Congregational Development

Stewardship and Congregational Development

Thank you for visiting the Stewardship and Congregational Development web

page. It is our prayer that you will find information here that will be of service to you and to your parish or congregation.

My name is David Smith and I am the diocesan coordinator for Stewardship and Congregational Development. As a disciple of Christ it is a privilege to share in the work of the gospel throughout the Diocese Of Ontario and if I can ever be of assistance to you please feel free to contact me.

There are many ways in which parishes can grow in health. To this end we seek to offer a variety of educational opportunities which we trust will equip parishes to grow in their ability to worship and serve.

One of the key approaches I use in engaging and supporting parishes is through Natural Church Development. It has been exciting to coach parishes through this strategic planning process. It is a faithful, hopeful approach that invites parishes to engage in ministries that seek to allow God to give growth and health. St Paul described this approach when he said to the Corinthians: "I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth" (1 Corinthians 3:6). Using Natural Church Development has given parishes an excellent snapshot of their health as well as needed focus and direction in seeking to become healthier. If your parish is interested in learning more about this ministry I would be delighted to speak with you.

Throughout the year we also offer workshops on specific stewardship subjects but I am particularly keen to work in parishes, assisting leadership teams in implementing both short term stewardship programs and--more importantly--year round holistic stewardship education initiatives. Experience shows that parishes with robust stewardship programs are healthier in many ways: they have more vibrant ministry, more engaged volunteers, sounder financial positions, and more fruitful spiritual life. I am always delighted to visit parishes and to offer hands-on assistance with stewardship ministries.

A third ministry that I offer to parishes is that of education and support around the implementation of our Screening in Faith Protocol. This important ministry enables parishes to do all that they can to make their communities safe for children, other vulnerable people and, for that matter, every member of the parish. I am always available to consult and to support parish leadership in the implementation of Screening in Faith and to run educational workshops in parishes.

For more details on these and other ministries offered through our department browse through our page.

Once again thank you for visiting us and we wish you God's peace and grace.

Gift Planning Opportunities

Monday, 06 May 2013 16:28

Gift Planning Training Opportunities: A wonderful way to give thanks to God and to serve the ministry of your parish is to offer financial gifts through bequests and annuities. If your parish would like to learn more about how to encourage generous giving through Legacy gifts please consider.

Leave a Legacy Workshop: Thursday May 30^th at St. Lawrence College in Kingston Leave a legacy Kingston is offering an excellent basic level training for charities. It will be an excellent opportunity for wardens, clergy, parish council members and other leaders to learn about how to introduce legacy giving in parishes. For a poster with details see attachment

The Venerable John Robertson Senior Gift Planning Officer General Synod: We are very fortunate to have Archdeacon John Robertson who has extensive experience and is always keen to help parishes implement Gift Planning ministries. He is eager to visit parish councils, speak at Sunday services or offer workshops. You may contact him at his home study phone, 613.384.5608 toll-free number at Church House, 1.888.439.GIFT or 1.888.439.4438. His e-mail address is

Published in Stewardship and Congregational Development

Diocesan Prayer Calendar May 12th - September 1st 2013

Wednesday, 24 April 2013 16:07

Please find attached the updated Diocesan Prayer Calendar May 12th - September 1st 2013Thank you for your prayers.

Published in Stewardship and Congregational Development

Programs offered by Stewardship and Congregational Development Office and Committee

Wednesday, 27 March 2013 20:04

Stewardship and Congregational Development Office

Here for you and your parish

These are some of the services and programs we offer:

· Screening in Faith: We provide training and support to parishes to help them implement

this important and mandatory ministry. We conduct Sexual Misconduct Awareness

workshops as well as Awareness Training and Elder Abuse workshops.

· National Church Development (NCD): We coach parishes in planning based on this

faithful, practical paradigm for understanding and nurturing church health and growth.

· Stewardship Education and Program implementation: We provide hands-on support

for parishes seeking to develop or improve their year- round stewardship education. This

includes support with producing narrative budgets and other printed materials.

· Festival of Thanksgiving: We coach parishes through this celebratory 4−6 week

stewardship program, inviting congregations to respond generously with time, talent and

treasure in thanksgiving for God’s many blessings. We also recommend and support

parishes in other similar ministries.

· Spiritual Gift workshops: We lead parishes in retreats that help people to recognize and

use their gifts joyfully in service of God’s church and mission.

· Gift Planning: We organize and lead sessions that encourage and facilitate people to be

able to offer financial gifts to God through legacy-giving.

· Parish retreats, Sunday preaching, planning: We visit parishes and lead congregations

or smaller parish groups such as parish councils in retreats or planning sessions that will

facilitate congregational health. Rev. Canon David Smith, Stewardship and

Congregational Development Co-ordinator, enjoys preaching on Sundays and spending

time with congregations.

· Parish and diocesan workshops on a variety of congregational topics: We provide

regular training sessions for the enrichment of parish life on such topics as: Becoming a

welcoming parish; Introducing and encouraging spiritual disciplines; Strengthening

music ministries; Engaging young adults and families; Supporting and training parish

leadership; Continuing education for clergy, youth and children ministries; Stewardship

education. We are always pleased to offer “custom” training to meet the needs of your

parish.

Come and chat! Our door is open.

Rev. Canon David Smith

Co-ordinator, Stewardship and Congregational Development

The Diocese of Ontario

90 Johnson Street

Kingston, ON K7L 1X7

613-544-4774 ext. 132

Published in Stewardship and Congregational Development