Denominations

Personal Finances Financial Health Date (90 Minutes)

• Step 1 – Watch Brian and Mary Ellen Testimonial Video (9 minutes).
• Step 2 – Watch Free Methodist Church Webinar Video (23 minutes) with Larry Roberts and Brian Kluth.
• Step 3 – Optional: Watch Month #1 Instructional Video (8 minutes). This has similar overview information as in the Free Methodist webinar video, but has been recorded for other pastors and groups.
• Step 4 – Assessment Survey – Please take the survey individually (~10 minutes). Print out your emailed results.
• Step 5 – 40 Day Generous Life Devotional – Get your free online version for your iPhone/Android/Windows phone or tablet (go to your app store and search for “givewithjoy” (one word, no spaces). A free online or daily email version is also available at GiveWithJoy.org. For discounted printed copies, click here. Starting within the next few days, begin reading this devotional together each day as a couple or with your family. Take turns on who reads each day’s devotional. For those interested, there are also daily teaching podcasts (usually between 3-7 minutes) you can listen to.
• Step 6 – Decide on a monthly, 90-minute Financial Health date when you will meet together to work on these things. Write this on your calendars.
• Step 7 – Download and print each of these before the webinar. Put them in a Financial Health folder or 3-ring binder.

Best Practices Worksheet
Planning Calendar
Online Training 6-month Schedule

On the last week of each month, we will email you the next set of monthly instructional videos and resources. If you need us to add your name and email to this list, please send a note to Samantha at [email protected] with your name, church, position and email address.

If you have any questions, suggestions or comments, please email Brian Kluth at [email protected]. Please let us know if you discover any broken links or if you have any recommendations for Best Practices that we could add in the future.

Personal Finances Financial Health Date (90 Minutes)

• Step 1 – CATCH UP

If you have not completed Month 1, take time to do so now by clicking on Month 1 above.

• Step 2 – TRAIN

Print the “10 Ways God Provides When the Paycheck Isn’t Big Enough” handout and watch the Personal Finances Month 2 video.

• Step 3 – GROW

In the coming month, continue reading the 40 Day Generous Life Devotional together. If you missed some days, don’t skip ahead. Some people take 50-60 days to go through this devotional.

• Step 4 – DIG, DISCUSS & DECIDE

Discuss what you learned from the Personal Finances Month 2 video. Go over your Personal Finances assessment survey results and Best Practices worksheet. Use the 6-month planning calendar to identify the Best Practices that you agree to research and work on to improve your family’s financial health.

• Step 5 – PLAN

Over the next 60 days, record all of your expenditures with financial software or on a worksheet (see available resources on the Personal Finances Best Practices worksheet #2 and #3). Watch the “How do I Set a Budget or Spending Plan?” video.

• Step 6 – CONNECT

Join the private FMC Financial Health Facebook group at Facebook.com/groups/FMCfinancialhealth. Post a greeting and share a few Best Practices or financial goals you want to work on over the next five months.

Personal Finances Financial Health Date (90 Minutes)

• Step 1 – CATCH UP

If you have not completed Month 1 or 2, take time to do so now.

• Step 2 – TRAIN

Begin by watching the Personal Finances Month 3 video. Listen to the following podcasts: Principle of Financial Freedom (3:07) and Principle of Counting Your Blessings (10:59). There is an optional activity this month: Text yourself the link to the other podcasts and listen while driving or at home (NAEfinancialhealth.org/resources/bible-keys-for-true-financial-freedom).

• Step 3 – GROW

Start today by “Counting Your Blessings” and recognizing God’s provisions in your life from the last seven days. Record each of these provisions and their financial value in a notebook or send yourself a weekly email with the list of provisions. Use the 10 Ways God Provides chart to help you recognize God’s creative provisions in your life each week. Begin to set aside at least 10 percent of God’s financial blessings into a special fund, budget category or bank account. You could also put cash in a special place in your wallet or at home to give as the Lord leads you. In the days, weeks, months and years ahead, use your giving fund to faithfully support your local church and the ministries, missionaries, people, programs or projects where God is prompting you to give.

• Step 4 – DIG, DISCUSS & DECIDE

Review and discuss any links from the Best Practices worksheet. Use the 6-month planning calendar to help you focus on your financial health goals for this course. Also, check out some of the video resources, especially the 1-2-minute Q&A videos by Ron Blue in Best Practices #5. Review your progress by tracking your financial expenditures and determining if there are ways you can save money.

• Step 5 – PLAN

Continue to track your expenses and look up more Financial Health Best Practices. Begin making changes in your lifestyle and finances based on what you’ve been learning and discovering in this course.

