A Generous Culture of Stewardship – excerpt from our Ministry Covenant

It is our goal that the Church of the Incarnation exercise good and generous stewardship of all God’s gifts, specifically: (i) To receive, embody and proclaim a theology of abundance; (ii) To exercise prudent stewardship of the parish’s financial and physical resources for ministry; and, (iii) To empower members’ baptismal ministries, exercising caring stewardship of all members’ gifts for ministry.

Towards this goal and objectives… the Diocese will:

• continue to provide resources for stewardship education;
• review the parish’s appeal of recent Diocesan Mission and Ministry assessments and come to an agreement with the parish about the current applicable assessment and any historic amounts owing;
• work in partnership with the parish (Priest-in-charge, Wardens and Treasurer) to develop a debt management plan for retiring any aged diocesan receivables and building debt owed by the parish; and,
• apply to this incumbency (i) the diocesan pay-scale with respect to minimum stipend, pension and employee benefits, (ii) the average Oakville housing allowance; and (iii) the Interim Ministry policy with respect to travel expenses.

…the Priest-in-charge will:

• preach, teach and model a theology of abundance;
• promote awareness of life as a spiritual journey and of our Christian calling as stewards of God’s gracious gifts;
• exercise, as a member of the Corporation, prudent and caring stewardship of the parish’s gifts for ministry;
• guide and support lay leaders, especially the Wardens, Parish Council and Stewardship Committee in conducting a creative, comprehensive year-round stewardship programme;
• facilitate clarity of expectations of staff and volunteers;
• support, empower and oversee staff;
• support, empower and advise lay leaders, groups and committees in their respective ministries;
• encourage and promote ongoing compliance with diocesan Volunteer Management and Screening policies; and,
• facilitate comprehensive and transparent communication about stewardship responsibilities and opportunities.

…the Wardens will:

• assist in proclaiming and modeling a theology of abundance;
• work in partnership with the Priest-in-charge, Treasurer and diocese to develop a debt management plan for retiring any aged diocesan receivables and building debt owed by the parish;
• foster a cooperative environment amongst ministry leaders, groups and committees;
• exercise, as members of the Corporation, prudent and caring stewardship of the parish’s gifts for ministry;
• guide and support other lay leaders, groups and committees in their ministries; 
• assist and enable the Stewardship Committee in conducting a creative, comprehensive year-round stewardship programme and through acting on members’ offers of gifts of time and talent;
• facilitate clarity of expectations of staff and volunteers; and,
• ensure ongoing compliance with diocesan Volunteer Management and Screening policies.

…the Stewardship Committee and other relevant bodies will be asked to:

• assist in proclaiming and modeling a theology of abundance;
• develop and conduct a creative, comprehensive year-round stewardship programme; and,
• disseminate information to all parishioners regarding stewardship responsibilities and opportunities.

…all active members of the Church of the Incarnation will be called to:

• respond to invitations to learn and grow as stewards of God’s gifts; and,
• commit to support the mission and ministry of the Church of the Incarnation through gifts of time, talent and treasure given collaboratively, intentionally, prayerfully and generously.