Aaron & Hur Ministries Introduction Supporting the Hands of God’s Servants “Aaron and Hur stayed up (supported) his hands” Ex. 17:12 Harry and Lynne Dodd 1 6/20/12 Our Mission To make ourselves available to come alongside pastors to help them and the church they shepherd in: biblical financial management church business administration strategic planning 2 Aaron and Hur Vision To give hope to everyone, from the financially distressed, to the financially “secure,” on their journey to be free to serve the King of Kings as He directs. The purpose for excellent financial management for the family is not to make it more businesslike but to make us more Christ-like. To see families and churches handle money so well that those around them would ask the reason for the hope that is in them. I Peter 3:15; Ps. 40:1-3 Aaron and Hur Vision Serving and ministering to biblically-minded pastors by investing in and training leaders who can then support them by relieving them of administrative duties so that they can give themselves to prayer and the ministry of the Word. Note: This vision is not a quick fix for financial symptoms but a lifetime solution on a journey to be financially free to serve God. Therefore, we would desired to develop a long term working relationship. 4 Our Objectives To honor the King of Kings by drawing upon the knowledge and experience God has provided us with. To invest ourselves in people, trusting God to make a permanent difference in them and an ongoing transformation into His image, resulting in their becoming excellent stewards of God’s resources. 5 Our Objectives To help participants to glorify the Lord through the faithful management of His resources. To help participants to be able to spend less, pay off debt, save, provide for their families and give generously to advance the Kingdom of God (lay up eternal riches). We recognize that pastors are many times challenged financially themselves and need counsel and support in financial management. We are ready to support them on their journey to be free to serve the King of 6 Kings as He directs. Our Passion (Why We Do This) To be used of God to teach, coach and lead people and churches to be financially free to serve God. To see God’s people impacted in such a way that others would ask the reason for the hope that is within them. 7 Harry’s Spiritual Journey Harry was brought up in a godly home. At age six, in a Christian school, he recognized his need to trust the Lord as his savior and received the gift of eternal life. While attending a secular engineering university, God used several godly fellow students to challenge him to search the scriptures for himself and to develop biblical convictions that could stand in a hostile environment. 8 Lynne’s Spiritual Journey Lynne grew up in a liberal church. Harry met Lynne during their freshman year at college. The following summer, Harry invited her to a Christian camp where she heard of her need of a savior and the good news of salvation. The second day at the camp she trusted Christ as her savior. 9 How God Prepared Us for This Ministry Harry’s first experience with the biblical principles of handling money was the example set by his godly parents. As a boy, Harry saw God provide for a family of nine with an income of less than $10K per year. His parents lived by biblical financial principles. In the late 70’s, we received audio tapes made by Larry Burkett regarding the biblical principles of handling money. As we listened to them, we recognized that we needed to make many changes. Over the next few years, we began a journey which has brought us to the place where we are free to serve the King of Kings as He directs. 10 How God Prepared Us for This Ministry After a number of years of applying what God had taught us, and seeing God do what we could not do, we were trained as budget coaches and have served continuously since 1983 in this capacity as a ministry of our local church. Harry has facilitated numerous interactive biblical financial studies and has trained other budget coaches and small group Bible study leaders. How God Prepared Us for This Ministry For 25 years, God has continued to develop a parallel ministry during our professional careers in New York, Ohio and Illinois. In 2008, God brought the Dodds to the freedom to serve the King of Kings as He directs, enabling Harry to leave his management responsibilities at a Fortune 50 company to serve the Lord in full-time ministry. 12 Value Proposition God has gifted and used the Dodds to teach people and churches how to apply scriptural principles of money management. Thousands who have developed spending plans honoring the Lord have seen radical changes in their lives/churches; and are on the way to becoming financially free to serve Him! As a result of learning and applying these principles, God has provided peace to many people in a troubled world, strengthened marriages, and used them as an outreach to the community. 