"We've Already Used That Bible Study!"

Q. Suppose a congregation has already used the Bible study materials recommended for a given year of Consecrated Stewards; are there alternatives, or is the congregation on its own to find other study materials?

A. There are times when a congregation has made use of the recommended Bible studies as part of a CFS capital campaign or through another ministry of LCEF. In such cases LCEF has alternative Bible study materials that will meet the needs of the congregation and fit the grace-based approach of Consecrated Stewards. It is best not to leave the congregation find its own materials since many stewardship materials are not in harmony with the gospel-centered approach of Consecrated Stewards. Contact the Capital Funding Services office 1-800-843-5233 for information on which Bible series might be best for your congregation.

This is a subject that the Guest Leader should explore early on in the process. The “Congregational Fact Sheet” each congregation is asked to complete includes information about previous capital campaigns and stewardship emphases. It may provide a “heads up” to such an issue. At the Initial Committee Meeting, the Guest Leader should show the recommended Bible study materials, pass them around – particularly to the pastor – and might ask if the congregation has used these before as part of another LCEF program. If so, assure them that samples of other materials will be made available to them.