11:30AM-12:30PM Blue C Sushi, Alderwood Mall
Present: Eric Likkel, Mike Elenbaas, Ryan Engel Excused: David Anema, special Leap Day activities
1. Paypal
- Tracking payments; how?
- Need checking/routing number to sign up
- Brad Bishop can assist in installing paypal button on web site
2. March 4 Road Crew Lunch
- Mike to create charts, showing update on finances, giving levels, etc.
- For now, wait on cost of living increase for Eric, staff
- Share how giving relatively small gifts from benevolence fund have made significant positive difference in lives of church members; a joy for us to share, that doing something rather small has made a big impact
- Aim to have general “tithing” budget of 10% of income; 3% devoted to helping members w/occasional needs, 7% out to partner ministries
3. Office lease; could possibly sublet or entice new tenants to take over at 312 N. 85th w/lower rent to start out with (e.g.$800)
4. Supporting Biff, Cornell, others looking for work; obtain types of job they are looking for, broadcast through church, encourage members to consider who they may personally know that could hire; use strength of networking to bless members
5. Include line item for music equipment in future budgets; follow up w/Mark, Rennie
6. Schedule “What it Means to Give” moment for Mike, some late March Sunday morning
7. Dividing and Conquering Stewardship Tasks:
• Ryan/Mike – weekly deposits to BECU account (needs to be opened)
• Ryan – monthly pay checks to staff
• Ryan – quarterly tax payments
• Ryan – annual W-2 forms
• Ryan/Mike – annual tithe reports by family/household – use Dropbox
• Ryan – annual type checks for tithing (?)
• Mike – quarterly Road Crew presentations/comm
8. Taxes on Christmas Bonus – creating liability? Consult CRC Website, Sanctuary contact
Showing posts with label Stewardship Team. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Stewardship Team. Show all posts
Mar 10, 2012
Mar 1, 2012
STEWARDSHIP TEAM NOTES - FEB. 29, 2012
11:30AM-12:30PM Blue C Sushi, Alderwood Mall
Present: Eric Likkel, Mike Elenbaas, Ryan Engel
Excused: David Anema
1. Paypal
- Tracking payments; how?
- Need checking/routing number to sign up
- Brad Bishop can assist in installing paypal button on web site
2. March 4 Road Crew Lunch
- Mike to create charts, showing update on finances, giving levels, etc.
- For now, wait on cost of living increase
- Share how giving relatively small gifts from benevolence fund have made significant positive difference in lives of church members; a joy for us to share, that doing something rather small has made a big impact
- Aim to have general “tithing” budget of 10% of income;
3. Church Office lease; could possibly sublet or entice new tenants to take over at 312 N. 85th w/lower rent to start out with (e.g.$800); Sanctuary moving toward April 1 move-in at new space on Greenwood
MORE NOTES COMING....
Present: Eric Likkel, Mike Elenbaas, Ryan Engel
Excused: David Anema
1. Paypal
- Tracking payments; how?
- Need checking/routing number to sign up
- Brad Bishop can assist in installing paypal button on web site
2. March 4 Road Crew Lunch
- Mike to create charts, showing update on finances, giving levels, etc.
- For now, wait on cost of living increase
- Share how giving relatively small gifts from benevolence fund have made significant positive difference in lives of church members; a joy for us to share, that doing something rather small has made a big impact
- Aim to have general “tithing” budget of 10% of income;
3. Church Office lease; could possibly sublet or entice new tenants to take over at 312 N. 85th w/lower rent to start out with (e.g.$800); Sanctuary moving toward April 1 move-in at new space on Greenwood
MORE NOTES COMING....
Apr 12, 2011
STEWARDSHIP TEAM NOTES APRIL 10, 2011
Eric Likkel; Ryan Engel; Mike Elenbaas @ Zeeks, Belltown
Summary of discussions:Discussed office expenses; Health Insurance Change-over; Bank of America Account – updating signatures, etc.; Balance holding steady last three months due to steady giving; PayPal Account researched; seems like good idea to pursue
Next Meeting to be scheduled in early May
Mar 16, 2011
STEWARDSHIP TEAM UPDATE March, 2011
Charts/graphs furnished by Stewardship Team @ 3/13/11 Road Crew mtg.
