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Rethinking Stewardship insights from Jim Goldsmith, DEM of Sierra Pacific Synod following 3-day conference hosted by Luther Seminary in July 2010. American Christians, though the richest in the world, are surprisingly reluctant to part with their money.
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Rethinking Stewardshipinsights from Jim Goldsmith, DEM of Sierra Pacific Synod following3-day conference hosted by Luther Seminary in July 2010 American Christians, though the richest in the world, are surprisingly reluctant to part with their money.
Grand Canyon Synod of the ELCAMission Support to Churchwide from the GCS
Grand Canyon Synod of the ELCAMission Support to Churchwide from All Synods Millions
Grand Canyon Synod of the ELCAMission Support from Congregations to the GCSFiscal Year 2010-2011 Actual Compared to Budget
Questions What are the limiting forces at work? How do we overcome them to reframe all of life as God's gift? How do we move from a "pay the bills" outlook to a "live the vision" mentality? What new thought habits are required? Given cultural changes and our theological commitments, how shall we now lead?
Learnings Vast potential for increased giving when the average ELCA member gives about 1.7% of one’s family income to the church.
Challenges/Obstacles Our message is counter-cultural to the mantra of “your money is yours and yours alone” People are more excited about supporting causes and movements than they are of organizations and institutions.
Conversion/Change needed Stewardship is not something we do, but something we are called to be-steward, caretaker. A missional church is a gathering of stewards, not a collection of owners
Shift in focus From self to God-everything is God’s From faithful giving to faithful living From talking about responsibility to talking about the privilege of belonging to God From duty to delight
Possible Fall Idea Sunday, October 10, 2010-10/10/10 10 minutes of daily prayer 10 minutes of daily Bible Reading 10 hours a month of community service 10% for the month of October or beyond
Re-capping from J. Clif Christopher presentation to Desert SW UMC