13 Aaron and Hur Ministries We believe wise and faithful management is intentional, not accidental, requiring: Training: the acquisition of knowledge from God’s word (Ps. 27:11a) Transformation: heart & renewed mind Action: implementing plans based on God’s plan for each family (Phil. 4:9; Ps. 40:8) Discipline: self-denial, a long-term eternal view (Ps. 27:11b) 14 What God Has Done Financial coaching: 668 families (including several pastors and an evangelist) Budget coaches trained: 12 (including two pastors) People trained in interactive Bible studies: 700 people in 17 churches Small group Financial Bible studies: 17 completed, impacting 162 people, including five pastors (typically eliminating $15-20K of debt in 2 years) 15 What God Has Done Hundreds of people have: learned God’s wisdom for handling money. developed God’s spending plan for their family and learned the discipline to live within that plan. become debt free, paid off $10K to over $200K. 16 Financial Symptoms 60 – 70% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck. They have little or no emergency savings. They are two months from foreclosure. 17 Financial Symptoms The average family has $8-10K in credit card debt, some paying 30% interest. Most people do not have a spending plan. Most Americans are not prepared for retirement and have less net worth at 60 than they had at 20. They are scared of what might happen. 18 Typical Bible-Believing Church We think as the world thinks with regard to the management of money. As a result, we have adapted the world’s way of managing money and thus suffer the consequences as described in: Is 57:20-21: “But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.” Hosea 4:6 says, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” 19 Typical Bible-Believing Church Most churches do not have a comprehensive plan to teach their people how to manage money according to God’s wisdom. Often there is no one in the church who can help them to learn and apply God’s wisdom for managing money. Pastors are often burdened with administrative duties, but there is the opportunity to train gifted men to take those responsibilities which would allow the pastor to do what God has called him to do. 20 There Is Hope: By following the infinite wisdom of the “Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” (Is. 9:6). By applying Romans 12:2 to financial management. Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. (Rom.15:13) 21 What if: Our minds were not conformed to this world, but were transformed and renewed by being saturated with God’s wisdom? The people you shepherd had a total mind and heart transformation regarding the management of money which changed their thinking for the rest of their lives, so that they brought their money management under God’s control? 22 What Might God Do? What could then happen not only in individual families but also in the church family? Imagine a church full of people who, as one way of glorifying God, were enthusiastic, generous givers. That is what God can do when his people are set free! 23 What Might God Do? There is also an opportunity to demonstrate to the world around us the truth of God’s Word, that it is practical and just as applicable today as it was for Solomon. Would this then have an impact on the people the church is trying to reach? Ps. 40:2,3 Might the planning and management of money for the church be different in some ways? 24 For Such a Time as This The current economic crisis has caused tremendous confusion and fear. God’s Word provides the answers, hope and security that people want. Now, more than ever, this wisdom of god is being embraced by people who are desperately searching for answers to uncertain and seemingly hopeless financial situations. 25 For Such a Time as This People can move beyond their fears and concerns to grow in their relationship with the mighty God. This can result in their understanding that God is sovereign and in total control, that He will always provide for our needs, and that biblical wisdom is always true. 26 Ministries How we help train people to support their pastor Before suggesting an interactive Bible study or other support services, we would like to get to know the pastor's ministry and where the people are on their spiritual journey in order to better tailor our ministry around what the pastor has already done. 27 Personal Money Management Aaron & Hur Ministries Personal Money Management Adults Overview Ministry Administration Teens Basic Principles DGWHM Biblical Principles of Handling Money & Budget Workshop Children Get a Grip on Your Money The ABC’s of Handling Money God’s Way The Secrets of Handling Money God’s Way Train the Trainer For Financial Bible Study The Treasure Principle Confidential Budget Coaching Creating a Spending Plan 28 Ministry Administration Overview Aaron & Hur Ministries Personal Money Management Church Budget Planning & Execution Ministry Administration Strategic Planning Staff Salary Benefits Planning Benevolence Policy Development Building Planning Project Oversight 29 Services Offered Ministry, Administrative, and Support Long-term strategic planning for churches (2-10 year horizon) Building planning and project oversight coaching Pre-marital training, one session (2 hours) Pulpit committee facilitation coaching 30 Services Offered Ministry, Administrative, and Support Personal and confidential budget coaching Administrative training for church leaders and deacons Annual church budget planning and execution – “Let God Lead” Staff salary / benefits planning – developing biblical financial support for church staff Benevolence policy development – guidance in developing of a benevolence policy Leading effective meetings 31 Sending Church Grace Church of Mentor, Mentor, Ohio Other Partners: Part of the ARCH Ministry church planting network Many of the materials used have been modified from Crown Financial Ministries and Compass. 