Oct 28, 2008
BOOK RESOURCE ON STEWARDSHIP FOR LEADERS
Emmaus Road leaders, I've come across a great little book, which speaks to some of the attitudes around congregational giving in Emmaus Road, and how we address the issue as leaders. Of course it's relevant to the Stewardship Team, but also to all church leaders (see Myth 4 below). This easy-to-read, 128 page is titled
SPEAKING OF MONEY…
Stewardship a broad term: time, talents, treasures; purpose of this book is to zero in on treasure. p. 6
Unnamed pastor quoted: “’The biggest challenge the church will face is not a matter of doctrine. The biggest challenge for the dhurch is a matter most practical: How will we handle our wealth?’” p. 7
In-other-words, “firstfruits”
DISCOVERY ONE: IS THIS MAKING ME UNEASY?
Church Leader Unease
Deacons, Elders, Pastors, often share anxiety around stewardship issues; tend to feel as if “fund-raising” for church staff/programs has been foisted on them.
Teaching about giving can turn into legalism; pastors may avoid such teaching; wisdom of stewardship left on the shelf
DISCOVERY TWO: FOUR MYTHS ABOUT STEWARDSHIP
Myth 1: The congregation’s stewardship is mainly a matter of raising funds to pay the church bills.
“Fund-raising” just a “slice of the stewarship pie; stewardship really about discipleship, about a lifestyle.” Godly leaders help church discover joy of good stewardship. p. 11
Myth 2: Faith and finances do not mix.
Research demonstrates this as the prevailing attitude among majority of American church-goers, yet one-eighth of Bible gospels deals with money. Contrary to popular notions among greater American church, faith and finances are closely connected, at least to Jesus. P. 12
Myth 3: Stewardship is best motivated by guilt.
“Prosperity preaching” is one form of faulty motivation techniques. But “Unless grace is the first word in stewardship, our giving will become forced and pinched – a pale reflection of what God intends it to be.” See 2 Corinthians 9:7, “God loves a cheerful giver.” P. 13
Myth 4: Encouraging congregational stewarship is the job of (a) the pastor, (b) the elders, (c) the deacons. (Choose one.)
“Why not add ‘(d) all of the above’? Encouraging stewardship is the task of all leaders in the church. Once we get past the myths, we discover that leading a church forward in stewardship requires a team effort.” p. 13
Breaking the Silence, Working Together
“A team approach also helps us overcome the fear of having to go it alone. We seldom feel more isolated as church leaders than when we are singled out to lead in areas of stewardship: the deacon forced to beat the financial bushes to meet the budget; the elder coerced into making that call on a nongiving member; the pastor railroaded into a sermon about money. When we go it alone on matters of stewardship, we find ourselves climbing out on a fragile limb that can easily be cut off by fellow leaders if someone complains about our stewardship initiatives.” p. 14
DISCOVERY THREE: THE REAL YOU
In Search of Identity
Answer to peoples’ question, “Who am I?” is often “You are what you buy.” Biblical answer is closer to “You are what you care for.” p. 16
Creation Context
God created us to be stewards, both spiritual and physical; our identity given in Garden of Eden. Our hearts, minds, and work of our hands all count. “Half of what we read in the book of Acts about the early church deals with material possessions.” p. 17
FIRSTFRUITS: A STEWARDSHIP GUIDE FOR CHURCH LEADERS by Robert C. Heerspink. As I read through the book, I'm taking some notes. I recommend we all read it. At least you can check out my notes. So far, I've covered the introduction and chapters one through three:
SPEAKING OF MONEY…
Stewardship a broad term: time, talents, treasures; purpose of this book is to zero in on treasure. p. 6
Unnamed pastor quoted: “’The biggest challenge the church will face is not a matter of doctrine. The biggest challenge for the dhurch is a matter most practical: How will we handle our wealth?’” p. 7
In-other-words, “firstfruits”
DISCOVERY ONE: IS THIS MAKING ME UNEASY?
Church Leader Unease
Deacons, Elders, Pastors, often share anxiety around stewardship issues; tend to feel as if “fund-raising” for church staff/programs has been foisted on them.
Teaching about giving can turn into legalism; pastors may avoid such teaching; wisdom of stewardship left on the shelf
DISCOVERY TWO: FOUR MYTHS ABOUT STEWARDSHIP
Myth 1: The congregation’s stewardship is mainly a matter of raising funds to pay the church bills.
“Fund-raising” just a “slice of the stewarship pie; stewardship really about discipleship, about a lifestyle.” Godly leaders help church discover joy of good stewardship. p. 11
Myth 2: Faith and finances do not mix.
Research demonstrates this as the prevailing attitude among majority of American church-goers, yet one-eighth of Bible gospels deals with money. Contrary to popular notions among greater American church, faith and finances are closely connected, at least to Jesus. P. 12
Myth 3: Stewardship is best motivated by guilt.
