​The Future Begins Now With a New Year! - Fresh Start Initiatives
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL FREEMASONS!
As we begin the new Masonic Year, it is a great time to embrace
and improve the Masonic experience for your Lodge Brothers. As
previously stated, I believe that fear is the most crippling attitude
that must be removed before our Lodges can progress and increase
our member value. Often Lodges are crippled by fear of trying new
things or trying to raising the quality standards of the Lodge, and it
is true that not all will like changes, changes are needed to continue
to improve our Masonic Experience for our current and future members. Indeed change is happening whether you plan for it or not!
Men are changing. Complacency is our number one issue. Choose
not to be complacent! It will take work and working together!

EMBRACING THE YEAR TOGETHER!
As we all begin our new year, with our officers taking their respective
leadership roles in our Lodge, it is important that we take time
to plan for this year! Will it be better than last year? Will our Lodge
make a difference to our existing members?

Your Lodge can greatly prepare for success by ALL officers attending your District Instructional Meeting together. Your experience is important so that you can lead the Craft of your Lodge. To prepare for your Instructional Meetings, review the “Lodge of the Future” series of Lesson Plans and Lodge Education Topics, you may find these at www.scgrandlodgeafm.org under the Resources Tab. Use these for enhanced education, analysis with your officers to plan and lead discussion in your Lodge.

Several key events are planned for your Instructional Meetings with time set aside for your specific office and materials for your use this year. If you are a first time officer in any chair in the Masonic Lodge, your will get specialized training for your specific office. We ​will also have time at your meetings to discuss common items, and some of the best instruction from the Masonic Education Committee on the standard Lodge practice and procedure.

Finally Gentlemen, remember that we learn best from each other, so offer to share your experience and your Lodge History with your members. After all, that is the way we have taught for centuries! Many great Freemasons have passed through your doors. Document and share your Lodge history before it passes another generation.

​I hope to see many of you at your District Instructional Meetings, and Worshipful Masters, the upcoming Grand Masters Workshop for Worshipful Masters on January 28, at the Columbia Scottish Rite Center.

Chairman, Masonic Education Committee
Michael D. Smith, Sr., Senior Grand Warden

MASONIC EDUCATION CORNER HOLIDAY PRAYER 
Brethren, as we enter the Holiday Season, a time for Thanksgiving for our many blessings, a special time with family and friends to celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah and the coming of a New Year, take time to reflect on your personal commitment to God, your Family, our Nation and our Fraternity. So, as you close a year, celebrate your accomplishment, and look forward to the potential of a new year, take time to pause and reflect. In considering what to share with my Brethren, I am led to simply offer a prayer that I hope will inspire you and your Lodge as you celebrate 2016 and prepare for 2017.  Most Holy and Glorious Lord God of Heaven, thank you for the beginning of a new day, as we renew of our vow of service and labors as Free Men and Free Masons, to share your Love, Mercy, and Grace among those that we may touch each day and one with the other. I ask for forgiveness for our errors, and mistakes that have hurt others, while we give thanks for the great compassion that men of faith have for one another.  I ask your infinite blessings upon all members of our Gentle Craft this day, as we prepare for the New Year, as we reflect on our principle role as men of Faith and Love. Today, I ask that each of our members feel your presence and understand the great role each has to love one another, to be the shining example of what is right and true, an example of love, an example of strength and an example of faith.  Guide our thoughts, words, and actions all the days of our lives with that great purpose of teaching and guiding our families and our Lodges, as well as those we influence, to walk in the paths of righteousness and truth. We give thanks for these gifts and the wisdom to properly use our gifts for your honor and glory. Aid us, O God, to learn and use our gifts wisely and well in the coming days.  I ask for your gifts of patience, steadfastness, endurance, wisdom, love and grace upon all my Brethren every day, but more especially as we celebrate this season and accomplishments. Touch each of them with the great sense of purpose as we claim your promise of great success as a body of faith. Lead us every day in the paths of truth, guide the steps of the faithful, to remember our duties to our children, our families, each other, our nation and in the world. Aid us, O God, to learn and use these gifts wisely and well in the coming days.  Lord God, I pray that you imbue our Nation, with the realization that our nation is only as strong as our Faith. Strengthen our members to be the Fatherly example in our homes, communities, churches, states and our Nation.  Remove from among us, those that sacrifice our honor and integrity for their selfish greed and evil motivation, send to us the leaders of faith, leaders who will stand, leaders who will lead and leaders who will pray for strength and guidance every day.  I ask your grace and mercy upon those among us that are suffering from ill health, loneliness, ill fortune, and even estrangement from their families. Guide them to the place in your will and paths that will be pleasing in your sight. As men of faith, we acknowledge that all will be healed in time, according to your purpose, and whether here, so as to be called to further service, or when we claim the promise of joy and fellowship for eternity.  We give humble thanks for all the days of our lives, and all those that have touched our lives, provided guidance and wisdom to us along our journey. May they know that they are truly  Loved. I ask for your finest blessings each of those that have shared of themselves to help us along our journey as men of faith. 
​Amen! So Mote It Be! Amen! 

