News From the Presbytery of Transylvania
(There will be no eNews the Friday after Thanksgiving)
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5 Habits Your Church Must Unlearn to Increasing Giving
By
Matt Miofsky
And
Jason Byassee
,
Lewis Center for Church Leadership
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Most church are caught in a contradiction. They believe that generosity is an essential component of faithful discipleship and that Jesus challenged his followers to use their resources for the sake of the kingdom. Yet in practice, most churches do not build cultures of generosity, teach the importance of giving, or talk about money with the frequency and fervor that Jesus did. In many cases, church have adopted practices that contradict their beliefs about money.
People don’t give out of loyalty the way they once did. People are not motivated to bail out a struggling institution. People want to give to something that is exciting, makes an impact, and is visibly connected to changing lives.
Before churches can learn new behaviors around giving, they usually have to unlearn bad behavior that has been picked up over the years. For those who have grown up in the church, especially the mainline church, we have several such habits to unlearn.
1. Churches don’t talk about money.
Some churches simply stay silent on money. The rationale changes from place to place. Sometimes leaders are afraid that money conversations will anger people in the pews. Others fear that new people will be turned away. Some notice the bad reputation that the church “only talks about money,” so they choose to never talk about money. Perhaps there are pastors who themselves are uncomfortable with the topic and therefore do not naturally weave it into their teaching and preaching. Whatever the reason, the result is the same: churches are silent on one of the most important components of discipleship. This hurts not only the people who are seeking to grow in faith, but also the church’s ministry that depends on the faithful practice of generosity.
2. Churches talk about money when they are desperate.
This is usually the result of the first mistake. We never talk about money until we absolutely have to, and by that time, there are usually problems. Ironically, we believe that if we wait until things are desperate enough, this will not only motivate people to give but help them understand why we had to bring it up. Sometimes this works. The budget is met, and money talk goes into hibernation until the whole cycle repeats itself. Increasingly, though, this strategy doesn’t work. Part of this is common sense. People don’t give out of loyalty the way they once did. People are not motivated to bail out a struggling institution. People want to give to something that is exciting, makes an impact, and is visibly connected to changing lives. To talk about giving only when times are tough might make a certain kind of “sense” to church leaders of a generation ago, but it is disconnected from the reality of why people give now.
3. Churches only talk about money in connection to giving....
Read the Full Article
HERE
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SAVE THE DATE
December 7, 2019
Gun Violence Forum and Stated Presbytery Meeting
Please make plans to join us for a Gun Violence Forum and Stated Presbytery meeting on December 7 from 10-3 pm at Lexington Korean Presbyterian Church,
3534 Tates Creek Rd, Lexington, KY 40517
- Registration starts at 9 am
- Worship and Gun Violence Forum from 10-12
- Lunch at 12
- Meeting from 1-3
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SAVE THE DATE!!
Calvin Retreat
February 7 & 8, 2020
Boone Tavern
Berea, KY
Details coming soon!!
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Biblical Costumes from retired minister who is downsizing...
- New Testament Man (medium)--robe, tunic, head covering, used in Last Supper tableau
- 2 red long roman soldier cloaks--add armor and sandals for the full impression...we used Good Friday at the cross.
- Renaissance Hat--add collar, preaching tabs and black robe for John Calvin/John Knox impression...used for Reformation Sunday
$35 takes all! Contact Jim Gilbert 859-613-4524
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Presbyterian Polity, Program, and Mission for All of Us
The meeting of the 224
th
General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in Baltimore, MD this summer will be the site of a five day course for ruling elders, Christian educators, and others interested in exploring the rich resources in the
Book of Order.
Exploring polity in the context of the General Assembly will provide participants a broad understanding of the structure, governance, and mission of the denomination and a vibrant picture of the church at work on the important issues that shape life and faith. This course also meets two course requirements of the PC(USA) educator certification process. More details about cost, registration, and content will be available in 2020 at
www.pcusa.org/rulingelders
.
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Church Openings and Other Jobs
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There are a number of Pastoral Opportunities available in the Presbytery. If you know of anyone who might be interested in one of the following positions, please share this information with them.
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*NEW* PASTOR- Hunter Presbyterian, Lexington
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PASTOR- First Presbyterian, London
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CHILDREN & YOUTH DIRECTOR- First Presbyterian, Winchester
First Presbyterian Church of Winchester has an immediate opening for a part-time Children & Youth Director. The Director would function to assist in the development and implementation of the mission and ministry of the children and youth of the church. The Children/Youth Director will: plan a program and curriculum for the children/youth with the assistance of the CE Committee and the Pastor, meet with the children/youth or their parents outside of the Sunday service, and plan activities that are not part of the normal Sunday service. This is a 10 hour per week position with 4-5 hours per Sunday. The remainder of hours are to be used to meet with the children/youth or their parents, 1-2 times per week. If interested, candidates should submit their resume to Pastor Ryan at:
ryanbradney@gmail.com
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First Presbyterian Church in Paris- Part-time stated Supply
First Presbyterian Church is located 18 miles from Lexington on the scenic Paris/Lexington Road, is looking for a part-time stated supply minister to lead worship and preach each Sunday, administer the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, moderate the session and congregational meetings, visit the sick and shut-in, and lead funeral services upon request.
We are a small church but have a strong music program and a full-time Music Director. We are active in the community with music and art after-school programs.
Please consider our congregation if you are looking for a part time position. Direct inquiries to Rogers Barde, Clerk of Session, 859-987-1225.
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November
28- Happy Thanksgiving!
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NOVEMBER
11/30 Rachel Anderson 12 years
11/30 E.G. Clark 50 years
May God continue to bless your ministry!
If we have missed your ordination anniversary or have incorrect information, please email
rjustus@transypby.org
so we can update your information.
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