Establishing a stewardship training model for churches to increase financial contributions, 2006
Best, Bobby R.
2006-03-23
2000-2009
Designed to increase financial contributions, this dissertation project sought to sustain St. John CME Church in a financial crisis resulting from the transition to operating a new facility after years of sacrificing to construct a new sanctuary and family life center. The goals of the project were: (1) to increase financial contribution by twenty percent; (2) to increase tithers by ten percent; (3) to implement one annual fundraiser until such a time that it was not needed; (4) to foster attitudes of generosity; and, (5) to transform the congregation spiritually. A stewardship approach was chosen with a spirituality emphasis in preference to a fundraising model. The neighborhood, organizational structure, history and theological stance of St. John are outlined. Empirical and theoretical literature is reviewed. Using the theology of Karl Barth, the nature of the church's ministry and the importance of tithing in stewardship and spirituality are examined. A biblical perspective on giving is provided with an exegesis of Malachi 3:6-12. Project components were: (1) Meeting and Organizing; (2) Teaching and Training; (3) Preaching; (4) Activities; (5) Data collection. Although not all goals were fully met, project evaluation found improvement in: (1) tithing; (2) contributions; (3) new members; (4) attendance; (5) spiritual practice; and, (6) responsible living. Knowledge of giving patterns will inform future efforts. Twelve appendixes contain materials and surveys; bibliography is provided.
text
application/pdf
dissertation
Doctor of Ministry (DMin)
Interdenominational Theological Center
Georgia--Atlanta
http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12322/itc.td:2006_best_bobby_r
http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC-EDU/1.0/
