HEATHER PECK TRAVIS
UMCom
United Methodists support missions around the world. You can find the cross-and-flame logo on schools, universities, community centers and seminaries across the United States. The United Methodist Church name is on the side of hospitals, retirement homes and a university in Zimbabwe, Africa. Men and women trained and commissioned by the denomination serve in mission in most nations around the globe.
But, guess what?
While it takes significant funding to support denominational ministry, on average only 2 cents of every dollar given to local churches in the United States go to fund this expanse of ministries.
Those pennies combine in seven apportioned funds, the budgets of which for 2014 totaled $150,078,000, to support the worldwide ministries and mission of the denomination and operations of the general agencies, 13 seminaries, 11 historically black colleges, bishops, the Judicial Council, ecumenical and interreligious ministries, and jurisdictional and General conferences.
Of the remaining 98 cents, 7 cents supports jurisdictional, annual conference and district ministries, and 6 cents goes to The Advance, World Service Special Gifts, Special Sundays and other recipients designated by the giver. The bulk of every dollar – 85 cents on average – stays in the local church.
Being connected through giving allows United Methodists to be a part of many ministries that few could do alone or even with several other congregations.
Appeal to compassion
“The apportionment system is near and dear to my heart,” says the Rev. Ken Sloane, director of stewardship and connectional ministries at Discipleship Ministries. “United Methodists work together to do what an individual can’t. As a result, we make an enormous impact on our world, such as attempting to eradicate malaria.”
Sloane says a common challenge for local churches is “getting the message out to people that apportionments are not just a tax or something taken away from them.
“Many older generations grew up in the church with the understanding that tithing is a duty, obligation and commitment,” he says. “However, younger adults are inspired to give out of generosity, compassion and commitment.”
Sloane says congregations should talk about money and stewardship throughout the year.
“Churches should also help members stick their toes in the water of generosity,” says Sloane, who writes offertory prayers posted on the Discipleship website as well as umcgiving.org.
‘Deprogram’ cultural mindset
“What the Christian faith teaches about giving is radically countercultural to an American society [that teaches to] value acquisition and consumption over generosity,” says Ann Michel, associate director of the Lewis Center for Church Leadership at Wesley Theological Seminary. “The most fundamental challenge in encouraging adults to give financially is deprogramming them from a cultural mindset that causes them to think they constantly need more for themselves.”
People must understand why they should give before they are open to learning how much they should give.
Teaching about apportionments should stress mission and ministry, not institutional maintenance, Michel continues. “We need to find ways to inspire our church members to want to support a ministry that extends beyond their local congregation.
“In my experience, the congregations that do the best job of forming people as givers are the ones where there is a culture of generosity.”
Last Updated on February 2, 2024