Title: Stewardship issues highlight consultation with African American pastors
Date: November 22, 1999
Disciples News Service
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
99b-79
INDIANAPOLIS (DNS) - Stewardship issues in African American Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) congregations headed the agenda of a Nov. 15-16 consultation here, sponsored by the Church Finance Council.
The meeting was designed to identify and help overcome barriers between African American congregations and general church structures, said Lois Artis Murray, CFC president. She also hoped to spark increased support for Basic Mission Finance, Reconciliation and Week of Compassion.
The 14 clergy present discussed Christian stewardship, which they defined in part as, a "lifestyle that reflects the love of God in giving in the areas of time, talent and treasure." Stewardship, the group, added, "is intentionally prioritizing the covenants of God, family, church and community."
The first task toward addressing stewardship issues in congregations is examining one's own practices, said the Rev. Alvin O. Jackson, Washington, D.C. The pastor of National City Christian Church was a co-convenor of the consultation.
Jackson identified local church concerns over giving as a heart problem rather than a money problem. Using a high jumper as an analogy, he said if we "throw our hearts over the bar all else will follow. When you give God your whole heart, you'll give your money too."
General Minister and President Richard L. Hamm said that another problem was the low number of Disciples clergy who tithe. Stewardship is right at the core of the spiritual disciplines, he added. "Once you invest your money, your heart follows."
Small group discussions over stewardship education, support for other ministries beyond the congregation, and forging stronger partnerships rounded out the agenda.
Taking part in the consultation were the Revs. LaTaunya Bynum, Columbus, Ohio; Vivian and Leroy Bryant, Little Rock, Ark.; Raumone Burton, Flint, Mich.; Kenneth Davis and Eugene Reynolds, Martinsburg, Va.; William Edwards, Cincinnati; Karey E.L. Gee, Jacksonville, Fla.; Eva Husser, Goose Creek, S.C.; Byron Singleton, Houston; Perry Spencer, Los Angeles; and Raiford Wheeler, East Orange, N.J.
Also taking part were the Revs. Robin Hedgeman, Cleveland, who served as the facilitator, and Samuel Murray, pastor of Faith United Christian Church, Indianapolis, which was the host church for the event.
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