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Four words…. Mission. Generosity. Lifestyle. Discipleship. Should we talk about money during a recession? YES! helping Christians apply their faith to the issues of life – discipleship What about talking about giving?
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Four words…. Mission Generosity Lifestyle Discipleship
Should we talk about money during a recession? YES!helping Christians apply their faith to the issues of life – discipleship What about talking about giving? YES!otherwise we imply that giving is from surplus, or is only for the wealthy.
Some statistics • 9,700 planned givers in the diocese. a higher percentage of church members than national. (71% of ASA) • Each giving an average of £8.54 per week (13.5% increase 2007 to 2008) compares very favourably with giving to other charities. but lower than the average diocese. • Giving an average of 3.35% of income slightly less than 3.57% average but significantly less than 5% target. • Meeting national average generates an extra £194,000 for mission each year. Reaching 5% would give £2.1 million more!
Where are we now? Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Cor 9:7) • Is our giving reluctant? • Do we give cheerfully, and experience joy in the giving? • Is our giving decided by our heart, or by something else?
Giving for Life seeks to….. • Transform giving by nurturing habitually generous disciples. • Nurture an holistic view of money and lifestyle that expects to be impacted by our giving. • Encourage parishes in some simple acts of good practice that can be applied everywhere. • Develop church members’ understanding that our giving resources God’s mission in the world.
General Synod was asked to… • Affirm positioning of giving andgenerosity within the context ofdiscipleship, lifestyle and mission. • Re-affirm the initial target of 5% of after-tax income for giving to and through the church, and clarify a previously implicit 5% to other causes and charities. • Commend the PCC resources to parishes.
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. Discussion Preaching Reflection Experience
Four Key Tasks : 2Linking with Mission/Vision • Why give to the Church? • Opportunities …… • The Annual Report • Annual thank you letter • APCM • Budget setting & communication • Express outcomes not just cost areas. • Link with giving of time, gifts and resources. Mission Vision
Four Key Tasks : 3Annual Review • 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.
Four Key Tasks : 4Saying Thank You! • Decide who does it! • Write and say “thank you” every year. • Have a specific time each year • Template letters available
What next? • Diocesan Synod to debate giving. • Diocesan Synod to debate the motion. • Encourage every parish to discuss this – to transform our giving, and how we see it. Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Luke 12:34)