Preaching and the Annual Review

The page Why Preaching Matters outlines the value of preaching on the subject of stewardship. Preaching is an indispensable element of any Annual Review. It must reflect the themes of generosity and grace coupled with a challenge to the congregation to review giving.

• The first and primary need is to teach the biblical principles of giving and encourage a mature response in personal discipleship to the invitation to generosity. Annual Review sample sermons are provided as a resource for preachers. (See right hand column on this page.)
• Review the extensive preaching resources, including the new Preach Luke! materials added for autumn 2007.
• Where preaching opportunities are limited to a single sermon ensure that giving, as a formative element in personal discipleship, is not suppressed in favour of an appeal to meet the financial needs of the church.
• Review Sunday also requires the communication of the financial costs of church ministry in the coming year. This is a legitimate need that must be balanced against the first need mentioned above. Reference should be made to the annual review brochure which can be distributed to the congregation at this service. The brochure should outline the needs of the church's ministry and complement the preaching.
  
• All age worship provides a wonderful context for a simple presentation of the financial situation and ministry needs. A new drama resource, Fair Deal or Not Fair Deal, was added in 2008 and complements the existing Family Fortunates drama prepared for 2007.
• Note also that Millionaero and The Heckler are useful for creatively engaging the congregation around the financial needs of the church . Where all age worship resources are used, it is always worth considering preaching an additional sermon in another week addressing personal discipleship.
• A simple Powerpoint presentation can communicate the financial situation, but always include biblical reflection even if the presentation replaces the sermon.