• Step 6 – CONNECT

If you haven’t already done so, join the private community group at Facebook.com/groups/FMCfinancialhealth. Post a comment about the course, a helpful Best Practice resource, a financial blessing you have experienced or a financial goal you have made.

Personal Finances Financial Health Date (90 Minutes)

• Step 1 – CATCH UP

If you have not completed Month 1, 2, or 3, take time to do so now. Please also complete the Financial Health mid-course evaluation.

• Step 2 – TRAIN

Begin by watching the Personal Finances Month 4 video.

• Step 3 – DIG, DISCUSS & DECIDE

Discuss and decide on a book or curriculum from the following list:

• God Owns It All by Ron Blue – Personal or Small Group Study – $12.99
• Money & Marriage God’s Way by Howard Dayton – $9.87
• The Stewards Ways by Jay Link – Free book or free online video course (promo code = free)
• Experience God by Your Provider by Brian Kluth – $9.99
• Live Free by Servant Solutions – Personal Workbook – Free
• No Strings by Debbie Swindoll – $19.95

• Step 4 – PLAN

Continue to record God’s provisions and set aside resources to give. Review online Best Practices that are important to you. Monitor expenditures for 60 days and establish agreed upon financial goals.

• Step 5 – CONNECT

If you haven’t already done so, join the private community group at Facebook.com/groups/FMCfinancialhealth. Post a comment about the course, a helpful Best Practice resource, a financial blessing you have experienced or a financial goal you have made.

Personal Finances Financial Health Date (90 Minutes)

• Step 1 – CATCH UP

If you have not completed Month 1, 2, 3 or 4, take time to do so now.  If you have not finished the mid-course evaluation, click here.

• Step 2 – TRAIN

Begin by watching the Personal Finances Month 5 video. Discuss the financial curriculum that you chose last month.

• Step 3 – GROW

Continue to record God’s provisions on a weekly basis and set aside a “thanks offering” to the Lord. Share as you feel led.

• Step 4 – DIG, DISCUSS & DECIDE

Discuss Best Practices resources that will help you meet your goals. If needed, refer to the Best Practices worksheet and planning calendar. Note: If you need affordable health care options, click here.

• Step 5 – PLAN

Continue to work on your spending plan, budget and financial goals over the next 12 months. If you are a pastor or a leader, discuss action steps to have your leaders complete the Church Generosity six-month, committee-based training course.

Personal Finances Financial Health Date (90 Minutes)

• Step 1 – CATCH UP

All lessons build on the previous month’s lessons. If needed, be sure to go back and finish previous month’s lessons.

• Step 2 – TRAIN

Download and print out the Bless Your Church tri-fold brochure. Watch the Personal Finances Month 6 video.

• Step 3 – GROW

Continue to reflect on and record God’s provisions on a weekly basis and set aside a “thanks offering” to the Lord. Share as you feel led.

• Step 4 – DIG, DISCUSS & DECIDE

Read through the Bless Your Church brochure. Begin to answer the question, “If I passed away in 24 hours, where would I want the money that would become available to go?” Write down some of the churches, ministries, etc. that you would want to receive legacy bequests. If possible, write down the amount or percentage you would like each one to receive. Discuss how this brochure could benefit your church and God’s work in the years to come.

Download and scroll through the Legacy Organizer (NAEfinancialhealth.org/legacy).

Continue to use the Best Practices resources to help you meet your goals. If needed, refer to the Best Practices worksheet and the planning calendar.

• Step 5 – PLAN

Plan to continue meeting together to work on your spending plans and financial goals that will improve your financial health. If you are a pastor or a leader, decide on the timeline for you and a team of leaders to go through the Church Generosity six-month, committee-based training course.

• Step 6 – Once you have completed all five steps for Month 6, fill out the following end-of-course evaluation form. This is an important requirement of the grant-funded courses. 
  • Personal Finances Month 6*
    • I have completed all six months of Personal Finances training.
  • What insights and ideas did you find most helpful in the Month 6 video?*
  • What would you tell other pastors and spouses was most helpful about going through this Financial Health course?*
  • Please identify tangible financial benefits you experienced or changes you made that improved your financial health through this course.*
  • For those receiving grants, the Church Generosity pastors/leaders committee-based training (6 sessions for 20-45 minutes) must be completed. Indicate what month you and a group of leaders will complete this course. Note: If you have not yet started the course, plan to start this within the next few months.*
  • How could we improve this course in the future?*
  • Do you have any questions about this course that we can answer for you?
  • Name*
  • Email*
  • Church Name, City and State*
  • Email
    This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

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Church Generosity Committee-based Training (up to 45 Minutes During Your Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting)

• Step 1 – Download this 2-page PDF and give copies to those participating in the training.
• Step 2 – During your committee meeting, watch Month #1 Instructional Video (9 minutes).
• Step 3 – Review the handout and answer the video question on the second page.
• Step 4 – 40 Day Generous Life Devotional – Have everyone download a free online version for your iPhone/Android/Windows phone or tablet (go to your app store and search for “givewithjoy” (one word, no spaces). A free online or daily email version is also available at GiveWithJoy.org. For discounted printed copies, click here.

