2. Ministry Narratives: Inspiring Generosity Stewardship Workshop 2015

3. Translating gifts of time and money into Christian service

4. What is Ministry Narratives? A program that helps the parish tell its unique story A way to help parishioners appreciate the power of their gifts of time and money in sustaining the ministries of the church. A means to encourage spiritual transformation through acts of Christian generosity and service.

5. The goals of Ministry Narratives Make the direct connection between gifts and service Encourage giving that inspires a deeper feeling of community and spiritual connection through support of the church Deepen the individual’s understanding of money as it relates to the church. Illustrate how parishioners’ generosity and service enable acts of Christian service.

6. How does Ministry Narratives work? It is an interactive, laity-driven program Easily and comprehensively collects data Uses tools to gather information about all ministries Organizes information into verbal, visual, and quantitative illustrations Solutions are driven by the congregation’s specific goals

7. What outcomes should a congregation expect from implementing Ministry Narratives? Church should expect increased awareness of, participation in, and generosity to the parish’s ministries.

8. Ministry Narratives Process for Organizing and Presenting Information

9. Each parish has six primary ministry areas … Worship Christian Formation Evangelism and Hospitality Outreach Pastoral Care In-reach and Fellowship

10. All parish activities can be assigned to one of these six areas, including administration, power and light, and building maintenance

11. Collect data about the parish ministries

13. Take Pictures, Make Charts and Booklets

15. Develop Narratives For example, the pastoral care ministry at St. Paul’s involves the following services: Taking communion to three local nursing homes each month Preparing and delivering 150 meals to parishioners 75 visits to people recovering from illness or surgery

16. More pastoral care ministries… Counselling services to couples and individuals in marital crisis Self-help group set up to care for unemployed in the area Bereaved families support group, etc.

17. Encourage Personal Stories A long-time parishioner, went into a serious depression after the death of his wife of thirty-five years. He became reclusive, started drinking heavily, quit coming to church, and had to take a disability leave of absence from work. The rector, who had been visiting him regularly, convinced him to seek professional help for his depression. In addition, the pastoral care committee of the parish began a regular program of visits and phone calls. Within four weeks, he began to feel well enough to return to church. After eight weeks of medication, he returned to work. The parishioner credits the church with saving his life. He believes that without the support of the parish, his depression would have worsened and he likely would have killed himself through drinking or suicide.

18. Here’s What One Church Did St Lawrence.pptx