Services for Churches - Stewardship

Linking Stewardship to Purpose through Prayer, Plans, and Possibility in Woodville

Even in the best of times, congregations artfully dodge issues of stewardship or separate them into neat categories – abundance versus scarcity, for example – to simplify challenges fraught with tension. But there’s no getting around it: stewardship requires dealing with issues of purpose and meaning, issues at the very heart of a congregation.

So how did Woodville United Methodist Church manage to raise close to three times its annual budget from a capital campaign launched as the country was on the brink of economic collapse and their local economy was still reeling from the ravages of Hurricanes Rita and Ike?  

They called on one another to address those deep challenges of linking stewardship to purpose. With the help of Senior Stewardship Consultant Dick Young, this small-town congregation in the heart of East Texas approached their campaign by praying about God’s purpose for them and articulating a vision for their ministry that reflects their calling.

The discernment process began for Woodville UMC long before they ever considered hiring a consultant or putting together a campaign committee. “Before we even contacted the Texas Methodist Foundation, we started with prayer over this project and the future of our church. It was a process of conversation and prayer that actually went on for about three years,” said Dixie Jarrott, co-campaign chair.

Recent study of the book Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations by Bishop Robert Schnase prompted even more reflection as the congregation examined itself in light of those five practices – Radical Hospitality, Passionate Worship, Intentional Faith Development, Risk-Taking Mission and Service, and Extravagant Generosity. “It just takes a while to work it all out and completely realize the need,” added Gordon McClusky, co-campaign chair who worked closely with Jarrott.

The need McClusky speaks of meant creating a space where the congregation could experience worship and fellowship in more spacious quarters, but also recognizing needs in the surrounding community. “Our prayer and discussion led us to think more deeply. Let’s don’t build just to build a building. Let’s think about the ministries the building will enable,” Jarrott explained.

“Having a vision for what it could be and the ministry that needed this building, we realized there was a vision and spirit driving the project. When it comes right down to it, we asked the ‘whys’ and communicated the needs really well,” Rev. Tommy Williams, pastor of Woodville UMC, remarked.

The new Wesley Center, a name chosen by the congregation to signify a “hub” for actively loving their neighbors as Wesley urged, will give the congregation room to grow their children and youth programs, as well as explore options for future ministry. Ideas being considered are an after school tutoring ministry for area children, Friday night community youth activities, providing meals to many in need in their area, and serving as an additional Red Cross shelter during disasters like Hurricanes Ike and Rita.

Woodville UMC’s focus on fresh ideas for fulfilling their purpose proved a revitalizing force for strengthening community. “It really reenergized a lot of our members. Something about a common goal made them rally together,” said Rev. Williams.

“Our campaign brought in members who were not participating, even in worship, before we got started. When they found out about our plan, they got really involved. Now these people are taking on all kinds of mission projects,” Jarrott added. “It’s really an exciting time for us in so many ways.”

“We’ll never know the true number of people who were praying over this, but we know they were out there because of the fruit of this campaign,” Rev. Williams added. “The number of pledges we had per household was significant. It truly involved the entire congregation, and the core of our members pledged following the example our leadership set for them.”

“We were taught to examine how we spend. Leave off a few years of extravagant vacations or give up some other type of luxury and you’ll be surprised at how much you can give,” Jarrott added. “Not that we don’t miss those vacations! But it’s worth the sacrifice to know you’re helping to build something important, and it will last so much longer and serve so many more people than a vacation.”

Young recognized the potential Woodville UMC generated through its discernment process early on, and while campaign leaders appreciate the way he encouraged them to lead their congregation through change, he extends the credit for success back in their direction.

“They just responded so well to the need for that building. They have a great spirit about them, and it’s evident they are following a path set forth for them in service to Christ. All they had to do was ask in faith, and God led them through that campaign.”