Saving Grace Webinar Series
Saving Grace is a Wesleyan-based program about financial literacy which the Foundation (VAUMF) and Virginia United Methodist Pensions (VUMPI) cooperatively present.
The version of Saving Grace we offer is the clergy series with three extra chapters devoted to the unique needs of the pastorate, including clergy benefits and how their income is taxed. The purpose of the program is to enhance the financial capabilities of clergy by examining ways to effectively and efficiently go about saving, earning, managing debt, giving and spending. The course provides tools to help members of the clergy implement strategies for attaining a sustainable and sound financial life.
Through this course, we empower participating pastors to better manage their own finances as well as increase their financial understanding so they can more effectively guide their church in financial matters and also provide direction to church members who may be struggling financially.
In addition, we hope the course inspires our students to offer Saving Grace in their congregations. While this course does not instantly transform participants into financial experts and counselors, it does give them the tools and materials to lead a Saving Grace class, potentially in tandem with financially savvy volunteers from their church. For example, our team consists of three or four instructors with different experiences, sharing their unique insights to facilitate insightful discussion.
The Saving Grace program is a six-lesson series, to which we always add a pre-course class to introduce everyone, set expectations, and ensure all participants understand what paperwork needs to be completed before the first program class. These exercises help participants fully assess their own financial situation, priorities and challenges. No one is asked to share these forms or any personal details regarding financial information. The forms are strictly to help each person individually, or together with their spouse. The group also agrees to a covenant that any financial or personal information shared is not ever discussed outside the group.
A Saving Grace workbook is the only required material and can be purchased online, usually for less than $25. Online resources and soft copy versions of the forms from the class are also available. We also offer a small scholarship to any participants who complete at least six of the seven sessions. This scholarship covers the cost of the workbook and then offers a small stipend to help pay down debt or increase savings.
The seven weekly classes are scheduled for 90 minutes each. Conference leadership supports and encourages participation in the Saving Grace program. The sooner a member of the clergy starts the Saving Grace program, the greater the impact this approach to managing finances can have on a person’s budget. The next opportunity to enroll in the Saving Grace program is this fall. We hope to see you there!
For more information, contact Rev. Brad Duty: bradduty@vaumc.org
By the Rev. Brad Duty, Foundation Services Advisor
