In October 2008, Bob Pettus, formerly Vice Chairman of Coca Cola Consolidated, spoke at the Called2Business luncheon. Over 115 people had the opportunity to hear his powerful message on the Why of Stewardship. Bob shared several stories of what Stewardship looks like at Coca Cola Stewardship. In February 2009, he came back to present "How to Start a Stewardship Program?"
Why Stewardship? To whom much is given, much is required. Love is an action, not an emotion.
1. We are commanded to do it. Live out your faith; earn the right to be heard.
2. Crowns / Rewards
3. Other people's lives are impacted
4. Don't want to stand in front of the Lord ashamed.
How to Start a Stewardship Program?
Owner/President/CEO
· The top operating leader must be committed to the program and agree to support and model the behavior required.
· Must be versed in the why of stewardship
· Top leader should gain support of other top leaders as much as possible.
· Communication is critical - from the CEO
· A communication piece should be put together to announce the program to all employees with a significant amount of detail:
- Group meetings are best (face-to-face)
- Leave time for Q&A
- Make sure the "why" is emphasized
· Start with a prayer group - everyone invited (voluntary)
- Before work, at lunch, after work - not on work time
- Pray for the leader, pray for participants, pray for those being helped, wisdom, purity
- Pray. Pray. Pray.
Select a Development Team
· Include as many departments as possible
· Leader should be management person - CEO if he/she will not impose their will
· Program must belong to everyone - not management or CEO program
· Move slowly - several meetings - thought in between (use a team approach and have as many meetings as needed)
· Development Team should decide:
- Name of program
- Purpose statement
- Select a leader/approved by the CEO
- This leader must be:
§ Committed
§ Mature in Faith
§ Believable - walk and talk (integrity)
§ Given time/support/budget to be successful
§ Accountable to CEO/committee
- Select Oversight group
- Decide on two initial stewardship programs
- Develop criteria for measuring success - critical
- Develop step-by-step implementation plan for three months/six months/one year
- Decide if employees will be compensated if they miss work to minister / how much to pay / maybe all ministry after work
- Coca-Cola pays its employees six hours per month to volunteer
Introducing the Program to Employees
· Done on non-work time
· CEO should introduce the program and share his/her vision and support
· Turn program over to leader of stewardship
· Leader introduces Oversight Group:
- Why
- Name of Program
- First two stewardship opportunities - maybe one internal and one external
· How success will be measured
· Who can participate
· One-year commitment - this ensures that employees build relationships with those they are serving
· How paid (if applicable)
· Advantages / disadvantages of participation vs. non-participation
· Ask attendees to pray - announce dates for organization meeting of the two Stewardship programs
· Q&A session - don't be afraid to change something, and get back to employees
Organization Meetings
· More details on day-to-day operation of Program
· Conduct training if necessary
· Introduce those who will be served
· Monthly review process
· Review, audit, modify, etc.
· Praise
Regular Feedback to Organization about Stewardship
· Emails
· Bulletin boards
· Personal testimonials - participants and those served
· Celebrations - luncheons, parties, etc.
Begin planning for Year Two
· Add one or two more programs
· Perhaps include mission trip
Questions from Audience
How to Measure Success of Stewardship Program?
· It depends on the type of program
· Prison ministry example - did the rate of re-entry into prison decrease as a result of this program.
· Teen WOW Jams - how many kids accepted Christ?
What mistakes did you make and what would you have done differently?
· Start with only one or two programs - do them with excellence.
· Communicate a lot with your team. Let them know what is going on frequently. Provide updates.