During her three visits to the diocese— twice as Council keynote speaker—former Episcopal Church stewardship officer Terry Parsons shared wisdom about financial matters. In these times of economic uncertainty, Parsons’ advice merits review for parishioners and parishes alike.

All things come of Thee, O Lord...

Here is her advice:

1. Pray. Especially if you've tried everything else.

2. Bible study. Episcopalians tend to explore lots of background on the possible authors of the Bible or details about word choice and translations, but none of those things has the power to transform a life. Instead read a Gospel looking for what is Jesus saying to you and how it may change your life.

3. Rebuke scarcity. Don't try to manage fear well or try not to let it upset you. Wholeheartedly rebuke it. Stand up to the fear of scarcity and say No! God does not live in our fear.

4. Claim abundance. In the story of the loaves and fishes, Jesus tells his disciples to feed thousands with a few loaves of bread and fish. The disciples retreat into scarcity because it is safer than the risk of relying on Jesus' wisdom. To risk feeling stupid or foolish, especially in financial matters, is to bravely claim the abundance God intends for his people.

5. It is more important to nurture holy habits than to fret over a budget. Sometimes budgets are the means by which we intend to notify God of our intent to place limitations on ministry. Instead, focus on holy habits such as:
a. Keep the Sabbath. See what happens when you "do nothing" and allow God to influence your day.

b. Tithe. Just as Jacob promised one-tenth of all he had to God in thanksgiving for all that God had done for him, consider that a tithe is an act of faith. "All things come of Thee, O Lord, and of Thine own have we given Thee." -1 Chronicles 29:14

6. Say thank you. If you have less now than you did before, that will feel a lot like scarcity. Take extra care to thank God out loud in exchange for every prayer of supplication.

7. You can't sell soap if you don't take a bath. If you think others should call on the Gospel, call on it yourself. If you think giving is important, give of yourself.

Parsons had particular advice for leaders of churches:

8. In churches, sometimes the conversation comes down to cutting expenses or increasing income. Faith is always found when focusing on the income side. "Sometimes the bad news is that ministry costs money. The good news is that we have the money. The terrible news is that the money is in our pockets," said Parsons.

9. As a church we are called to confront the culture of greed and the spectacle of debt. We must do this for ourselves and as an example to our children. //

Terry Parsons has been a magazine editor, marketing consultant to small businesses, director of development for a not-for-profit human service agency and developed a training program for women executives before beginning her work in stewardship. She believes it is more important to study the Bible than budgets, to pray than to beg. She also believes the greatest challenge facing congregations today is our preference for scarcity, and reluctance to claim the abundance which God offers.

Previously, Parsons served as Missioner for Stewardship and Discipleship of the Episcopal Church. She currently serves as Program Officer for Diocesan Services for The Episcopal Church.