For the believer
There is an abundance of sound financial trainings available today that focus on the Bible and utilizes Scripture to train individuals. Churches teach from many different curriculums and several are effective in building a foundation of proper biblical stewardship. These training programs function best when there is urgency among the participants (huge debt, looming expense, unsustainable living arrangement etc.) or there is an effective discipleship relationship in place. Unfortunately, not all of these curriculums rely on Scripture and most ignore Scripture memorization as part of the solution. Many churches teach infrequently on money issues. Sadly, giving among Christians, as a percentage of income, is barely greater than charitable donations by non-believers.
For the full-time ministry worker
Charged with raising financial support, there is an abundance of sound fundraising trainings available today. These trainings focus on the Bible and utilize scripture as a foundation to train them how to raise money for living expenses to serve locally or internationally. Many of these trainings produce the dollars necessary to allow the missionaries to serve God faithfully wherever they have been called. Although there is an abundance of literature and discussion about the biblical mandates to “reach the lost”, the majority of fundraising training still rely’s heavily on the missionaries ability to “close” the transaction by asking for money. Ministry workers and consumers who have experienced the closing sequence of an overzealous sales associate consider this process awkward at best, and sickening at its worst. Consequently, a different process is both welcome and necessary to assist ministry workers with the task of growing Christians towards greater generosity.
Stewardship Ambassadors employs a strategy of Discipleship, as the principle philosophy towards developing ministry partners
By educating ministry staffs and missionaries on the cultural pressures and attitudes that Americans feel towards money, we approach our visit and time together differently. We shape our presentation more completely to providing a thorough understanding of the mission, and challenge our audience to consider their role in “the great commission”. We share memorized scripture as an encouragement and not as sword. We never apply pressure during our appointment by asking for a financial decision, a check or a specific amount of money. Our process requires the prompting of the Holy Spirit to move ministry partners to willingly accept a financial role in the ministry and should always require a follow-up call or visit. We serve as ambassadors to the principles of biblical stewardship.
A valued relationship requires consistent communication
Like all great relationships, there is ongoing correspondence, information and sharing to strengthen the ties that bind us together. Newsletters, prayer emails, blogs and social networking options serve us well in maintaining partnerships in ministry. By improving the communication, from the first appointment until the missionary concludes their service (most-often, years later) the financial and prayer partners can be grown in the grace of giving and transformed in their knowledge and practice of true biblical stewardship. Joyfully, by achieving the mission of Stewardship Ambassadors, missionaries are fully funded, experience greater retention and are properly undergirded with more spiritually mature and informed ministry partners!