32 What Will A & H Ministry Cost? It is appreciated it if you can cover expenses. We will be delighted to serve you with “whatever God directs to share” policy. Gal. 6:6 We would like to get feedback regarding what benefit A&H has been to the church over at least the year following our initial ministry. Let us know how we can serve you! 33 Contact Us If we might be of help to you: Mail: 323 Chesapeake Cove, Painesville, Oh. 44077 Home Phone: Email: hdd1@juno.com Attach ministry and professional resume Cell: 440-413-0971 We would be delighted to talk to you! 34 Questions? 35 “Discovering God’s Way of Handling Money” Bible Study 8 session interactive Bible study (45 min. each): God’s & Our Part in Finances Debt Counsel Honesty Giving Work Savings & Investing Training Children 36 “Biblical Principles of Handling Money” 12 sessions (1-2 hour each) in-depth Bible study on professional and church finances: What is Wealth? God’s Will in Finances The Perils of Money Release from Servitude Financial Planning (Short Term) – God’s Way Financial Planning (Long Term) – God’s Way Motives for Accumulating Wealth How Much is Enough? Sharing by God’s Plan Deciding Who Deserves Help – Benevolence Making Financial Decisions God’s Way The Challenge 37 Budget Workshop 8 session (45 min each) practical application of the biblical principles of handing money: Barriers to Getting Started Where Are We? Short-Range Planning Budget Problems The Guideline Budget Budget Analysis The Control System Begin Now 38 Creating a Spending Plan 1 session (120 min.) biblical principles for developing and managing a cash flow plan: The biblical basis What is a spending plan? How do we start? Determine your net spendable income. Estimate and record your expenses. Compare with the guideline budget. Conduct a budget analysis. Make necessary lifestyle adjustments. Begin to live the budget. Take the next steps. 39 Navigating Finances God’s Way 9 session interactive Bible study (120 min. each): God’s & Our Part in Finances Debt Counsel Honesty Generosity Work Savings & Investing Crisis & Perspective Eternity 40 Leading and Training Others to Lead a Financial Small Group Bible Study A three-hour session to train leaders who have learned and applied God’s principles of handling money 41 “The Treasure Principle” Bible Study 6 sessions (45 min. each) on generous giving: Buried Treasure Compounding Joy Eyes on Eternity Roadblocks to Giving Getting Started For Such a Time as This 42 Christian Financial Management “Get a Grip on Your Money” 13 session (45 min. each) study for teens: Choosing a Career Balancing Your Budget Setting Up Your Records Balancing Your Checking Account Loans & Credit Cards Coping With Budget Busters Understanding Insurance Buying Cars Buying a First Home Looking for Work Writing a Sharp Resume The Winning Job Interview Giving to God 43 “The ABC’s of Handling Money God’s Way” Bible Study 12 sessions (45 min. each) for children ages 4-7 God Owns Everything You Are a Steward Working For the Lord Giving Saving Contentment What is Counsel? Honesty 44 “The Secret of Handling Money God’s Way” 12 sessions (45 min each) for children 8-12: God Owns Everything Faithful Stewardship Debt Counsel Honesty Giving Work Saving Friends Contentment Eternity 45 Comments From Pastors “Your presence and participation in the meeting was a very personal blessing to me because of the respect and confidence I have in you. Thank you for taking time to come, and I hope it results in some good contacts for your Aaron & Hur Ministries. You have a great tool to offer!” Bob Jones III Chancellor, Bob Jones University Greenville, South Carolina 46 Comments From Pastors Dear Fellow Pastors, It is with great joy and blessing that I recommend to you the Biblical ministry of Harry and Lynne Dodd for your consideration and for your personal blessing and the blessing of the church you pastor. “Aaron and Hur Ministries,” Harry and Lynne’s ministry, is a solid biblical approach to both personal and church stewardship that is so very practical and very much needed in a nation that is obviously on a fast track away from sound biblical principles of finance. Never before in our nation’s history has there been so much personal and national debt. Sad to say, even God’s own people have lost their way in their ability to handle money. There is a vast ignorance concerning financial stewardship among the saved and unsaved because of a lack of training at home as few children and youth are properly trained by moms and dads, because of little to no training in the academic arena in grade school, junior high and high school , and even at college level. It is clearly evident from our own governmental leaders and many CEO’s and CFO’S of companies that proper educational disciplines were not built into those who are leaders in these realms. Ignorance is the breeding ground for such defaults in these financial arenas. 