By Mercedes Thomas
Communications Director

That is one of the questions members of LMC’s Financial Stewardship team have been asking ourselves this year. Despite our substantial growth—from 176 congregations in 2018 to 309 at the end of 2024—our congregational giving is slowly decreasing. As a team, we need to ask why. And consider how we can better share the ways our leadership and staff support our LMC bishops, pastors, and congregations.

To answer these questions, we listed the activities we are engaged in and discussed their purpose.  For each activity we facilitate, we are working to provide a “so that” answer to communicate why we spend our time and resources in those areas. For example, we offer STEP and other biblical and intercultural training so that congregations and leaders can be equipped and empowered to disciple new generations and people groups, as well as grow in their own faith.

This is still an ongoing process for LMC’s Financial Stewardship team. We are grateful for the congregations and individuals who invest back into the organization through giving, and we are praying for the continued guidance of the Holy Spirit as we seek to better communicate the heart of worship that fuels generosity.