How Our Good $ense Ministry Is Evolving

Community of Christ is offering Good $ense ministry to support people seeking to live out the principles of A Disciple’s Generous Response. Localized Good $ense ministries, implemented with support from headquarters, are providing opportunities for individuals and families to develop and apply scripturally based stewardship principles that honor and enhance each person’s unique journey as a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ.

“Many are fearful and believe their security is found in the accumulation of possessions. The answers you seek are not inherent in the things of this world but in a faith that places its trust in the promises given to all who would follow Jesus Christ.”  --Doctrine and Covenants 162:7b

Good $ense Success

Willow Creek

• Developed by the Willow Creek Association in response to the needs of people in many and varied financial circumstances. Good $ense ministry is now inspiring thousands of people each year with the hope and tools to “experience the spiritual, emotional, and financial joy and freedom that results from practicing biblical stewardship.” Since 2004, more than 3,100 Good $ense ministry kits have been ordered, and the number of people trained and ministered to continues to grow exponentially with each passing year.

Community of Christ

• Community of Christ piloted Good $ense during April-May 2004 with a diverse group specifically selected to represent a number of different perspectives.
• Previous Central Mission Financial Officer Mike Carver said:
  “I highly recommend use of the Good $ense financial planning materials. Our experience in the mission center indicates that participants respond positively to the elements of goal setting, practical tips, and helpful worksheets. I have received several comments expressing how much individuals enjoyed the scriptural elements provided throughout the course. We believe that this learning opportunity provides the skills and knowledge needed to help individuals and families improve their financial situation within a supportive, Christian atmosphere.”
• Evaluations by all 16 participants in the Good $ense Ministry train-the-trainer course at the 2004 Congregational Leaders Workshop (CLW) noted that they would recommend the class. All rated the content and materials as excellent or very good and felt prepared and motivated to teach the Good $ense Budget Course. The majority of participants made a commitment before leaving to be a Good $ense teacher and/or mentor.
• Good $ense was introduced at Field Officer meeting in September 2004.
• Information about acquiring the mission center Good $ense kit was e-mailed to mission center leadership in November 2004.
• The Community of Christ Good $ense Web site to support field leaders was launched in November 2004.
• As of July 2005, Good $ense kits have been requested by 25 of the 42 Community of Christ mission centers in North America.

 

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