Welcome to our series that spotlights NC Conference pastors serving in extension ministries. Read about other extension ministers as these stories are published weekly.

Rev. Lynn Benson

Rev. Lynn Benson serves as the Director of Legacy Giving at the United Methodist Foundation. The opportunity to serve with the Foundation is allowing Rev. Benson to connect her passion for finance, particularly stewardship, with her education and experience in Christian Education. Rev. Benson has been married to her high school sweetheart, Marty, for 39 years, and together they have two adult children and two grandchildren. In her spare time, Lynn leads small-group classes in personal finance, spends time gardening, enjoys Praying in Color, and spoils her grandchildren.

United Methodist Foundation

Talking about money can be a touchy subject, but it should not be since Jesus talked about money quite often. The United Methodist Foundation, located in the UMC Building in Garner, is here to help churches, individuals, and institutions not only talk about money but to be faithful stewards of the resources God has entrusted to our care. Coming alongside others around this vital aspect of discipleship is a joy and a privilege. Whether it is legacy building preaching, Wills and Estate Workshops, Consecration Sunday leadership, or any of the other services they offer, they do what they do so that you can do what you do, because money is integral to mission and ministry.

A Disciple Making Ministry

Rev. Benson often says, “We at UMF are making disciples of Jesus Christ by helping God’s people pay it forward.” So much of the way they serve is just that, helping folks consider how assets can be used for mission and ministry now and in the future. They stand on the shoulders of those who have come before then, who cared so much about the future (although they could not see or imagine it) that they created ways in their lifetime to help the church in perpetuity. In doing so, people are learning about Jesus in ways never dreamed of 75 years ago. Assisting people with long-range views, especially now when the world often seems so short-sighted, is a Wesleyan way of ministry that Rev. Benson is blessed to be a part of.