“Prosperity preaching” is one form of faulty motivation techniques. But “Unless grace is the first word in stewardship, our giving will become forced and pinched – a pale reflection of what God intends it to be.” See 2 Corinthians 9:7, “God loves a cheerful giver.” P. 13
Myth 4: Encouraging congregational stewarship is the job of (a) the pastor, (b) the elders, (c) the deacons. (Choose one.)
“Why not add ‘(d) all of the above’? Encouraging stewardship is the task of all leaders in the church. Once we get past the myths, we discover that leading a church forward in stewardship requires a team effort.” p. 13
Breaking the Silence, Working Together
“A team approach also helps us overcome the fear of having to go it alone. We seldom feel more isolated as church leaders than when we are singled out to lead in areas of stewardship: the deacon forced to beat the financial bushes to meet the budget; the elder coerced into making that call on a nongiving member; the pastor railroaded into a sermon about money. When we go it alone on matters of stewardship, we find ourselves climbing out on a fragile limb that can easily be cut off by fellow leaders if someone complains about our stewardship initiatives.” p. 14
DISCOVERY THREE: THE REAL YOU
In Search of Identity
Answer to peoples’ question, “Who am I?” is often “You are what you buy.” Biblical answer is closer to “You are what you care for.” p. 16
Creation Context
God created us to be stewards, both spiritual and physical; our identity given in Garden of Eden. Our hearts, minds, and work of our hands all count. “Half of what we read in the book of Acts about the early church deals with material possessions.” p. 17
Jan 10, 2008
STEWARDSHIP TEAM NOTES - JANUARY 6, 2008
Present: Treasurer Mike Colyn, Chandra Mullenix, David Anema, Eric Likkel
GLASS HALF FULL? $ POSITIVES AND NEGATIVES
+POSITIVE averaging all months together – high and low - church hit congregational giving goal by end of December
+POSITIVE Church has $20,000 in the bank
+POSITIVE Expenses have stayed within budget
-NEGATIVE Throughout 2007 calendar year, congregational giving was approx. $1,200 short of monthly expenses
+POSITIVE or –NEGATIVE? ministry could continue current spending for one year with continued congregational, external, and grant income as received in 2007
-NEGATIVE This year’s fundraising efforts just initiated, late December, early January
STEWARDSHIP TEAM RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Stewardship Team recommends upholding budget; revisit budget at May 29 Road Crew, after March Stewardship Team meeting
2. However, place hiring freeze on Ministry Coordinator position (Chandra Mullenix doing terrific volunteer job few hours each week)
3. Go ahead and hire Children’s Ministry Specialist on faith we'll have funds to cover position, factoring in fundraising; also recognize this position costs less than Ministry Coordinator position: 7 hours at $15 per hour = $455.00 per month
4. Ask parents to support/sponsor Children’s Ministry Specialist; 17 families w/kids giving $10 per month = $170 per month; 17 families giving $10 per week = $730 per month
INSPIRATION TOWARD GREATER CONGREGATIONAL GIVING
Treasurer Mike did acknowledge that giving patterns vary among regular church members; while some are maxed out w/giving, others might be able to give more; it’s hard to know why patterns vary; some may be supporting more than one ministry; some are unemployed and not expected to give financially (there are many ways to give of oneself in ministry); but there are some employed folks who do not give consistently, or at all
Some of Eric’s calculations (after meeting):
- Looking over the list of individuals used for Elders Districts, Emmaus Road’s regular adult crowd numbers approx. 73 folks
- Of these 73, about 43 are fulltime employed, about 12 part-time, and about 18 could be called “transitioners” - people just getting on their feet, leaving street life, entering a phase of recovery, etc.; Percentage-wise, 59% are fulltime earners, 16% are parttime, and about 25% are in transition
- 43 adults giving $50 per week = $9,300.00 per month ($2150 per week, multiplied by 52 weeks per year, divided by 12 months)
- add 12 adults giving $25 per week, then increase the total to $10,600.00
- This level of giving = $127,200.00 annually
Team discussed several ideas for inspiring, encouraging greater congregational giving:
1. Pursue tithing testimonies, along with teaching moments from pulpit; Stewardship Team discussed delicacy needed; also want to avoid useless preaching to choir
2. Subtly change current “Communal Greeting” time to “Greeting and Giving” time; reposition White Box to chalk board area, front right side - a compromise between current practice of Sunday silence about giving and traditional “pass the plate” approach - Stewardship Team envisioned mostly empty plate being passed among unemployed members and visitors, not encouraging giving from those blessed with means, while alienating those without, which would be a large portion of our worshipping body
3. Pursue 2008 calendar year pledges; ask for a __% (10ish?) increase from previous giving; this alone would allow church to break even with current spending (though not including Children’s Ministry Specialist)
4. Treasurer Mike could distribute quarterly giving reports – instead of annual - with help of Stewardship Team
IS EMMAUS ROAD’S OFFICE RENT REALLY AN OFFERING?
