Q: What is the Stewardship Committee?
A: The Stewardship Committee is a committee in the Support Area that considers how Emmaus can best cultivate generosity of time, resources, and gifts. It is comprised of four members, including our church treasurer and Pastor Andrew. We meet once a month and welcome your input!
Q: Emmaus seems to be doing well financially. Why do we still need to give?
A: Well, if we all stop giving because we’re doing well, we won’t be doing well anymore. But well beyond that, we give for a variety of reasons—generosity is part of our spiritual practice. Generosity fuels our mission in the world. We give because we believe in God’s mission, not because we’re doing well or not.
Q: Is there a need for me to increase my giving?
A: This is a great question to discern with a member of the pastoral staff. On one hand, yes, we would ideally all be increasing our giving to at least keep up with inflation. On the other hand, now might not be the time to give more money; maybe it’s time for more of your creative energy instead!
Q: What could be done if Emmaus had more money?
A: The opportunities are endless. We could, in no particular order, livestream our adult forums, strategically increase our staffing, provide more childcare for more events, provide more food to those in need, expand our ministry to the unhoused, make strategic infrastructure upgrades, convert to more energy-efficient heating and cooling, etc.!
Q: Is there a plan for money received that exceeds our budgeted needs?
A: Emmaus has a reserve, strategically placed in high-yield savings accounts, that serves as our community’s emergency fund. However, the council can choose to withdraw from that fund for strategic initiatives and projects that are essential to us carrying out our mission.
Q: How can I have input for the future of Emmaus if we have the funds?
A: If you have a grand idea (or even a very mundane one), feel free to share it with a council member. Emmaus is a place of abundant potential, and the sky is the limit. We would welcome the opportunity to discuss what God is stirring within you!
Q: Will my relatively limited amount of giving make a difference?
A: Yes! Our capacity to do God’s work in the world is fueled by our generosity of resources (finances, gifts, time, energy). Every single member of Emmaus has the opportunity to give in all these ways.