GEM

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Balancing income and expense is important but good stewardship is not about giving money to meet budgets. Good stewardship is about supporting mission.

• Mission is not about standing still or maintaining the status quo.

• Mission is about fulfilling vision.

Church members are encouraged to give more of their time abilities and money when they can see that all that they give contributes to fulfilling God's mission for their Parish.

By encouraging people to look at the Church's finances in a new way they can be helped to see that all that they give helps God's work and thus be excited by the idea of giving more to help further God's mission. GEM can help with this.

What is GEM?

• GEM is designed to help a congregation recognise that church finance is more about mission and ministry than about bricks and mortar.

• GEM is effective once the church has a plan - or strategy - for mission in place

• It is for any congregation of any size, rural or urban, that wants its support of mission to grow

• GEM should be used by a church which is able to 'balance its books'. It can be seen as the next step after completing a successful TRIO programme. If the church is experiencing problems 'balancing the books' serious consideration should be given to first doing a TRIO programme

The key stages in the GEM programme are to:

1. identify all current parish ministries;

2. record how current ministries are resourced in terms of time and finance;

3. identify gaps between current ministries and action plan;

4. create a Ministry-based Budget;

5. make a presentation to the congregation encouraging their support for the mission of the church through the offering of their time, talent and money

During the main service or at a special event a presentation is made using an overhead projector.

The Presentation includes ...

• details of the time and money currently spent on all activities in the parish;

• a brief introduction to the Parish Plan in which each item is 'costed' in terms of time and money;

• details of the extra help that is needed for the parish to accomplish its mission;

• information concerning the envelopes to be taken at the end of the service and how to respond

 GEM works best when ...

• a clear and realistic plan for mission is in place;

• the leadership of the church demonstrates a commitment to develop and pursue the concept of mission;

• a clear invitation is given to the congregation to respond in a positive way;

• every effort is made to achieve a 100% return of response forms.

Do it yourself ...

GEM is available as a D.I.Y. Programme or an Adviser from Communications and Resources can work with the Planning Group and actually make the Presentation.

Communications and Resources can

• train the visitors;

• print and supply personalised literature.

How Long?

Four to five months from initial planning to final response.

The Church exists to be a sign of Christ's presence in the world, therefore the only real reason for anyone to give more is to enable the local congregation to expand the mission and ministry of Jesus Christ in their community and the world.

 For further information, contact Communications and Resources

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