1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. Question and Answer Session

8. 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.

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

10. 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-THRIVENT) and say ‘fraternal’
Monday though Friday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Central time.

11. 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 /Internet and is comfortable with it’s use

12. 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

13. 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.

14. Question & Answers. Final Segment Wrap-up

15. 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