The Congregational Advocate What are the Roles and Responsibilities of the Thrivent Congregational Advocate? Thank you for becoming a congregational advocate. • Recording, Thrivent.com, director of congregational advocates and other congregational advocates are good resources. • Ask, research and be open to learning new ways.

A Congregational Advocate serves: Thrivent Financial Their local congregation Community Connect congregation to Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. • Develop good understanding of congregation’s needs. • Match with resources and tools offered by Thrivent Financial.

What will the Congregational Advocate do? Build relationships Needs and ministry areas Employ resources Maintain In-depth training, ongoing coach Periodic check-ins from director of congregational advocates. Connect with othercongregational advocates

What an Advocate does: A Closer Look. 1. Builds Relationships with: Congregational Members as a whole Members of Thrivent within the Congregation Congregational Leaders Local Thrivent Representatives

What an Advocate Does: A Closer look. 2.. Understands Congregational Needs and Ministry areas. To do this you must: Partner with your Thrivent Financial representative and the Director of Congregational Advocates to discover appropriate charitable, social, and educational opportunities to to meet those needs and establish them within your own congregation Meet with Congregational leadership team and Thrivent Representative periodically Set meeting schedule for the year Host a seminar that is appropriate for your congregation and others in your local chapter Discover something that entire congregation is passionate about

What an Advocate Does: A Closer Look. 3. Employs resources to:: Employ resources to: Educate, promote, and sponsor Thrivent Financial Programs within their own local Congregation and Community Expand knowledge of Thrivent’s Programs and services Evaluate Congregational needs and apply appropriate products and services

Question and Answer Session

What does a Congregational Advocate look like? Must be a Thrivent Benefits member or associate member At Least 16 years of age or older An established member of the congregation who is recognized for their love of service Has an established awareness of the life of the congregation and is willing to meet people at the door A far-sighted, imaginative volunteer leader focused on congregation and Thrivent Financial.

An Advocate is not: Salesperson or telemarketer Dispenser of Thrivent funds Organizational or managerial lead

Congregational Advocate Tools and resources Congregational Advocate role description. Getting Started as a New Congregational Advocate. How to Register on Thrivent.com How to Access Congregational Volunteer Administration How to Order Supplies Step-by-step Online Resources for Congregational Advocates Congregational Advocate Introduction Letter Customize this letter and send it to new members of your congregation. Director of congregational advocates. Other congregational advocates. Congregational Advocate newsletter. Member Connection Center Call 800-847-4836 (800-THRIVENT) and say ‘fraternal’ Monday though Friday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Central time. Email fraternal@thrivent.com.

What are the attributes of the Congregational Advocate? Takes pleasure in meeting with new people Demonstrates a desire to help and serve others Is committed to the mission and programs of local congregation and Thrivent and advocates for them Demonstrates a willingness to promote the local Thrivent Chapter, as well as Thrivent Financial as a whole Demonstrates abilities in leadership, organization, relationship-building, and creativity. Has proven listening and communication skills Access to email/Internet and is comfortable with it’s use

What’s in it for the Congregational Advocate Opportunity to make a difference and positive influence on the life of your congregation Be of service to the congregation and it’s needs Opportunity to network with others and meet new people Prospect of engaging in new hobbies or interests You make an impact Your enthusiasm will be contagious Positive impact on congregation and community. • Today focused on processes, but there’s more. • Reflect on what you’ve done and who you’ve helped. • Share your thoughts and feelings with members and nonmembers. • Your enthusiasm will be contagious

Some helpful hints Time commitment of approximately 5 hours per month Must be a Benefits or Associate Member of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Can be up to four advocates per congregation, one of whom is designated as the lead Advocate. All advocates must be approved by the Thrivent Chapter leadership team.

Question & Answers. Final Segment Wrap-up

References Cited This presentation is an adaptation of : Congregational Advocate Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Downloaded on February 8, 2011 Congregational Advocate: Role Specific Training Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Downloaded March 7, 2010