Stewardship Calling

Today, we are experiencing unprecedented challenges in the human resources needs in our parishes and ministries, including shortages of clergy, volunteers, ministry leaders, and staff. Join Bill and Dr. Scott Mondore to explore best practices to improve the engagement and results.

Leadership is a critical difference between the most effective and healthy Orthodox Christian parishes and ministries, and those not fulfilling their potential. If you’re a parish council member or ministry leader, join Bill to learn about the 6 Elements of the Stewardship Calling Orthodox Servant Leadership Model and how to apply them so your parish can fulfill its responsibilities and calling.

Following up on Part 1 with Melinda Johnson, join Bill and his guest John Maddex to explore his story, the story of Ancient Faith Ministries, and passing on the baton. Bill is planning a grueling cross-examination to uncover all the lessons learned and wisdom John has to offer.

Tune in this week to Stewardship Calling as host Bill Marianes talks with Fr. Evan Armatas about his new book, Reclaiming the Great Commission. In his book, Fr. Evan provides a roadmap for parishes to diagnose and remove barriers and get back on track.

This week on Stewardship Calling, meet the new CEO of Ancient Faith Ministries, Melinda Johnson. Learn about her history, what brought her to Ancient Faith, and her vision for the future.

This week, Bill and guest Dr. Andrew Ekonomou tackle the important topic of religious freedom in our society. They'll look at restrictions on the free exercise of religion, attacks on the separation of church and state, limitations on the free speech permitted to people of faith, challenges on protecting the unborn, and legal challenges to teachings and practices of the Orthodox Christian faith. After a successful career as Acting United States Attorney, Georgia Special Assistant Attorney General, and in other legal positions, Dr. Ekonomou is using his God-given gifts to truly defend our faith. He currently serves as Senior Counsel at the American Center of Law and Justice, a Christian-based legal organization working to protect our rights on all of the above issues, and so many more. Tune in to learn more about critical current issues that matter to our Orthodox Christian churches and faithful

This week, Bill and guest Dr. Andrew Ekonomou tackle the important topic of religious freedom in our society. They'll look at restrictions on the free exercise of religion, attacks on the separation of church and state, limitations on the free speech permitted to people of faith, challenges on protecting the unborn, and legal challenges to teachings and practices of the Orthodox Christian faith. After a successful career as Acting United States Attorney, Georgia Special Assistant Attorney General, and in other legal positions, Dr. Ekonomou is using his God-given gifts to truly defend our faith. He currently serves as Senior Counsel at the American Center of Law and Justice, a Christian-based legal organization working to protect our rights on all of the above issues, and so many more. Tune in to learn more about critical current issues that matter to our Orthodox Christian churches and faithful

Join Bill Marianes for a conversation about the Clergy Family Initiative with project members Dr. George Koulianos, Dr. George Stavros, and Presvytera Nicole Keares. They'll share the latest empirical research on the issues faced by clergy families, and things we can do to make their lives better.

In Part 2 of a two-part show, Bill and colleagues Nick Chakos, Steve Tibbs, and Dr. Mitch Owens continue their exploration of the 6 Pillars and 30 Building Blocks of effective and healthy parishes, and how the Effective Parish Assessment works to provide invaluable information to Orthodox Christian parishes

Doctors know the tests to administer to assess our personal health. Financial planners know how to assess our financial health. However, our parishes lack similar empirical and validated tools to help them.

After over 20 years of working with over 500 Orthodox Christian parishes and completing strategic plans that cover over 26% of Orthodox Christians in the U.S., the Orthodox Ministry Services (OMS) team has developed the Effective Parish Assessment (EPA).

The EPA is a reliable and easy way for you to assess your parish’s health and effectiveness in the 6 Pillars and 30 Building Blocks of operational excellence. OMS is providing the Effective Parish Assessment Program for free to selected Cohort Effective Parishes with the support of Leadership 100 and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese.

Tune in to these TWO programs and find out if your parish is eligible, and how you can apply, to participate in this dynamic free and helpful parish improvement program. We also welcome your calls and questions.

If your parish is an innovator with Clergy and Lay Leaders committed to operational excellence and the best possible parish health and effectiveness, these programs are for you. Join my fellow OMS Team members as over 2 programs we describe in more detail the 6 Pillars, 30 Building Blocks, the Effective Parish Assessment Program, and how it can benefit your parish.