After the committee meeting:

• Step 5 – Email your leaders this webpage. Any leaders that are interested can begin going through the Personal Finances training, as well.
• Step 6 – Have the pastor and key church leaders take the Church Generosity assessment survey. Print out the emailed results.
• Step 7 – Download and print out the following documents and put them in a Financial Health folder or 3-ring binder.

Best Practices Worksheet
Planning Calendar
Online Training 6-month Schedule

• Step 8  – Once you have completed all seven steps for Month 1, fill out the required evaluation form. This is an important requirement of the grant-funded courses. The pastor should complete this form after the committee meeting.
  • Church Generosity Month 1*
    • I have completed Month 1 training.
  • What was the most helpful thing about Month 1 training?*
  • What could we improve in Month 1 training?*
  • How many and what type of church leaders are going through this course with you? Examples of church leaders include: elders, council, deacons, finance committee or if others, please describe.*
  • Do you have any questions about this course?
  • Name*
  • Email*
  • Church Name, City and State*
  • Name
    This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

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Church Generosity Committee-based Training (up to 45 Minutes During Your Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting)

• Step 1 – TRAIN

Watch the Church Generosity Month 2 video, which includes teaching on the 7 Keys to Joyful Living and Giving (13 minutes). Download and provide photocopies of this month’s Church Generosity video discussion handout for all of your committee members.

• Step 2 – DIG & DISCUSS

Spend 20-30 minutes for each person to share one highlight from the 40 Day Generous Life Devotional reading, 7 Keys to Joyful Living and Giving, or the giving cartoons and statistics from the Month 2 video. Optional: For those going through the Personal Finances training, share a positive highlight from this course.

• Step 3 – PLAN

Start or complete your reading of the 40 Day Generous Life Devotional. You can download this devotional on your phone or tablet app by typing “givewithjoy” or online at GiveWithJoy.org.

• Step 4  – Once you have completed all three steps for Month 2, fill out the required evaluation form. This is an important requirement of the grant-funded courses. The pastor should complete this form after the committee meeting.
  • Church Generosity Month 2*
    • I have completed Month 2 training.
  • What was the most helpful thing about Month 2 training?*
  • What could we improve in Month 2 training?*
  • Do you have any questions about this course?
  • Name*
  • Email*
  • Church Name, City and State*
  • Comments
    This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

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Church Generosity Committee-based Training (up to 45 Minutes During Your Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting)

• Step 1 – TRAIN

Watch the Church Generosity Month 3 video (14 minutes), which includes teaching on the 5 Keys to Growing Joyful Givers and Giving. In this video, Brian also gives instructions for using the Church Generosity 37 Best Practices worksheet and the 12-month Planning Calendar. Download and provide photocopies of this 5-page document for your group. In addition, send this document to everyone via email, as they will need access to the Best Practices links for the research they will be doing next month.

• Step 2 – DIG & DISCUSS

Over a period of 30 minutes, have each person in your group share a few Best Practices they think should be researched further. Assign and/or have people volunteer to do further research on specific Best Practices and bring their findings back to the group next month.

• Step 3 – PLAN

This month, plan to research your specific or assigned Best Practice by using the website links on the Church Generosity Best Practices worksheet. If you haven’t already done so, complete the readings in the 40 Day Generous Life Devotional.

• Step 4  – Once you have completed all three steps for Month 3, fill out the required evaluation form. This is an important requirement of the grant-funded courses. The pastor should complete this form after the committee meeting.
  • Church Generosity Month 3*
    • I have completed Month 3 training.
  • What was the most helpful thing about Month 3 training?*
  • What could we improve in Month 3 training?*
  • Do you have any questions about this course?
  • Name*
  • Email*
  • Church Name, City and State*
  • Phone
    This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

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Church Generosity Committee-based Training (up to 45 Minutes During Your Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting)

• Step 1 – CATCH UP

Complete your mid-course evaluation surveys by Friday, October 6. Click here to watch the explanation video and click here to take the survey.

These evaluations are a requirement for everyone receiving a medical assistance grant. For others taking this training, your feedback on the survey is requested and would be greatly appreciated so we can improve these courses in the future.

