Growing Ministry

Growing Ministry

by:  Kim Matthews

In a recent meeting, Jeff Taylor and I reviewed the Foundation’s Investment Fund composition and historical returns with a prospective donor.  The donor listened patiently and seemed glad to receive the information, but then said, “It’s God’s money; I’m just trying to determine what to do with it.  If God wants it to grow, it will grow.”

I realize the wisdom in the donor’s words, especially when I consider all the ways that money can grow.

Obviously, money can grow in the investment arena.  It grows income in the form of interest and dividends; it grows in value due to capital change.  The Foundation’s four Investment Funds consistently meet or outperform benchmarks.  For the first half of 2011, the total return on our four Funds ranged from 2.4% to 3% (for six months).  From 2006 through 2010, the Foundation’s annualized return, net of all fees, ranged from 4% to 5% per year in each of those years.

But our donor reminded us that the investment process is not the only way that money can grow.

Money can grow – an education.  Several Trusts have been established at the Foundation that provide scholarships for students in college or in seminary.  The James C. Redding Memorial Scholarship Trust provides an annual $3,000 seminary scholarship for a student from our Annual Conference.  This year, the Leah Henry Memorial Scholarship Trust provided funds for two students from Trinity United Methodist Church in Pt. Pleasant to further their education.  Have you considered the possibility that God is calling you to help grow an education?

Money can grow – help for those in need.  This year the Virginia Higgins Trust provided over $38,000 in financial help to churches and agencies who are reaching out to children, to people with disabilities and to the elderly.  Over 10 years ago Rachel McMullin followed God’s lead and established a Trust at the Foundation.  Because of her actions, the Bluefield Cooperative Parish has a resource to provide a helping hand to those who need it.  Have you considered the possibility that God is calling you to grow a resource for those in need?

Money can grow – an awareness of God’s love in our lives.  Each year The Love Fund, a resource created and supported by our Annual Conference’s Ministers’ Mates Association, provides grants to clergy spouses in need.  Not only do the grants provide financial assistance, but they are also tangible evidence of the care between brothers and sisters in the faith.  Have you considered the possibility the God is calling you to grow an awareness in others of the grace of God in our lives?

Money can grow – ministry and mission.  The Foundation distributes income from numerous Trusts and Funds to churches across our Annual Conference.  Through these distributions, church roofs are repaired, Sunday school curriculum is purchased, the hungry are fed, salary obligations are met and choirs sing from new music.  This ministry is supported because donors and church committees considered the possibilities that God was calling them to support the ministry of the future through their gifts today.

As our wise donor taught us, “It’s not our money; it’s God’s money.  We just need to determine what to do with it.  If God wants it to grow, it will grow.”

Contact Jeff Taylor or me if we can help you to consider the possibilities of what your money can grow.