Stewardship

What is stewardship?

Let’s start by identifying what stewardship is not. Stewardship is not a program, not a fall campaign for the budget, not a one-shot learning experience. Stewardship is “everything I do after I say I believe.” Congregations have long equated stewardship with only money. It does begin there, but it must continue on.

“ … you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7

What is mission support?

Mission support is the money you place in the offering plate that is shared with your synod and the churchwide organization for ELCA ministries beyond your congregation. When we work together as the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, we are doing God’s work in ways that no individual or none of the 10,549 congregations can do alone. By sharing our time, talents, and possessions generously, God’s Spirit inspires others to give generously! Your Mission Support dollars support the whole church.

2012 mission support intent

What is your plan for mission support in fiscal year 2012 (February 1, 2012 – January 31, 2013)? Please let us know by filling out this form and mailing it back to us. 

Upcoming Events

Jump Start your Stewardship Ministry
April 21, 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Christ the King Lutheran in New Brighton
Is your congregational stuck in a financial stewardship rut? Do you recycle the same campaign year after year? Or perhaps you are excited by the possibilities for growing in faith, in stewarding the financial resources of your congregation and helping your members to grow in this spiritual discipline and in the sense of joy that generosity brings to life. Either way, Jump Start Your Stewardship is for you! This event, sponsored by the Minneapolis Area and Saint Paul Area Synods, is for pastors, congregational leaders, members of stewardship and finance committees, and treasurers—basically anyone interested in stewarding personal or congregational resources. Individuals and congregational teams must register by April 17. Download flyer for more information. Register at www.spas-elca.org.

Funding the Missional Church
May 1-3, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 4100 Lyndale Avenue South, Minneapolis
Funding the Missional Church is a conference for those who wish to learn about creating sustainable congregations of faith in the 21st century. Join us for three days of conversation and thought-provoking presentations on the future of the church, stewardship, and ministry.This is an important conference, and one that you won’t want to miss. Sponsored in part by the Minneapolis Area Synod. Use the discount code "ELCA" to get a $50 discount. More information and registration>

The Church Planters Academy
May 3-5, Solomon's Porch, 100 W 46th St, Minneapolis
If you're planting a church, or if you're dreaming of starting a new faith community, come to the CPA and learn from the very top practitioners of church planting over the past decade. The Academy will take place directly following Funding the Missional Church (see above). If you register for both, you receive a $100 discount! More information and registration>