an annual one which encourages momentum and fits more naturally with our personal finances and with the church�s budgeting cycle. Whilst the teaching and preaching element should seek to encourage church members to be generous in all aspects of their discipleship, this is the point at which we seek to motivate givers to give generously to the church � explaining how their giving resources the work and future vision of the church. This doesn�t mean that we should run a major giving programme each year - variety is key, and some years the focus may be more on teaching or thanksgiving. A number of tools are available to parishes �off the peg�.

28. Four Key Tasks : 4Help givers review their giving annually The third of the quartet of tasks is to do something annually to encourage people to review their giving. The old covenant system gave rise to a four-year cycle of review, but this really isn�t the best timescale. By the time the four years has come round again, things have fallen flat, and it can be hard to reinvigorate. A better cycle is an annual one which encourages momentum and fits more naturally with our personal finances and with the church�s budgeting cycle. Whilst the teaching and preaching element should seek to encourage church members to be generous in all aspects of their discipleship, this is the point at which we seek to motivate givers to give generously to the church � explaining how their giving resources the work and future vision of the church. This doesn�t mean that we should run a major giving programme each year - variety is key, and some years the focus may be more on teaching or thanksgiving. A number of tools are available to parishes �off the peg�. The third of the quartet of tasks is to do something annually to encourage people to review their giving. The old covenant system gave rise to a four-year cycle of review, but this really isn�t the best timescale. By the time the four years has come round again, things have fallen flat, and it can be hard to reinvigorate. A better cycle is an annual one which encourages momentum and fits more naturally with our personal finances and with the church�s budgeting cycle. Whilst the teaching and preaching element should seek to encourage church members to be generous in all aspects of their discipleship, this is the point at which we seek to motivate givers to give generously to the church � explaining how their giving resources the work and future vision of the church. This doesn�t mean that we should run a major giving programme each year - variety is key, and some years the focus may be more on teaching or thanksgiving. A number of tools are available to parishes �off the peg�.

30. �Pledge Review� Vision / Purpose essential Communicate clearly � differentiated letters Teaching element Consider presentation on financial situation Ask for pledges by set time � Thanksgiving Sunday? Thank givers

31. Six Steps in Giving For most of us, developing habits of stewardship and generosity is a journey that may take a lifetime.

32. SurvivalI give a bit when I�m asked because the church ought to be there in case I need itThe need is survival and there�s a chance that the church might help. The relationship with the church is that I know it�s there if I need it - all being well, I won�t!

38. Survival Supermarket Support Subscription Submission Sacrifice

39. The next step�.

40. Differentiation�. Meeting people where they are at Encouraging them to take one more step along a journey of generosity Clarity of communication � don�t ask everyone for everything Focus on observable behaviour � standing orders, electoral roll, Gift Aid declaration etc.

41. Website to help�..

42. Parish Resources www.parishresources.org.uk

43. When we�re desperate ��.the rhythm of church life Focus on paying the bills��.. equipping disciples Thanks assumed�� valuing donors by thanking them Givers in the dark ��.knowing what giving enables Hard work & duty��.experiencing the joy of giving

44. Questions and Discussion