Illustration by Abe Gurvin
The Anglican Church of Canada’s newest department—the Department of Philanthropy—is organized to serve as a resource for the whole church. Its mission is to combine stewardship education and financial development initiatives into an integrated, collaborative approach involving parishes, dioceses, General Synod, and national partners.
A thoughtful reading of both the Baptismal Covenant and the mission statement of the Anglican Church of Canada reveals that part of being a faithful Anglican Christian is understanding the theology of generosity. There are three areas where the Department of Philanthropy can help parishes and diocese express generosity:
1. Strategic planning
“'For surely I know the plans I have for you,' says the Lord…'to give you a future with hope.'” Jeremiah 29:11
Every parish and diocese needs a strategic plan. This document should answer several questions: What is God calling us to do and become as a community of faith? What is our mission? How can we live out the Baptismal Covenant? How can we make a difference in the lives of other people, especially the vulnerable?
The Department of Philanthropy can help your church build on the great work already done in diocesan pilot projects and partners-in-action programs. This typically involves focusing on a planning study, built upon a vision that parish and diocesan clergy and lay leaders have for their life and work. The study helps focus on areas of strength and opportunity, which in turn help develop local and regional ministry resources.
2. Stewardship education
“God does not want us to do extraordinary things; He wants us to do ordinary things extraordinarily well.” — Bishop Charles Gore
Every parish and diocese needs to make stewardship education—in all its fullness—a priority. That means having well-equipped lay and clergy leaders who take this aspect of ministry seriously.
We have found some very fine new stewardship education resources that should be required reading for every priest and lay leader prepared to work in this field. They include:
a) The S Word: Reflections on Stewardship with Practical Programme Suggestions by Archbishop Douglas Hambidge (The Episcopal Network for Stewardship, 2009). Drawing on decades of worldwide experience, Douglas Hambidge brings us the stewardship theology he has taught in congregations and at diocesan, ecumenical, and international events. He uses familiar scripture as well as heartwarming stories to teach that money is sacramental, our own need to give is the basis for our stewardship, and our love for God is shown through our offerings. The S Word can be used in stewardship committees, parish councils, adult classes, training and planning sessions, on retreats, or in diocesan gatherings.
b) “New Consecration Sunday Stewardship Program” by Herb Miller (Abingdon Press, 2007). There are two versions of this resource: a Guest Leader Guide with CD-ROM, and a Team Member’s Manual. An Estimate of Giving card is also available for parishioners to make an annual pledge or commitment. This proven-winner resource suggests that parishes approach their finances by teaching stewardship from a spiritual perspective rather than a fundraising one. It focuses on the question, “What is God calling me to do?” rather than “What does the church need in order to pay its bills?” The original program has helped thousands of congregations in North America increase financial giving by 15% to 30%, and has been used in parishes in the Diocese of Rupert’s Land for some years. The revised version features a CD-ROM with the audio overview of the program, a PowerPoint presentation, editable letters, and communication tools. The program calls for an outside guest leader to give strong guidance to the local parish.
c) Another excellent resource is A Program to Encourage Sacrificial Giving In Your Parish (Stewardship Development Department, Diocese of Toronto, 2008), published after four years of wide use and impressive tangible results in the Diocese of Toronto. One real strength of this program is its sound theological base.
3. Gift planning
“Consider your possessions loaned to you by God.” — St. Catherine of Siena
Gift planning (or “planned giving”) refers to the faithful and responsible stewardship of accumulated assets. Our diocesan consultants, working with departmental staff, professional advisors, and above all, our faithful donors, have made an amazing contribution to the life of our church through planned gifts, largely through bequests, gift annuities, and gifts of listed securities.
In many places we are still missing opportunities to help people to grow in their understanding of generosity. In many parishes and dioceses in the past decade or so we have seen wonderful results of careful, pastoral education in this emerging aspect of vital ministry.
In the Department of Philanthropy, our staff and volunteers are prepared to work with your parish and diocese in each of these three key areas. We have resources, experience and expertise. We are offering to be a partner with you as you respond faithfully to God’s call to be generous.
For more information, please email me, Archdeacon John Robertson, or call toll-free, 1.888.439.GIFT (4438).
