New Consecration Sunday: A Different Approach to Stewardship
Recently, I visited St Andrew’s United Methodist Church, Virginia Beach, Virginia, and had the most enlightening conversation regarding a Stewardship Program. Pastor Jeff Witt informed me of the concept, New Consecration Sunday. I became very curious of this financial concept and how it works. It was further explained that New Consecration Sunday focuses on teaching stewardship based on giving for your own spiritual benefit rather than the need to balance the budget. In other words, the focus proposes the question, “What is God calling me to do?” This concept can create a positive feeling towards a stewardship campaign!
As we continued our conversation, Pastor Witt presented details of how New Consecration Sunday unfolds. First, a guest leader, pastor, is selected to lead the charge of promoting the program. This leader creates a committee/team to help promote the upcoming Consecration Sunday. Also, before the Consecration Sunday, a luncheon or dinner is held with the board members, committee chairpersons, and ministry chairs. On Consecration Sunday, the guest leader, pastor, preaches and conducts a commitment session at the end of the service, inviting congregants to fill out a Giving Card. Afterwards, a celebration luncheon is held to announce the campaign results. Also, the Monday, following Consecration Sunday, letters and giving cards are mailed to households who were not present at the service.
According to Pastor Witt, this concept could increase a church’s financial contributions by 10 to 20 per cent per year. Congregations that approach financial stewardship from a biblical perspective do not view the contributions that they give as a way to pay the bills. Rather, the congregations see financial stewardship as a way to help people grow spiritually in their relationship with God. Unlike most stewardship campaigns, New Consecration Sunday is based on a spiritual perspective.
For further information, in regards, to conducting a successful New Consecration Sunday, Pastor Witt has volunteered to offer his help with creating an effective program. He can be reached at www.SAumcVB.org. or 757-467-1047. Pastor Witt serves on the Board of Managers, Virginia United Methodist Development Company.
Author: Randy Shelton