Clergy Education Courses
2023 UMFWO Stewardship Education Opportunities for West Ohio Clergy
WOC Clergy Generous Church Leadership Course
Where: Online
When: Beginning February 6 through March 19, 2023
How: Pre-Register at https://newsletters.umcdiscipleship.org/generous-church-leadership-west-ohio; Pre-registration opens December 12.
Why: Develop your understanding and confidence with local church finances. Equip yourself as a leader to help your congregation relate generosity to maturing as a disciple of Jesus Christ.
Cost: $25 plus cost to purchase materials (approximately $75) for a total cost of about $100. UMFWO will cover the first $100 of the course fee.
The UMFWO is sponsoring this virtual cohort of the Generous Church Leadership Course and will pay the first $100 of class fees. Moderated by Rev. David Meredith, the self-paced online program includes 6 modules intended specifically for West Ohio clergy. Participants may start at any time during the course timeframe but will benefit from the cohort experience most by beginning at the course start date.
The hope for the course is that participants will grow in their understanding of their leadership role in local church finances and be able to connect and articulate generosity as a key component of a growing, authentic disciple of Jesus Christ.
A 6-Session Series with Topics Including:
- Theology of Money
- Pastor as Generosity Leader
- A Disciple’s Relationship to Money
- Nurturing Generous Leaders
- Generosity the United Methodist Way
- Moving to a Congregational Culture of Generosity
A major portion of the learning content for the Generous Church Leadership Course comes from the required reading list. You may secure the books however you wish, but you can purchase them as a discounted bundle (with free shipping) from Cokesbury.com
Saving Grace Clergy Edition led by
Rev. Anna Guillozet
Where: Via Zoom
When: Beginning July 10-September 10, 2023
How: Register online (WOC webpage TBD); registration opens May 1
Who: WOC Pastors who desire greater financial health. This course helps clergy strengthen their financial literacy, both personally and as it pertains to church finance.
Cost: Students need to purchase their own workbook (about $18) here. Clergy who complete the course will receive $100.
The UMFWO is sponsoring this 8-week course. Students will meet once a week via Zoom to watch the video and discuss the lessons provided with program co-author and WOC clergyperson, Rev. Anna Guillozet. Some pre-work will need to be completed before the first session.
Saving Grace: A Guide to Financial Health is a program to help people of faith create healthy relationships with money and possessions. Participants will move through six sessions covering such topics as saving, earning, giving, spending, and debt, along with helpful strategies for achieving a sustainable financial life. Adapted from the best-selling Freed Up Financial Living from the Good Sense Movement, this study is based on Wesleyan values and provides text and tools to help participants address life concerns and reach personal financial goals.
In the clergy workbook, three additional clergy sections address financial issues unique to pastors, bringing together faith and vocation while attending to the unique financial details of living as a pastor and being employed by the church. The clergy workbook contains worksheets and downloadable planners.
Save The Date!
UMFWO Generosity Summit
September 11-12, 2023, at Deer Creek State Park
Join your clergy colleagues and local church leaders from across West Ohio for a two-day summit focused on growing a culture of generosity in the local church. Hear from experts in the field and relax in the beautiful environs of Deer Creek State Park. $100 registration fee. Room reservations ONLY by calling 740-869-2020 and mentioning the UMFWO block by July 28, 2023. Sponsored by Wespath Institutional Investments.