Stewardship in African-American Churches: A New Paradigm

By Melvin Amerson

"When the church embraces the responsibility of living as faith managers of God's vast resources [as Psalm 24:1 teaches], the community of faith will prosper."

So begins this practical and theological study of stewardship, both in the context of the African-American church tradition and beyond. After all, a systematic approach to stewardship undergirds the ministry and mission of the church universal.

A stewardship consultant, Amerson draws upon his experience to help churches

• develop a theology of generosity;
• define stewardship leadership roles;
• celebrate the offering each week; and
• establish endowment giving.

While recognizing still-relevant traditions, he also points to newer tactics and strategies convenient to both members and congregations—including electronic giving, contribution statements, and year-end giving.

A highlight of the book is Amerson's explanation of the development of a narrative budget/narrative spending plan. He also writes about stewardship education at multiple levels. This book is a solid resource for financial stewardship education.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Discipleship Resources
• Release date: Nov 1, 2015
• ISBN: 9780881777734

Melvin Amerson

Melvin Amerson is an ordained elder in the Texas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church and a stewardship consultant for the Texas Methodist Foundation. Known for his engaging and energetic presentations, Amerson leads training events across the country. Amerson lives in the Austin, Texas area.

Book preview

Fundraising within a congregation is an opportunity for the body of Christ to stand and say, This is what we believe. These are our values. This is how we want our resources to be used to serve our neighbors as we bring about the world of God’s imagination. In our work with congregational leaders, we have seen that the most successful fundraisers are those who use methods that connect generosity and discipleship and demonstrate a deep respect for their community. Melvin Amerson embodies these concepts, and his practical and insightful book reflects his understanding of the spiritual and celebratory nature of giving. Revisions to the original version offer new ideas and updates on useful methods. Thank you, Melvin, for this wonderful addition to the stewardship conversation!

—Tom Locke, President

TMF (Texas Methodist Foundation)

Melvin Amerson is passionate in his ministry of helping congregations develop a spirit of generosity. In the second edition of Stewardship in African American Churches: A New Paradigm, he takes pastors and persons responsible for congregational finance and stewardship to a new level of leading and integrating biblical stewardship with progressive ideas and strategies. This resource is a must-read for local church pastors and leaders.

—Bishop W. Earl Bledsoe

New Mexico Episcopal Area of

The United Methodist Church

I am extremely impressed with Melvin’s work on this very crucial portion of ministry in the life of individuals and the corporate life of the church. The greatest gift that God has given to humanity is the opportunity to be transformed into the image of Jesus Christ. Melvin Amerson teaches us that giving of ourselves, our time, our gifts, our talent, our skills, and, yes, our money is what we do in response to God’s love directed toward us. We are loved without reservation and we should respond by giving without reservation. We say no to chicken dinners as a way to finance our portion of God’s church and yes to being grateful stewards.

—Bishop James E. Swanson Sr.

Mississippi Episcopal Area of The United Methodist Church

Connecting our money with our faith has never been easy. The temptation of accumulating stuff has become an even greater temptation with the passage of time. Melvin’s book is a great way to learn how to fortify yourself with the practice of generosity. His easy-to-use tools are immediately applicable to small or large congregations and will help your church develop this faith discipline.

—Rob Fairley, President

United Methodist Foundation of Louisiana

Melvin has a deep passion for stewardship, because he understands stewardship to be an integral part of discipleship. He shares from his experience as both pastor and consultant, and he provides insights and strategies on growing faithful givers and congregations. Pastors and church leaders, irrespective of congregation size and location, will find this book to be a great resource. This is a must-read!

—Rev. Lawrence Young, Senior Pastor

Cascade United Methodist Church

Atlanta, Georgia

This book is filled with practical ideas to inspire and encourage year-round generosity. Melvin integrates creativity and strategy along with his passion for helping pastors and church leaders to grow faithful, generous disciples. Read it and apply!

—Dr. Rose Booker-Jones, District Superintendent

Illinois Great Rivers Conference

Melvin Amerson has written a book in an easy-to-read format for churches to use in small groups, committees, and other settings on the gift of generosity and building a sustainable stewardship ministry for churches. This book is theologically based with deep insights and practical methods to begin thinking and doing stewardship from where it matters most, the heart.

—Dr. Cheryl LaTanya Walker

Director of Black Congregational Ministries

Discipleship Ministries, The United Methodist Church

STEWARDSHIP IN

AFRICAN AMERICAN CHURCHES

Cover design by Joey McNair

Interior design by PerfecType, Nashville, TN

ISBNs

978-0-88177-771-0 (print)

978-0-88177-772-7 (mobi)

978-0-88177-773-4 (epub)

Library of Congress Control Number 2015931049

Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

STEWARDSHIP IN AFRICAN AMERICAN CHURCHES: A New Paradigm.

Copyright © 2015, 2006 Discipleship Resources. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form whatsoever, print or electronic, without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews. For information regarding rights and permissions, contact Discipleship Resources, PO Box 340003, Nashville TN 37203-0003.

DR771

This book is dedicated to my parents,

Tommy and Loretta Miss Ann Amerson

CONTENTS

Foreword

A Word from the Director

Introduction

Chapter One

History and Traditions of Stewardship in the African American Church

Chapter Two

Developing a Theology of Generosity

Chapter Three

Leadership Roles in Stewardship

Chapter Four

Stewardship in a New Era

Chapter Five

Stewardship Education

Chapter Six

Celebrating the Offering

Chapter Seven

What to Do with Special Days

Chapter Eight

Leaving a Legacy

Chapter Nine

Capital and Smaller Campaigns

Conclusion

Appendixes

Congregational Stewardship Analysis

Bible Study

Sample Year-Round Calendar

Narrative Spending Plan

Narrative Budget Worksheet

Suggested Reading List

Notes

FOREWORD

The African American church has historically been the gathering place of worship and discipleship development, which includes stewardship. Still, it remains a strong and vital place that has survived centuries in the United States because of the passion of its members. The dedication of the African American church remains as overseer and caretaker of God’s kingdom work; however, traditions have been challenged, and conversations are taking on different topics as Stewardship in African American Churches reaches its second publication.

As the culture rapidly changes in the techniques of handling money and the transfer of funds, these same opportunities are present with the church. Melvin Amerson’s involvement in the life of the congregation and in the community of faith has been impactful. He sees the conversations that need to take place, and with biblical stewardship concepts, he opens the dialogue with pastors, laity, and financial professionals.

"Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there