The Board of Trustees of Columbia Theological Seminary has appointed Robert Hay Jr. as Vice President for Business and Administration and Chief Financial Officer, effective January 8, 2024.
Have you heard of an “ethical will?”
If not, you are not alone. Though the practice has been around for millennia, in Christian circles it is still somewhat obscure.
Churches rely on members with more money to power ministries that help those with less. Yet our attitudes about money can fuel or deplete our power to help ourselves and others.
Stewardship has many layers. The Rev. Dr. Victor Aloyo, the 11th president of Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia, began a recent talk by acknowledging some visible ones.
If you are a word nerd like Rev. Kendal Land of First Presbyterian Church in Longview, Texas, then you know that “liturgy” comes from the Greek word “leitourgia” meaning “the work of the people.”
Receiving a gift of any size carries with it both spiritual and financial obligations for a church. Solid financial management is an act of faithful stewardship.
Such management requires policies, practices, and procedures for church finances that ensure that gifts are protected, maintained, and used for the purpose intended by the donor.
In 2019, the Rev. Kim Dawsey-Richardson took on the challenge of revitalizing the fading but faithful First Presbyterian Church of El Cajon, California. Important changes began, including closing the preschool and restructuring the staff.
“It’s not about the money — it’s about the mission.” That was the theme of the Rev. Peter Reuss’s session, “You want me to donate? Why? Building blocks for an impactful appeal.”
A minister attended church in a town she was visiting. As was her practice, she made a small gift by personal check during the offering. A week or so later, she received in the mail a packet of information about that church’s capital campaign, asking her if she wanted to contribute.
“That was a waste of a stamp,” said presenter Meredith McNabb with a wry smile.
