A Personal Note. . . from Phil
Maintaining giving is difficult even in the best of times.
In the midst of a struggling economy it can be even more demanding.
If you're like me and countless other pastors across the country, raising money for the church budget was never high on the list of things that I looked forward to each year. My fear came from several originating points. I worried if I would say the right things. I was afraid I would offend people and nervous I would overstep my bounds. There's nothing wrong with apprehension. And in my humble opinion, there's nothing wrong with fear, as long as it doesn't paralyze us into inactivity.
In today's 24 hour news cycles, doom and gloom is just a click away. And make no mistake, it's not all smoke and mirrors, we are in the midst of an economic freefall. But that's exactly why I have produced this product. Your people are looking to you for answers. The motivation for conducting a stewardship campaign is not to underwrite the annual budget; your motivation is to build a fellowship of godly stewards, following godly principles which arrive at godly results. It's not the presence of fear - it's the absence of a proven plan that spells disaster. So fear not - here's your plan! Our stewardship coaching is driven by two facts: A desire to simplify stewardship and to empower leaders. I am convinced that it's all about leadership and if you give a good leader a proven strategy then you will succeed.
After all of these years, I can honestly say that the fear and dread I felt when it came to raising money for the church budget was from confusion and misunderstanding on my part. What I'm going to share with you has been gleaned from working with hundreds of churches across the country ...and it works! But more important than the end result is that I believe our leadership as ministers, in this role of stewardship, is mandated by scripture and desperately needed by our congregations. As you walk step-by-step through the process you may be stretched but will never be asked to violate the purpose of your office. But make no mistake; if you do what you've always done the end result will always be the same. Or as Dr. Phil likes to ask, "How's that working for you?"
This is more than a new program. I believe it's the foundation for new, expanded ministries fueled by stewardship instead of being imprisoned by scarcity. You'll hear me talk a lot about leadership because it begins with you. Leadership sets the course and casts the vision and stewardship fuels the journey. Through StewardshipCampaign.com annual membership and the Hope Worth Giving Stewardship Campaign, you can take us along on your journey and instead of fear and dread you will actually enjoy the journey.
Hope you hear from you soon!
Phil Ling
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