My Opportunity for Giving

 Paul Wilkes -

"My Opportunity for Giving" is a three-week program designed to introduce stewardship as a way of life in your church - leading your congregation into a careful and prayerful consideration of how they might become good stewards of the time, talents, and treasure God has given them. Under a Lilly Endowment grant, author Paul Wilkes traveled from coast to coast to study church vitality, and then developed resources based on his findings. "My Opportunity for Giving" is the sequel to that journey, with the aim of making an "attitude of gratitude" both practical and possible in local congregations.

Features

Because "My Opportunity for Giving" is a comprehensive stewardship kit, it will be most useful in this review to highlight the strengths of the major component parts:

Leader's Guidebook - A 104-page guide is included, walking you through the process step-by-step: selection and formation of a Leadership Team, building community and a attitude of gratitude in your church, and coordination of key events including a Gratitude Dinner, Stewardship of Time, Stewardship of Talent, Stewardship of Treasure and Commitment Sunday.

Leader's Instructional Video - Paul Wilkes speaks directly to leaders, guiding them through all stages of "My Opportunity for Giving" (provided in both DVD and VHS formats).

Resources CD - Downloadable resources for each event, nametags, customized banners, and sample letters to assist you in the "My Opportunity for Giving" experience.

Forms - A feature of "My Opportunity for Giving" is that some of the forms are provided in duplicate form - allowing one copy of the forms to be used as a communal act of worship (if desired) and the other copy kept by congregants for personal reference. Forms can be customized with your church's name.

"Power of Stewardship" videos - In 4 short videos, Wilkes talks directly to your members about the biblical underpinnings of good stewardship, as well as the power of stewardship of time, talent, and treasure. The principles are illustrated with examples of other good stewards in churches across America.

Materials - An "Annual Report" brochure provides you with an attractive, customizable format in which to tell your church's story. The "Listening to You" survey gives your members an easy way to provide feedback on their "church life" experience. The kit also includes full-color posters (with editable inserts for dates and locations) to promote the "My Opportunity for Giving" experience and generate interest among congregants.

Things To Be Aware Of

"My Opportunity for Giving" is packed with solid biblical stewardship principles and ideas, and laced with scripture references and quotes from great Christian thinkers such as Richard Foster, D.L. Moody, and others. It should be noted, however, that although the materials are designed for churches across denominational lines, there are a few references in the materials that may reflect author Paul Wilkes' Catholic background: making the "sign of peace" in the liturgy, quotes from St. Ignatius and Mother Theresa, and a video reference encouraging viewers to "be the good people we know we could be, so that we can make this world a better place."

Available at: New Beginnings http://www.nbontheweb.com/ or 800-936-0363. Note: Regular cost is $249.95 but if you mention the recommendation from Barnabas Foundation, you will receive a $100 discount.