Stewardship Team questions integrity of counting portion of office payment as "tithing" – background: Emmaus Road and Sanctuary split office rent, while a few fledgling church plants and a non-profit - House, Awake, Greenbean – benefit from office space without burden of rent; i.e., Emmaus Road and Sanctuary’s rent payments are helping these groups; Eric to approach leaders of these churches about possible minimal monthly commitment to paying for the space; Emmaus Road could offer to support these smaller ministries directly, separate from covering their share of payments
GLASS HALF FULL? $ POSITIVES AND NEGATIVES
+POSITIVE averaging all months together – high and low - church hit congregational giving goal by end of December
+POSITIVE Church has $20,000 in the bank
+POSITIVE Expenses have stayed within budget
-NEGATIVE Throughout 2007 calendar year, congregational giving was approx. $1,200 short of monthly expenses
+POSITIVE or –NEGATIVE? ministry could continue current spending for one year with continued congregational, external, and grant income as received in 2007
-NEGATIVE This year’s fundraising efforts just initiated, late December, early January
STEWARDSHIP TEAM RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Stewardship Team recommends upholding budget; revisit budget at May 29 Road Crew, after March Stewardship Team meeting
2. However, place hiring freeze on Ministry Coordinator position (Chandra Mullenix doing terrific volunteer job few hours each week)
3. Go ahead and hire Children’s Ministry Specialist on faith we'll have funds to cover position, factoring in fundraising; also recognize this position costs less than Ministry Coordinator position: 7 hours at $15 per hour = $455.00 per month
4. Ask parents to support/sponsor Children’s Ministry Specialist; 17 families w/kids giving $10 per month = $170 per month; 17 families giving $10 per week = $730 per month
INSPIRATION TOWARD GREATER CONGREGATIONAL GIVING
Treasurer Mike did acknowledge that giving patterns vary among regular church members; while some are maxed out w/giving, others might be able to give more; it’s hard to know why patterns vary; some may be supporting more than one ministry; some are unemployed and not expected to give financially (there are many ways to give of oneself in ministry); but there are some employed folks who do not give consistently, or at all
Some of Eric’s calculations (after meeting):
- Looking over the list of individuals used for Elders Districts, Emmaus Road’s regular adult crowd numbers approx. 73 folks
- Of these 73, about 43 are fulltime employed, about 12 part-time, and about 18 could be called “transitioners” - people just getting on their feet, leaving street life, entering a phase of recovery, etc.; Percentage-wise, 59% are fulltime earners, 16% are parttime, and about 25% are in transition
- 43 adults giving $50 per week = $9,300.00 per month ($2150 per week, multiplied by 52 weeks per year, divided by 12 months)
- add 12 adults giving $25 per week, then increase the total to $10,600.00
- This level of giving = $127,200.00 annually
Team discussed several ideas for inspiring, encouraging greater congregational giving:
1. Pursue tithing testimonies, along with teaching moments from pulpit; Stewardship Team discussed delicacy needed; also want to avoid useless preaching to choir
2. Subtly change current “Communal Greeting” time to “Greeting and Giving” time; reposition White Box to chalk board area, front right side - a compromise between current practice of Sunday silence about giving and traditional “pass the plate” approach - Stewardship Team envisioned mostly empty plate being passed among unemployed members and visitors, not encouraging giving from those blessed with means, while alienating those without, which would be a large portion of our worshipping body
3. Pursue 2008 calendar year pledges; ask for a __% (10ish?) increase from previous giving; this alone would allow church to break even with current spending (though not including Children’s Ministry Specialist)
4. Treasurer Mike could distribute quarterly giving reports – instead of annual - with help of Stewardship Team
IS EMMAUS ROAD’S OFFICE RENT REALLY AN OFFERING?
Stewardship Team questions integrity of counting portion of office payment as "tithing" – background: Emmaus Road and Sanctuary split office rent, while a few fledgling church plants and a non-profit - House, Awake, Greenbean – benefit from office space without burden of rent; i.e., Emmaus Road and Sanctuary’s rent payments are helping these groups; Eric to approach leaders of these churches about possible minimal monthly commitment to paying for the space; Emmaus Road could offer to support these smaller ministries directly, separate from covering their share of payments
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