The Free Methodist Church in Canada

Course Dates

• Date: October 26, 27, 28, 2010
  
• Location: Athens Free Methodist Church, Athens, ON

• Date: September 24, 25, 26, 2010 *CANCELLED*
  
• Location:  Northview Community Church, Regina, SK

• Start Time:  9:00 am each day
• Instructor: Mrs. Sandy Crozier

Course Description

• The purpose of the stewardship foundational course is to educate and inspire regarding biblical stewardship.  We will examine biblical stewardship from both a personal and church management perspective.

Course Objectives
At the conclusion of this course, the student will:

• • have gained a holistic understanding of stewardship based on Biblical principles
  • understand the implications of context and culture as they relate to stewardship
  • have the practical tools necessary to manage our personal and church finances
  • understand the elements of serving as a steward leader
  • be able to identify stewardship “handles” for your congregation and how to address them effectively
  • be equipped to teach and transfer the principles of stewardship to your congregation
  • discover how to create and implement an effective stewardship ministry in your church

Text Books (3)

Students will be required to read the following books.  Each of the books can be ordered online through Chapters: www.chapters.ca.

Alcorn, Randy, Money, Possessions and Eternity
(This book can also be ordered online from Eternal Perspective Ministries: www.epm.org. EPM will provide it free of charge for pastors.)

Rodin, R. Scott, Steward Leader: Transforming People or Organizations and Communities
Intervarsity Press, April 1, 2010
ISBN - 13:9780830838783

Witherington, Ben III, Jesus and Money
Baker Publishing Group, January 1, 2010
ISBN - 13:9781587432743

Suggested Additional Reading (Not Required):

Berkley, James D. (General Editor), Leadership Handbook of Management and Administration
Baker Publishing Group, January 1, 2008
ISBN - 13:9780801068140
Chapters: 1, 7, 8 , Part V: Chapters 22-25, 32, 35, 36, 37.
(Please note the course specifically deals with the chapters as outlined above. The rest of the book does provide excellent information and would be a beneficial read)

Before you come:

• Read all required books.
• From the date of registration for the course, begin to track your personal income and expenses  (you will be required to track your personal income and expenses for a total of 2 months)  To assist you in this task, you can download the budgeting workbook to help you do this from www.generoussteward.org (Look under Personal Stewardship and then Financial Health)
• Compile the following financial information from your church and bring it with you to the course:
• Current annual budget
• Balance Sheet and Income Statement
• Average attendance/membership statistics
• # Households represented in congregation
• Average household income (if you have access to this information)
• Download the Budgeting Workbook [pdf]
  
• Download the Budget Forms [.xls]
  

During “in-Class” Time
Attend the three days of classes and participate in class discussions. 

After “In-Class” Time
Students will be given a writing assignment to be completed within 90 days of the end of the in class time.

To register online for this course, click here.

To register by phone, please call Susan DePlanche at 905-357-3165.