• Step 2 – TRAIN

Download and provide copies of this month’s discussion handout, the Bless Your Pastor brochure and template letter for your church members. Watch the Church Generosity Month 4 video.

• Step 3 – DIG & DISCUSS

Choose a generosity devotional from the following:

Life Devotional by Brian Kluth — Discounted prices for FMC churches

40 Day Digital Kit Companion Resources by Brian Kluth — Free for FMC churches

Other 30 and 40-day generosity devotionals

Discuss when would be a good time to do the kick off Sunday for the church families to start going through the generosity devotional.  Decide who will work on placing an order for materials and preparing the letter and email to send with the devotional.

Discuss when would be a good time for the Bless Your Pastor initiative at your church. If it will be done at a different time than the generosity devotional, decide who will prepare the letter and email from your church leaders. You can also download the full Bless Your Pastor Kit with additional resources (e.g., bulletin inserts, social media graphics and more).

• Step 4 – PLAN

Encourage people to continue researching their assigned Best Practices resources. Ask them to be ready to bring a report at your next meeting.

• Step 5  – Once you have completed all four steps for Month 4, fill out the required evaluation form. This is an important requirement of the grant-funded courses. The pastor should complete this form after the committee meeting.
  • Church Generosity Month 4*
    • I have completed Month 4 training.
  • What was the most helpful thing about Month 4 training?*
  • What could we improve in Month 4 training?*
  • Do you have any questions about this course?
  • Name*
  • Email*
  • Church Name, City and State*
  • Email
    This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

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Church Generosity Committee-based Training (up to 45 Minutes During Your Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting)

• Step 1 – TRAIN

Watch the Church Generosity Month 5 video.

• Step 2 – PLAN

Finalize plans for the “40 Days of Generosity” and “Bless Your Pastor” initiatives.

• Step 3 – DIG, DISCUSS & DECIDE

Print and distribute copies of the Best Practices worksheet and planning calendar. Discuss the Best Practices ideas and resources. Start using your 12-month planning calendar to keep track of old and new Best Practices that you would like to continue or start practicing. Decide if there are any additional Best Practices you would like to research before the next meeting.

• Step 4  – Once you have completed all three steps for Month 5, fill out the required evaluation form. This is an important requirement of the grant-funded courses. The pastor should complete this form after the committee meeting.
  • Church Generosity Month 5*
    • I have completed Month 5 training.
  • What was the most helpful thing about Month 5 training?*
  • What could we improve in Month 5 training?*
  • Do you have any questions about this course?
  • Name*
  • Email*
  • Church Name, City and State*
  • Name
    This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

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Church Generosity Committee-based Training (up to 45 Minutes During Your Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting)

• Step 1 – TRAIN

Download and provide copies of this month’s discussion handout and the Bless Your Church tri-fold brochure for each person. Watch the Church Generosity Month 6 video. Have people share what they found most interesting and helpful in this teaching video on asset and legacy giving. Discuss how giving out the Bless Your Church tri-fold brochure to families in your church could be of help to people and benefit your church in the years/decades to come.

• Step 2 – DIG, DISCUSS & DECIDE

Ask for updates from people still researching Best Practices resources. Plug in the agreed upon Best Practices and resources into your 12-month planning calendar.

• Step 3 – PLAN

Plan to implement the chosen Best Practices in the next 12 months. Add financial health/generosity reports to future monthly agendas. Each month, request updates and reports on the results of these iniatives.

• Step 4  – Once you have completed all three steps for Month 6, fill out the required end-of-course evaluation form. This is an important requirement of the grant-funded courses. The pastor should complete this form after the committee meeting.
  • Church Generosity Month 6*
    • Our pastor and selected leaders have completed the six months of training.
  • What insights and ideas did you find most helpful in the Month 6 video?*
  • How many and what type of leaders went through this training course with you (Examples: Spouse, Elders, Council, Finance Committee, Treasurer, other staff, etc.)*
  • What would you tell other pastors and spouses was most helpful about going through this Financial Health course?*
  • Please identify tangible financial blessings or benefits you or your church experienced after going through this course.
  • What Best Practices are you planning to implement over the next 12 months? Add the phrase "new" after any Best Practice you have not done in the past.
  • When was or is your 40 Days of Generosity scheduled for your congregation?*
  • When was or is the Bless Your Pastor initiative (and offering, if your church is doing this) scheduled? If an offering was received, what was the amount?*
  • What practical suggestions do you have for us so we may improve the Church Generosity course in the future?*
  • Do you have any questions that we can answer for you?
  • Pastor's Name*
  • Email*
  • Church Name, City and State*
  • Name
    This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

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