Don't miss the StewardShops going on now

By the Rev. Dr. Melanie Wallschlaeger, synod director for evangelical mission

Dear Pastors and Lay Leaders,

I am emailing to encourage and invite your participation in this year’s StewardShops and to tell you a little more what is behind this year’s StewardShops design.

A concerted effort has been made to provide keynote speakers (both clergy and lay) that demonstrate expertise and passion for growing stewards. I am really proud to announce our synod’s own Marc Rieke, president of the Enrichment Group, as this year’s StewardShop keynote presenter. Marc is a lay leader who is passionate about how we celebrate the abundance with which we’ve been blessed in the stewarding of all God has entrusted to our care. While it is easy and perhaps human to focus on what we don’t have, Marc will provide us with insight on how congregational leaders can grow stewards and shape congregational culture out of a sense of God’s abundance and gratitude.

“Open Space” design-facilitated conversations will replace instructor-led prepared workshops. “Why are we doing away with workshops?” you’ve asked. As one who has prepared and led workshops, I have noticed that I have often been in the midst of folks who know as much I do about a particular subject – and sometimes even more.  One suggestion to improve StewardShops has been to allow space for attendants to learn from each other and design their StewardShop experience to fit their particular needs. You may bring your most nagging question or challenge you’ve confronted in regards to growing stewards. You may also bring a best practice that you’d like to share or build on. If others share you’re interest, we’ll have a conversation about it.

Examples of potential Open Space facilitated conversations might be: How do you go about developing a Narrative Budget? How do you maintain momentum for stewardship in a small congregation? Where do you start stewardship education in a congregation that has never had it? What have you done to change attitudes about stewardship being a taboo? What are best practices, resources and first steps for an endowment team? What are annual response methods you’ve used and found most helpful? How can I find out more about stewardship coaching? How do you have a conversation with folks about how they steward their financial lives, of which giving is just one aspect? How do we articulate vision for ministry which we are inviting people to support with giving? What have you found most helpful in teaching youth and families about giving?

Some of the synod’s most well informed stewardship leaders will be present to join in the conversations as they occur. Additionally, we will have resources available for participants to take back with them to their congregations. I feel confident that participants will glean as much and perhaps even more from this StewardShop design. As I travel throughout our synod I am amazed by the creativity and passion that is found in our congregations. I am hopeful you will get a glimpse of what I see by engaging in conversation with your brothers and sisters in Christ whose questions and challenges are similar to your own.

Upcoming Stewardshop Locations: (A light dinner is included at each event)

Wednesday, Aug. 22, 6 to 9 p.m., Bethlehem Lutheran, 101 E 38th St., Tacoma
Monday, Aug. 27, 5 to 8 p.m., Water and Adams streets, South Bend
Thursday, Aug. 30, 6 to 9 p.m., Immanuel Lutheran, 8310 MacArthur Blvd., Vancouver

Please let me know if you have any questions about this events. Registration with Allison at the synod office is appreciated so that hosts may adequately prepare the meal.

I hope to see you at soon at one of our StewardShops!

Gratefully,

Melanie