What is a lay witness presentation?
Simply put, a lay witness presentation is the communication of an individual testimony. It individuals
sharing with the parish community their personal life experiences in giving of their time, talent and treasure in a planned,
proportionate way.
Why do we need them?
An important part of stewardship is the stories
and testimonials delivered to the entire congregation by individuals whose lives have changed as a result of stewardship.
They are vital to the success of the parish program. These testimonies allow fellow parishioners
in the congregation to share their own faith story and their experience of how they relate their commitments with their faith
and how they view their giving of time, talent and treasure as a key part of their faith. Stewardship is
a result of the internal change of heart, or conversion process we know so well from the scriptures. People are motivated
by hearing that “giving of one’s time, talent and treasure” is working for other people, especially people
that seem just like them.
Who should be a lay witness?
The lay witnesses should be individuals from the parish who believe and practice the concept of stewardship.
In other words, they give of their time, talent and treasure in an intentional, planned and proportionate way.
They also should be individuals who can relate well to other parishioners, and feel comfortable speaking to a group
about their experiences.
Here is a simple outline for a stewardship presentation by a lay witness.
1.Introduction- Lay witnesses should introduce themselves
and describe their affiliation with the parish. The presenter should express gratitude for the opportunity to speak
on stewardship.
2. Scriptural
references-Be aware of the scriptures assigned for that Sunday, and use those in preference to others if possible.
3.
Properly define Christian Stewardship-It is a response we make in gratitude to God for what God has given to us. We
put God first in our lives by giving in gratitude a portion of everything God has given to us. The gift should be a
sacrifice that affects our lifestyle. We need to be changed in some way by our giving.
4. Witness Section: Be
sure to answer these questions:
· When did
I first hear about stewardship?
· What was my initial reaction to the concept of stewardship?
· What
motivated me to accept stewardship as a way of life?
·
When did I begin to experience the benefits of stewardship?
· How does my family give of time, talent, and treasure?
5. Invitation-Ask the members of your parish to examine what God has given
them and make a response.
6. Remember, people can understand much more easily the concept of God’s blessings
as compared to a parish budget. When the emphasis of giving is placed on giving out of gratitude, they begin to give
themselves…the way God wants them to. This type of giving brings joy.
Do’s and Don’ts
DO:
…Explain that stewardship means giving of the “first fruits,” not what is
left over.
…Talk
about the personal need of each Christian to give thanks.
…Stress “Many of you know from your own
experiences that what I have told you is
true.”
This is a way to thank those who are already practicing stewardship.
…Stress the joy and fulfillment that
comes to those who give God the first share of their
time, talent, and treasure as
a way of expressing their gratitude and trust in God.
…Talk about intentional, planned and proportionate
giving.
…Emphasize
that it is important to give all three-time, talent and treasure.
…Explain that stewardship involves not only church (parish
and diocese); it also
includes community.
DON’T
…Stress church needs or budgets.
…Talk in bargaining terms
(e.g.
“I gave this much time or treasure and God gave me this
in return.”)
…Talk in specific dollar or time amounts.
…Use threats of possible consequences stemming
from the failure to give.
…Suggest that
parish stewardship is an obligation.
*This
information is from “Stewardship: disciples respond, a practical guide for Pastoral leaders."
Please see book for full details. 
