The Christian Stewardship Association offers these training retreats twice a year. Participants choose one of several courses, ranging from principles of stewardship to major donor fund-raising. Courses are taught by experienced Christian fund-raisers, pastors and accountants. More than 100 participants came from a wide variety of churches, ministries, schools and charitable Christian organizations.

Bob Persky, Florida district superintendent, observed: "I feel that the WCG was able to bring something of value to the table concerning Christian stewardship since we have been led by the Holy Spirit to move from a law-based giving system to a grace-based new covenant understanding of stewardship."

Charles Albrecht, budget manager for Church Administration, was instrumental in arranging for WCG personnel to attend.

Mr. Albrecht said: "Stewardship of the Christian life is critical to the gospel message. Not only does whole life stewardship provide a necessary link between the priesthood of all believers and our individual communities, but it also provides a vital link between the Christian and the body of Christ. Our partnership with the Christian Stewardship Association has provided avenues to fine-tune this portion of our ministry for the future model of our local congregations."