An asset-based offer

(Today’s blog is different: It outlines a unique offer that might benefit your congregation’s leaders—insights and motivation that could arise from shared conversation about the book, Stewardshift: An Economia for Congregational Change. I can make the offer because I wrote the book….)

THE BOOK

It’s unlike most other books about “stewardship”: A rereading of the biblical roots and dimensions of this doctrine/practice and an exploration of current secular manifestations of stewardship. That combination of insights—with practical next steps—might be one way to bring new energy to your congregation’s identity and purpose.

BACKGROUND

I wrote the book to help congregations transition from stewardship-as-only-fundraising towards stewardship-as-congregational-mission. The publisher’s web site—https://www.churchpublishing.org – includes an author video and the first chapter as a way to determine the book’s possible usefulness for your ministry.

PROPOSAL

You or your congregation get up to five (5) free copies of the book, and up to four (4) complimentary Zoom conversations with me. On receipt of your proposed ideas about using the book, you and I work out the logistics in time for your Fall stewardship planning.

HOW THIS COULD WORK

1. You look over the introductory material at Church Publishing’s web site.
2. Optional: You and I have a phone conversation or Zoom session.
3. If you’re still interested, you send me a proposal about your intended use for the book.
4. You and I talk about your ideas and possible logistics.
5. I send you the books you have requested. You reimburse me only for shipping costs.
6. You carry out your plan, perhaps checking in along the way.

HOW YOU MIGHT USE THE BOOK

Some congregations help leaders cultivate their assets through a variety of shared experiences—seminars, consultants, online courses, training events, etc.  What I’m offering here is a form of leadership development that trusts the power of personal conversations to affect change. Those conversations—with the book as catalyst—could be part of the core of your congregation’s continuing liveliness.

To take advantage of this offer, these possibilities:

• Use this book—with one or more author conversations—as the content for a book reading group.
• As the first step to expand your overall stewardship efforts, focus on the second half of the book—the practical applications of secular stewardship to congregational life.
• Study the usual Scriptural foundations for stewardship, with the book—or author conversation—as biblical counterpoint.
• Using asset-mapping activities, see where your congregation’s broader stewardship gifts fit especially well with one or more of the secular stewardships outlined in the book.
• Begin a multi-year process of reshaping your broader stewardship ministry with a short leadership retreat.
• Host a small gathering of pastoral staff or stewardship leaders from nearby congregations, featuring an author conversation via Zoom.
• Establish a “stewardship think tank” alongside your annual mission funding efforts, taking action on the book’s invitations and nudges.
• Read the book on your own, scheduling one or more Zoom conversations with me.

MISCELLANY

1. I’ve never tried anything like this before.
2. Any interaction with people like you helps assure me that these ideas won’t end up in a spiritual trash heap or actual landfill.
3. My supply of books is moderately limited, so I’ll operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
4. I’m trying to keep this really simple—useful for your setting, your intuition, your hopes.
5. As you will see about me—and as I will see about you—stewardship is personal, central, life-enriching.

 

My preferred e-mail address is bob@fullofyears.org.  My cell phone number is 630.690.8515. (I may not answer, so leave a message and I’ll call you back.)  My mailing address is Bob Sitze, 25W688 Armbrust Avenue, Wheaton, IL  60187-2902.