47 Comments From Pastors (Continued) I’ve been in the pastorate for nearly 41 years and have seen God’s people seriously damaged because of biblical ignorance concerning the teaching of God’s Word with regard to finances. Ministries have gravely suffered because of biblical ignorance concerning financial stewardship. I have known Harry and Lynne for many years now and have seen the fruit of sound financial principles that they have applied to their own lives and that of their children. In addition, they were in our ministry for years and taught our people the principles of sound personal finance. Harry was a deacon and helped our church immensely to maintain our financial stability through sound financial planning and helped keep our church out of debt while constructing our newest auditorium and remodeling the old, even while going through a church planting endeavor. Harry and Lynne’s ministries are thoroughly biblical and true to the Word of God. Their lives back up what they teach with regard to financial matters as well as living a balanced life of wanting souls to be saved, desiring to be taught the whole counsel of God, and taking a good strong stand on both personal and ecclesiastical separation. They are definitely proven servants of the Lord. 48 Comments From Pastors (Continued) I have looked at their program for ministry and find it to be of tremendous value, very practical to both individuals as well as the corporate body of the local church, and very needful. I’m confident that you will feel the same as you review their ministry for yourself. Their selfless desire to so order their lives to be debt free and to build financial capital for early retirement, so they could fully dedicate their lives to helping pastors and God’s people in general, is more than the majority of God’s people even think about. They are truly missionaries in the area of financial stewardship. They are here for such a time as this. I strongly urge you to consider their ministry. You will be glad that you did and so will your people. Pastor Bob Potter Sr. Pastor of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church Director, ARCH Ministries 49 Comments From Pastors I could not think of any letter that I would rather write than this one to let every pastor know, you need to have this seminar in your church. What a blessing to see Harry and his wife serving the Lord in the strengths that He has given to them. I had the pleasure of being the first church that Harry did this seminar in when the Lord allowed Him to retire from his secular job. It thrilled my heart to see a man who was willing to uphold the arms of this pastor in the ministry. Since Harry was here, God has allowed 3 people to get totally out of debt in less than 1 yr. There are a number of others also that are very close to paying off their debts because of being obedient to the principles of the Word of God. All would tell you that it was their unbelief or their disobedience to the principles of God’s Word that put them in the situation that they were in. What a joy to watch the joy that has flooded their souls now that they can be a blessing with their money to meet the needs of those in our church, instead of giving it to Jehovah-Visa! One thing that as a pastor that I greatly appreciated about Harry is that the whole program is based on what God says, not what you or I think. Isaiah 55:8-9. Harry has also met with the budget committee of our church to help us establish 3 different budgets: God’s conservative budget, God’s operating budget, and God’s Blessing budget. We also had him with us on our church planning session to offer insights and practical helps for the financial decisions of our church. Many have commented to me personally how much they have been a help to them. I would highly recommend them to you. John Goldfuss Maranatha Baptist Church Troy, Missouri 50 Comments From Pastors “Thank you for your faithful Christian character and a continuing desire to serve the LORD.” Keith D. Thibo Pastor, Bay View Baptist Church Washington, Il. 51 How God Prepared Us for This Ministry Harry has served in numerous other roles including deacon, pulpit committee facilitator, director of stewardship (business manager), benevolence chairman, budget committee chairman, shepherd support chairman, church internal financial audit chairman, and building program manager. Lynne has served as a faithful wife for more than 40 years, Sunday school teacher, junior church and children’s choir teacher, bus ministry worker, choir member, church pianist and organist, and has fully supported Harry’s ministry endeavors. 52 Typical Bible-Believing Church 34% of the people give more than 3%. The rest give little or nothing. God’s people often do not give because they are broke and in financial bondage. Prov. 22:7b says “…the borrower is servant (or slave) to the lender.” Many of God’s children have another lord (Master Charge). Matt.6:24 53 Financial Symptoms God’s People Unfortunately, many Christians live the same way and suffer the same enslaving consequences. How we manage money is an outward indicator of whom or what we love. 54 Can the Church You Pastor: Grow as a place of help and hope? Be a more effective place to learn biblical financial principles? Be a place where God can transform hearts and minds, resulting in people becoming better managers of the money He has given them, so that they pay off debt and are able to save and give generously? 55