Why would you invite Ben Kononoff to minister in your church? The better question, "why wouldn't you invite Ben Kononoff to minister in your church?" If you are not aware, Ben is the gift planner for the Christian and Missionary Alliance, serving churches throughout our region. The Finance Committee at Peace Portal wrestled with the question of inviting Ben to minister at the church. After a meeting with Ben and many questions answered, the committee came away thinking, "This is a 'no-brainer". Ben's ministry was needed in this church. Not only would Ben's ministry benefit individuals in the church but would help the church develop 'planned giving' through wills and estates.
Early in January Ben came to Peace Portal offering services for those looking for help planning or updating their will, dealing with such things as powers of attorney, and much more. Ben taught on financial matters, tithing, and preparing for the future at a few adult and young adult classes and has since been invited back for further times of teaching.
But the backbone of his ministry, are the 90 minute personalized meetings he holds with members of the congregation. Over 160 of those meetings have been held at Peace Portal during and January and February 2010. The response was overwhelming. People appreciate his caring concern for their interests. Ben facilitated in planning a Last Will and Testament - for those who have never before had a will, for those whose wills were out of date, and for those whose final wishes have changed - offered financial and estate planning suggestions, and helped develop long-term legacy plans for supporting God's work in the church and around the world.
The Christian and Missionary Alliance provides this service at no cost to the church or the individual. In fact, Ben makes it easy on the host church by providing all the materials needed for promoting his visit, registration of appointments and each client even receives a documentation of the ninety minute session. Ben has produced introductory videos of his ministry which can be shown in Sunday services, classes, and membership meetings. Peace Portal made them available for personal viewing through our church website.
The results of Ben's work are life-changing for the individual as well as the church and world-wide missions, by way of bequests and annuities, not to mention the peace of mind of the families involved.
So, why wouldn't you invite Ben Kononoff to minister in your church? We can't think of any reason. We recommend that you contact him and set some dates for your church family. Peace Portal is planning to bring Ben back regularly. We would encourage you to consider a regular planned giving ministry as provided by the Christian and Missionary Alliance.
Dean Cooper
Pastor of Administration
Peace Portal Alliance Church
Surrey, BC
604-531-4733
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