Are you looking for more resources to achieve your vision for ministry? Does your congregation have unrealized potential? Many congregations in our synod have found themselves in a similar position. Several leaders within our synod have discussed the potential for growth and identified a new opportunity called Ventures: Partners in Stewardship Growth.

Ventures is a partnership of local congregations, our synod and the ELCA Division for Congregational Ministries. We join together as partners to:

1. Build a basis for stewardship education and response in the congregation.

2. Create enthusiasm and excitement for stewardship.

3. Train leaders to carry out a thorough financial response effort.

4. Train leaders to develop a holistic approach to year round stewardship ministry.

5. Foster deepening relationship within and between congregations.

Scope
Through an initial workshop, each congregational group is provided with a foundation for stewardship that includes Faith & Prayer, Awareness & Education, Mission Interpretation and Gifts for Service. We build upon this foundation with the development of Stewardship for all Seasons and a presentation of six financial stewardship response methods.

The second workshop includes time for congregational discovery and planning specific stewardship ministries. Two subsequent workshops review progress, share congregational experiences and provide tools for evaluation. The Ventures series includes preliminary and post work to be completed by the congregational group. Professional ELCA and synod staff persons are available to teach and serve as a resource (coaching is available between workshops to address issues and concerns).

Resources
Each participant will receive a Ventures notebook. The congregation will receive materials for a specific financial response method of their choice or the one-year stewardship planning program. Current stewardship resources from the ELCA and Augsburg-Fortress will be introduced.

Expectations of Participating Congregations

1. Identify at least four (4) leaders and a pastor to participate in each of the four workshop sessions.

2. An approximate twelve (12) month commitment to the partnership in Ventures. This includes at least four (4) participants at each workshop session on the specific dates provided.

3. Complete the preliminary and post work assignments. The congregation should implement the response program or stewardship plan prepared in these sessions.

4. Make payment for Ventures to the Northwestern Ohio Synod at least one week prior to the first workshop. Payment for Ventures includes professional expenses and resource materials for up to five (5) participants per congregation. Additional materials are available at a cost of $15 per person.

5. Evaluate and report progress of the financial response or stewardship plan at the fourth workshop.

Benefits

• A theological basis for strengthening personal and congregational stewardship.
• Step by step approach to increase stewardship awareness and giving during the year.
• Proven financial response methods including materials for implementation.
• Resources for stewardship activities through the year.
• Forum for exchanging stewardship ideas and experiences for future planning.

Your congregation is invited to participate in this opportunity. We would like to help you better develop your resources and achieve your potential through a creative hands-on stewardship effort. This will include professional materials, instruction and coaching to achieve desired attitudes, behaviors and outcomes. For more information contact Kathy Lemmerbrock at the synod office.