The series of workshops organized under the broad aegis of stewardship is proving to be a treasure that is decreasingly hidden. This is a good thing, since there has been some valuable material shared with and by the participants. Having been treated in February, 2013 at the first of the series to the wisdom of Douglas Hambidge, who may be retired, but is far from retiring, those who travelled to St. Andrew’s in Langley on March 2nd had an opportunity to consider how communication and hospitality relate to stewardship.
Glen Mitchell, who is the diocesan resource for stewardship and planned giving, led the first part of the session, focusing on development of year-round communications planning for stewardship. The process of communications is, in many respects, straightforward: send - receive - meaning - response. The last step is important, because it involves listening: "The meaning of communication is the response we get."
Quoting from Marcus Borg in Speaking Christian, Glen pointed out the need to reclaim the use of language that is restrictive, and misrepresents a faith that ought to be easily understood. This echoed words articulating this, offered by Rev. Michael Fuller during the opening Bible Study (where those attending the Stewardship Workshop joined those attending the concurrent Everyday Evangelism Workshop): Jesus used simple, accessible language - communication through the sacraments. It is the perception in reception that ought to concern us as we address stewardship of what has been entrusted to us as people of God.
Perception plays a large part in communication. Someone's perception may be different from ours, and we may even feel that it is wrong! But it is still their truth. And the only way to discern someone else’s perception is to ask questions and listen.
One of the participants, Alecia Greenfield, has just completed an MBA, part of which included preparing a marketing plan for St. Clement's. From her findings, she observed that we use language that is often received in the context of hard-core, religious conservatism, rather than its original intent, and thus is co-opted to mean something different from what we may intend. This is why it is important to validate perception.
Liz Cullen, of St. Mary’s, Kerrisdale, led the second part of the workshop, which extended the topic of communications to hospitality: what and how are we communicating when we welcome someone into our congregations? She used the welcoming model used at St. Mary’s as a framework.
One of the most valuable resources entrusted to us is the community of faith in which we gather and worship. Good stewardship of this resource will be fostered by an attitude of hospitality, focused on making people feel at home within our communities, our ministry and our worship.
Every parish would do well to develop a welcoming plan, however complex or simple. For example, one of the most tried and true ways to turn seekers into members is to follow up quickly: a phone call (preferably from clergy) within 24 hours often serves to cement an otherwise tentative relationship.
The workbook that was used for this workshop contains much valuable material, and is available by clicking this LINK. If it raises questions, then Glen, or one of the parish or regional stewardship people should be able to clarify the content.
Images: Top, Clergy and Lay share a table and some discussions at the Communication and Hospitality Stewardship event. Upper right, Glen Mitchell answers a question. Middle left, the participants are involved in table exercises. Lower right, Hospitality facilitator Liz Cullen speaks with Executive Archdeacon of the Diocese, the Venerable Douglas Fenton.
April 6: Stewardship Leadership Skills: Models & strategies & actions. This is the third in the 2013 Leaders in Stewardship Seminars series and it will again be held at St. Andrew’s, Langley. 9:30am Registration and Coffee, 10am-1pm Program. Seminar will be facilitated by Stewardship and Planned Giving Director, Glen Mitchell and the presenters will by Synod Staff, MAP Associates, the Reverend Marnie Peterson and Tasha Carrothers. Click to REGISTER