All one in Christ

Assessment
Policy
Revision
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

+260-211-250641

www.ucz.one
Introduction
Dear members of the United Church of Zambia, we are excited to
engage you in the process of revising our assessment policy. Your
input is crucial as we work together to ensure that our financial
practices align with our mission and vision for the future. This
information bulletin highlights the resoution of the Extra-Ordinary
Synod Executive meeting held on 17th February, 2024 in Lusaka at
the United Church House.

Background
The United Church of Zambia introduced the Percentage
Assessment System in 1997, during a pivotal Synod Executive
meeting at Kaniki. Over the past 24 years, our church has
experienced significant growth in mission, membership and the
number of church workers, prompting the need for a revision to
match financial resources with current needs.

Misconception and Reality of

40% Synod Remittance
From informal research, it was observed that there
exists a misconception among members
regarding the utilization of the 40% Synod
Remittance. While over 95% of members believed
that all funds are solely used for Synod costs, the
reality is that these funds cover a wide range of
critical expenses. These include stipends for all
church workers, statutory obligations such as
NAPSA, NHIMA, and ZRA, as well as retirees' terminal
benefits, funeral costs, and Synod operational
expenses. However, the current 40% Synod fund is
inadequate, necessitating a revision to ensure
sustainability.
Synod Executive Resolution on
Percentage Assessment Policy Revision
Emphasizing Local Mission Support
One of the key outcomes of this policy revision is the increased
availability of funds for mission activities at the local congregation level.
By reallocating resources and streamlining our financial processes, we
aim to empower each congregation to effectively serve their
community and advance the work of the church.

Key Changes and Resolutions

Mission Offering:
Introduction of a minimum annual mission offering of
K100 per member.

Weekly Offering Assessment:

Adjustments to the percentage breakdown across various
church courts to better support church operations.

CHURCH COURT CURRENT REVISED

Synod 40% 10%
Presbytery 15% 20%
Consistory 5% 10%
Congregation 40% 60%

Holy Communion Assessment:

Changes to the allocation of funds from Holy Communion
offerings for emphasis on local mission.

CHURCH COURT CURRENT REVISED

Synod 100% 0%
Presbytery 0% 20%
Consistory 0% 10%
Congregation 0% 70%
 Harvest Assessment:
Revised rates for harvest assessments to enhance
support for church initiatives.

CHURCH COURT CURRENT REVISED

Synod 40% 10%
Synod Common Basket 10% 20%
Presbytery 15% 15%
Consistory 5% 5%
Congregation 40% 50%

Investments:
Allocation of 20% from all total collections for investment
purposes.

Payroll Management:
Centralized payroll management for all church workers
to streamline processes.

Implementation Roadmap:
1. Membership Engagement (1st March, 2024 to 31st May, 2024)
2. Data Collection and Digitization: UCZ App to facilitate data
collection and digitization efforts.
3. Collaboration with Mobile Money Providers and Banks
4. Membership Feedback Collection: Your feedback is essential in
shaping the final policy.
5. Website and Membership Card Revision
6. Financial Manual Revision
7. Publication of Liturgy and Stewardship Teachings
8. Enhancement of UCZ IT Unit: Investing in technology for
efficient operations.
9. Establishment of Monitoring and Evaluation Unit for
accountability and effectiveness in policy implementation.
 Mission Offering
Frequently Asked
Questions

Question: How will the Mission Offering be conducted?

Answer: The Mission Offering will be an annual contribution required from all
communicant members by January 1st of each year. Members are expected to support
the church's mission through this offering. A dedication service will be held on this day
for members to renew their faith and Christian vows.

Question: Will the offering be collected in installments?

Answer: No, the Mission Offering will be collected as a one-time, full amount
contribution.

Question: Will Sunday School also contribute to the Mission Offering?

Answer: The Mission Offering is expected from all communicant members of the UCZ.

Question: What if someone wants to contribute more than K100?

Answer: While the minimum Mission Offering is K100, contributions exceeding this
amount are welcome.

Question: Will members in rural Presbyteries also contribute K100?

Answer: Yes, all UCZ communicant members are expected to contribute a minimum
of K100 in support of the mission, regardless of their location.

Question: What happens if a member fails to contribute?

Answer: We can draw lessons from MCF, WCF and other churches, like the Roman
Catholic Church. Your opinion is critical in ensuring that this matter is addressed
adequately.

Question: What about other rededication fees such as MCF, WCF, Youth?
Answer: Rededication fees for MCF, WCF, and Youth groups are determined by the
respective groups.

Question: How will the Mission Offering be sent to Synod?

Answer: Payments will be made using available systems, including mobile money and
online platforms, which are currently undergoing upgrades.
Question: Can members contribute in advance for other years?
Answer: For ease of accountability, the Mission Offering should be contributed
annually.

Question: What will happen to Synod appeals?

Answer: There will be a reduction in Synod appeals, moving towards minimal
and eventual removal.

Question: Why has the figure for Consistory increased when it's just a
coordinating court?
Answer: The Consistory plays a crucial role in the UCZ, executing various tasks
on behalf of the Presbytery.

Note: Some rates may be revised based on feedback from members.

FEEDBACK
“This is timely and way to go! We will raise the mission offering as a Church”
Rev Bonnie Nyangu- Nakamba Congregation, Southern Presbytery

“The policy will really uplift the welfare of our Church Workers”
Mrs Grace Chibozu Mukokomena – Consistory Secretary- Choma

“This will help the church to focus on its core mandate. Going forward there
must be need for frequent review”
Rev Bishop Mutale Mulumbwa (Former Synod Bishop)

“The policy review is long overdue. And the planned review will certainly
redeem the church”
Rev Dr Kondolo Kapembwa (Former Vice Chancellor UCZ University)