L to R: Rob Fairly, Martha Orphe and Melvin Amerson, leaders of the pilot program on African American Stewardship
Pilot Program Hosted for African American Churches
March 19th, 2009
"Stewardship is not an event, it's a process," was the Reverend Melvin Amerson's mantra at the first meeting of the Baton Rouge Stewardship Pilot Program at St. Mark's United Methodist Church in Baton Rouge March 12.
The Stewardship Pilot Program is being underwritten by the United Methodist Foundation of Louisiana to help African-American churches enhance stewardship in the local church, after a congregational stewardship survey identified the need. Amerson, a stewardship consultant who specializes in issues unique to the African-American church, will consult with six churches in the Baton Rouge district: St. Mark's, Camphor Memorial, Jordan, Neely, Roberts and Wesley. At least 30 pastors and lay persons from these churches were represented at the March meeting. Monthly teleconferences and at least two personal meetings per church will follow.
Amerson is an ordained elder in the Texas Annual Conference and a former local church pastor. He draws upon his pastoral experience to help churches develop a theology of generosity, define stewardship roles, celebrate the offering each week, and establish endowment giving.
