CLAIM THE VISION
TESTIMONIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

"I liked the fact that the 'Vision' program expressed a total church concern that allowed persons to get beyond the dollar sign. It served as a tool to secure a creative idea as to the church's total ministry. As one of our members remarked 'It changes the focus of stewardship.' And another said, 'It is a good way to secure an impact.' They responded positively to the VisionQuest booklet and to the Vision Crew gatherings. The concept is good. I am planning on using it again."
Rev. Gailey Carpenter
United Methodist Church
Brockport, NY (404 members)

" I am thrilled to report that our stewardship program, which made use of resources of 'Claim the Vision,' was a great success. We went from pledges of $155,000 for the current year to $180,000 for the coming year - a $25,000 increase! The people involved for many years say there never has been such a response to any prior program. The graphics were a great assistance in interpreting the theme. The posters drew many positive responses.
Rev. Edwin C. Linberg
Park Place Christian Church
Hutchinson, KS (350 members)

" We are very pleased with the results of our recent 'Claim the Vision' effort. Estimates of Giving are up 20% for the coming year - and that in an economically difficult time! The program was a positive experience, conducted with humor and enthusiasm. The emphasis on God's gifts to us - especially the gift of the Gospel of reconciliation in His Son - as the motive for our response to God, provided a sound theological base for the effort. Keep up the great work in providing solid and interesting materials for parish Stewardship efforts."
The Rev. Thomas L. Edge
Christ the King Lutheran Church
Ringwood, NJ (300 members)

"Thanks for the great stewardship program, 'Claim the Vision'. This has been our most successful one to date. We even arranged for a real hot air balloon to visit our church on Launch Sunday. When everyone arrived that morning, they discovered this three-story balloon parked in front of our building. It was tethered but rides were given to a number of people, particularly our youth and children. We are presently at 90% of our planned budget, with cards still coming in!"
Rev. Al Beck
United Methodist Church
McIntosh, FL (180 members)

" The materials you sent were very helpful. The graphics were super, clear, and gave good direction to this year's stewardship program. I found the format particularly helpful as a new pastor to this congregation. I have been here only six months and it was very important for me to hear the visions of our church. It helped me set directions for future ministry as well as plan next year's programs. The graphic materials and the images were able to capture people of all different ages. Our Sunday school children drew colored balloons and wrote slogans on them. Our high school and junior high school groups actually made a hot air balloon out of paper from a plan in a science book. It was a very good program."
The Rev. Martin Dasler
Bethany Lutheran Church
Bainbridge Island, WA (620 members)

"I am pleased to inform you that the stewardship emphasis, 'Claim the Vision,' has resulted in an increase of nearly 15% over last year's pledge income. The amazing news is that this came with a minimum number of new pledges. The growth, in other words, represents a growth in commitment to vision. The emphasis was right for us. Thanks for your thoughtful and hopeful programming."
Rev. D. Thomas Eberlein
First Baptist Church
Bedford, Ohio

" Our members loved the colorful posters, hymnal bands, etc. To me, the best thing about the 'Claim the Vision' program was the powerful concept of a Vision creating our future. Our financial commitments at the end of this Commitment Sunday campaign totaled $221,000, up 22% from a year ago."
Dr. James P. Rush
Bethel United Methodist Church
Columbia, SC (400 members)

" This year's stewardship emphasis was greatly enhanced by the use of your program. The process of meeting together in small groups and looking ahead together as a united community was an extremely meaningful experience. Our sense of mission became very clear. In addition, the results in terms of Commitment Sunday were very encouraging, and a concrete way to see that the congregation is indeed 'claiming the vision.' The response to the program was very positive and we have truly grown in the process of sharing our dreams, talent, treasure and faith."
Ms. Joan Bender, Pastoral Assistant
Hope Lutheran Church
Farmington Hills, MI (600 members)

"With the use of the 'Claim the Vision' theme for our stewardship program we were able to increase the total number of pledges by 14%. Our primary focus was on teaching the 'whys' of stewardship and the importance of individual participation, rather than on the need to increase the dollar amount given. To the delight of all of us, people were turned on to the importance of stewardship as a way of life - with not only the increase in number valuation but in the total amount contributed. May our Lord continue to bless you and your work."
The Rev. Dexter E. Parish
Grace Episcopal Church
Lapeer, Michigan (400 members)