II Corinthians 10:3-5 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,

What is Mustard Seed Fundraising Service? It is designed to assist racial/ethnic congregations in their capital financial stewardship efforts, particularly as support may be needed for: Property purchase Major building project Loan payments Debt reduction

As of 2014, approximately 24% of Disciples Churches are Racial/Ethnic Congregations

Diversity of Service Disciples Church Extension Fund recognizes that all congregations will not raise funds in the same way.

Racial/Ethnic Lifestyles

Lifestyle Stewardship & Racial/Ethnic Constituencies Hispanic giving and fundraising Asian giving and fundraising Haitian giving and fundraising African American giving and fundraising Anglo giving and fundraising

Mustard Seed Fundraising Service Scriptural Foundation: Matthew 17:20 & Mark 4:30-32 Matthew 17:20 – So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will impossible for you. Mark 4:30-32 – And He said, “To what shall we liken the kingdom of God? Or with what parable shall we picture it? 31 “It is like a mustard seed which, when it is sown on the ground, is smaller than all the seeds on earth; 32 “but when it is sown, it grows up and becomes greater then all herbs, and shoots out large branches, so that the birds of the air may nest under its shade.”

Stewardship Education Personal Congregational

Sacrificial Giving Biblically founded Commonly understood and practiced Undergirded by prayer

Influences on Fundraising Well-equipped pastor Devoted leaders Expertise and guidance Clear Fundraising plan

Vision It is important to stress that any capital project should be consistent with the church’s mission and character that address a ministry purpose and/or building project.

Vision for Ministry Habakkuk 2:1-3 “I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what he will say to me, and what answer I am to give to this complaint. Then the LORD replied: “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it. For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.” (NIV) Habakkuk 2:1-3 I will stand my watch and set myself on the rampart, and watch to see what He will say to me, and what I will answer when I am reproved. 2 Then the Lord answered me and said: “Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it. 3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.

Vision for Ministry Habakkuk 2:1-3 In response to God’s call Sense of mission Specific needs of the congregation Habakkuk 2:1-3 I will stand my watch and set myself on the rampart, and watch to see what He will say to me, and what I will answer when I am reproved. 2 Then the Lord answered me and said: “Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it. 3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.

Critical to Success Stewardship education Relationship-building

Seasons and Their Length of Time Prepping the Soil (Approximately 3-4 weeks) Sowing and Planting Reaping the Harvest (Gathering-the-Seeds Sunday and the Commitment Period)

Prepping the Soil 16

Prepping the Soil Identify/confirm leaders Confirm general vision and purpose Vision, mission and values for ministry The importance of prayer

Prepping the Soil General service schedule Set a realistic goal Disciples Church Extension Fund borrowing capacity Congregational projection Specific project

Prepping the Soil Educational components Sample Lessons & Sermons (Teaching, Preaching & Stewardship Emphasis) Stewardship Education Serving God by Giving Ourselves The Power of a Seed 19

Prepping the Soil Educational components Sample Lessons & Sermons (Teaching, Preaching, & Stewardship Emphasis) From Here to There – By Faith Church – Handle Your Business Church Extension Investments 20

Prepping the Soil Preparation meeting Develop details Review service schedule and process Confirm fee information 21

Sowing and Planting

Sowing and Planting Fundraising effort communicated Relationships built Gathering of the seeds

Reaping the Harvest

Reaping the Harvest Psalm 126:6 “Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.” (NIV)

Reaping the Harvest Follow up teaching/preaching Follow up during the commitment period Identify and conduct other fundraisers

Keys to a Fruitful Harvest Stay focused Stay committed Stay informed Stay connected Stay prayerful

Service fee Feedback

For more information call 1. 800. 274. 1883 En español: 866. 534 For more information call 1.800.274.1883 En español: 866.534.1949 or see www.churchextension.org