Clif Christopher answers questions at the stewardship workshop held May 16 in Shreveport
Creating a Culture of Generosity with Clif Christopher
June 2nd, 2009
Stewardship changes lives!
This was the recurring theme for two workshops hosted by the United Methodist Foundation of Louisiana in May led by noted author and consultant in church growth and stewardship, Clif Christopher.
Approximately 120 clergy and laity attended Creating a Culture of Generosity in Challenging Economic Times-- two stewardship workshops held May 9 in Baton Rouge and May 16 in Shreveport. Christopher explained how the culture of giving is changing, the top reasons people give, the generational differences in giving and how to create a culture of generosity in tough economic times. The basis of the workshop was taken from his latest book, "Not Your Parents' Offering Plate."
Ninety-one percent of the attendees said they acquired new ideas they could immediately implement in their church stewardship programs. The top three ideas were: 1) use testimonies of how good stewardship has transformed the lives of the poor and unfortunate; 2) thank donors more; and 3) communicate separately and differently with each generation of givers within the church.
"Cliff is the best stewardship leader I've heard in my entire ministry," claimed Larry Miller, treasurer of the Louisiana Annual Conference who attended the first workshop.
True to its mission, the Foundation continues to be a catalyst in the Louisiana Conference to encourage giving in the church. "How we handle money reflects our relationship with God. Stewardship education is just the beginning. From there, each pastor and stewardship committee needs to communicate what has been learned with their congregations to create a 'culture of generosity,'" said Rob Fairly, president of the Foundation.
