Stewardship

What is Stewardship?

“Stewardship” is everything we do after we say, “I Believe.” Stewardship is not fundraising, it is one aspect of the Christian life–like worship, prayer, Bible study and service. The path from membership to discipleship can be traveled by focusing on authentic stewardship ministry and telling the story of what we do together.

This Stewardship Overview provides an introduction on changing the conversation from fundraising to authentic ministry:

The Rev. Bill Tesch is the Director of Evangelical Mission for the South Dakota Synod. Contact Pastor Bill if you would like to explore ways to improve your congregation’s stewardship ministry.

2011 Stewardship Days Resources

Here are a few of the stewardship resources that were distributed at the 2011 Fall Stewardship Days that you may find useful in your congregation:

Telling the Story

Together we do amazing things! Your congregation, the South Dakota Synod, and the ELCA churchwide office do ministry together around the world and in your back yard. We need you to tell the story of what God is doing in your midst. God is at work at work in South Dakota and globally!

A Missional Stewardship Theology
by Rev. Bill Tesch

South Dakota Synod Steward Leaders: “God’s Gifts. Open Hands.”

We have 25 trained steward leaders in South Dakota to walk beside you in your congregation’s stewardship endeavors. They are located across the South Dakota Synod and prepared to serve you! For information on how they can work with you, download the Steward Leader Brochure.

If you are interested in having a steward leader come to your congregation, please call Rev. Bill Tesch at 605-274-4026 or e-mail him at btesch@sdsynod.org.

Steward Leader Process:

2011 Stories of Faith in Action

In the ELCA’s Stories of Faith in Action you’ll find stories of how God is changing lives through the mission and ministry of the ELCA. You’ll also find resources on mission support, the financial contributions given to the churchwide expression from synods and congregations, budget information and more.

Together we do God’s work in ways that no individual, congregation or synod can do alone.

To order free copies of the 2011 edition (plus shipping), call 800-638-3522, ext. 2580.

South Dakota Synod Cookbooks Available Now!

The South Dakota Synod Cookbook featuring recipes for your next potluck supper and recipes for ministries happening in South Dakota and beyond. View the cookbook by clicking on the image above or by clicking here.

You may order copies of the cookbook for your congregation through Kevin Stillson at 605-274-5035.

Mission Interpretation

Mission Interpreters tell the story of where the offering is going through your giving. Synods and coordinators work in synergy to tell personal stories from your synod. Personal stories are being told of how giving has changed the lives of many and being good stewards help to support God’s work, Our hands. This is achieved through temple talks, bible studies and synod tables.

For more information about Mission Interpretation, visit the ELCA’s Mission Interpretation Page or contact Barb Bunk, SD Synod Mission Interpretation Coordinator.

The Missional Church…Simple

The annual response campaign, in which each person or household in the congregation is asked to respond to God’s call on their life by completing a financial commitment form indicating a plan for giving over the coming year, is the cornerstone of any congregation’s financial stewardship ministry. Click here for information about several excellent annual response campaigns.

Capital Appeals challenge each person or household to second mile giving over and above their giving to the ongoing mission and ministry of the church. Capital Appeals are conducted in order to advance the congregation’s mission through such things as: facility expansion, debt reduction, missionary sponsorship or major program expansions.

Stewardship Key Leader is an excellent resource for congregations considering Capital Campaigns.
Congregations in South Dakota have also worked with the following consulting companies with good success:

You may contact Rev. Bill Tesch for guidance in planning a Capital Campaign.

Links for additional resources for stewardship ministry:

Articles:

If you are the treasurer of your church and looking for basic information about financial management, financial reporting, visit this site.