Every Desert Southwest Annual Conference Session is different, but 2010 will bring a change that may be significant enough to make people rethink what Annual Conference is all about. The coming Annual Conference Session, Saturday, June 26, will be dedicated to a time of learning with Clif Christopher, author of “Not your parents offering plate.”

Dr. Clif Christopher, M. Div., CFRE

Clif founded the Horizons Stewardship Company in 1992 following a challenging career in pastoral ministry.  As a pastor, he led six major building and eight capital campaigns in churches ranging in size from 350 to 2,000 members.  As a consultant, he has led consultations in over 300 churches in all phases of building, finance, and church growth.

Dr. Christopher is a certified church growth consultant and has earned the coveted title CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive).  In 1995 he was given the National Circuit Rider Award by his denomination for outstanding leadership in developing vital congregations.

Over the last 10 years, Clif has secured over 450 million dollars for his clients.  He has personally worked in over 26 states and is a frequent speaker at stewardship seminars around the country.  He is the co-author of the book Holy Smoke published by Discipleship Resources and is the author of Not Your Parents’ Offering Plate published by Abingdon Press.  Dr. Bill Easum, noted consultant and author, said, “No one knows more about local church stewardship than Clif Christopher.”

Clif has been an ordained minister of the United Methodist Church since 1975.  He is married and shares four children with his wife.  He is a graduate of Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas and Emory University.  He was awarded a doctorate degree in 2001 by Philander Smith College.