Discussing Stewardship in a New Appointment

This month we are praying for pastors who are getting to know new congregations while social distancing. An appointment change can be stressful even without accounting for the physical and emotional strain of the pandemic. On top of everything else, if giving is down due to the lack of in-person worship, new pastors may be forced to address stewardship earlier and more seriously than they might have otherwise.

Cesie Delve-Scheuermann, author of the excellent blog, “Inspiring Generosity,” encourages pastors to “take the bull by the proverbial horns” and face the topic head-on. Cesie is a professional fundraiser and grant writer, and longtime member of Salem First UMC. Her writing is published every Wednesday by the Oregon Idaho Annual Conference, and we recommend it highly. You can subscribe here, and read back issues here.

Earlier this month, Cesie provided a free template of an appeal letter to remind members that their gifts are still needed during the pandemic. She encourages pastors to adapt it and spread the message: “The church is open for ministry. And through your generous gifts, you can be a part of it.”

In another recent post, Cesie shared a story about how Rev. Dan Pitney approached stewardship when he was newly appointed to Salem First UMC:

1. He did his homework. Dan became a history student of our congregation – all 175 years of it. He began recalling our storied place in the community, the city, and in the state.
 
2. Dan reminded us of who and whose we were through his sermons. Suddenly, we started sitting up a little bit taller. We had a legacy to keep!
 
3. Finally, he told us that we had a history of being a generous people. This generosity included our time, our talents, and yes, our financial gifts. I’ll never forget Dan repeatedly saying, “You are a generous congregation.”  I remember distinctly thinking, “Well, if my pastor thinks I’m generous, I better start acting generous.” We took him up on his observational praise. We became generous.

Rev. Dan Pitney retired this month (congratulations, Dan!) and Salem First UMC is welcoming new leadership, along with the rest of the Open Door Churches which make up the United Methodist co-op in Salem and Keizer. Please join us in praying for this ministry, and for all of the congregations and pastors who are in the midst of an appointment change this month.