Our lesson plan for the month references some ways to jump start your New Masonic Year.  Find the Masonic Light Lesson plan under the resources tab at www. scgrandlodgeafm.org. Salve! Salve Frater!   
​
Michael D. Smith   
Senior Grand Warden   
Chairman, Masonic Education Committee 

​LODGE MEMBERSHIP RETENTION  
Brethren, I trust you had a great summer with some time to relax and enjoy family and fellowship.  While many of our Lodges, having been dark for the hot summer days, will gather again to recommence their labors in the quarries of Freemasonry, most of our Lodges have remained at labor and continued to bring in new members and work on Lodge improvement projects.  It is now time to kick off our Membership Programs as we sprint to the end of the year!  It is time to make contact our members and share what your Lodge has been doing this year BEFORE dues collection.  Will the dues notice be the first time members have heard from your Lodge this year?  It is my hope that is not the case for your members sake!
Recently, I was speaking to a Brother Mason at a conference in Denver, CO.  I was asking about his wife who had some health issues, and had followed up with him on a couple of occasions. As we sat together, he shared a sad story of how his wife had been stricken with a sudden illness and several months of recovery.  He commented how much it meant that Brother Masons had supported him and his wife.  He shared that his church, however, had not made one call, not one message, not one card during the time and that they knew about it because of the involvement both had with the church.  They called the church to let them know that they would not be able to teach or serve on committees.  His disappointment was obvious!  He went on to say the first notification from the church was the annual giving notification and the pledge card!  He indicated that he was so upset that he was seriously considered for a few moments not participating as he has always done.  We discuss how all of us fall short in our duty to each other, but thankfully his support from the Freemasons and the great lessons from his faith and the teaching of freemasonry allowed him to pause and reflect. 
What about your Lodge members that are not attending regularly? Have we forgotten them, like this example of my friend and brother?   Are we only asking for their dues money and forgetting that they too are our brothers?
My Brethren, I submit it is time now to reach out, check on our members and see how they are doing.  Some will need our encouragement, others may need our direct assistance and some may need to hear from a familiar friend from the past.  Regardless of the situation, isn’t it part of our duty to our members?  It is easy to forget those which we cannot see, especially when we are busy and focused on other things. But our “Duty is with us Always!”
So Let us take time this fall to reach out to our all of our members, establish a new habit of staying in touch, especially with those in need.  Some members may only get to interact with you my brethren.   Isn’t that what we value the most from our Masonic Journey, fellowship with good men and the Fraternity of Light!                                                                                                                           
Our lesson plan for the month references some ways to improve communication with your members.  Find the Masonic Light Lesson plan under the resources tab at www.scgrandlodgeafm.org.   Salve! Salve Frater!
 
 

MASONIC EDUCATION CORNER
Duty and Dedication  
Brethren, I write this article on July 2, 2016, and it is with a heavy heart, the day after participating in a beautiful and meaningful service for my dear friend and Bro. William R. Logan, DGM.  His example of Dedication and Duty serve as a reminder of our duty to God, family, country and our fraternity.  His life reminds us of the commitment, and sacrifice for those things which are worth fighting to see prevail.  Justice, Right and Truth.  Our Deputy Grand Master believed in these things and his life showed his dedication and duty.  I recommend reading his Memoriam as presented by MW & Ill. Bro. Gerald Carver, PGM.
We learn best from the very examples we see, and as we endeavor to apply those wise principles to ourselves and our fraternity, it is important to understand that the future is firmly established by our actions today. Thus, our dedication and duty to each other, our commitment and sacrifice for a just and right cause are the very ingredients necessary for our future success.
Let’s briefly examine the process we each must undergo and understand, to be a successful contributor to progress.      
First comes awareness. We must inquire and understand what the mission, cause or results of anything that we choose to participate.  Business makes job assignments, with measurements of success.  As a fraternity, we must mutually understand and align our mission and goals.  Ultimately, we are to help our members improve themselves and hold each other accountable to be the example of a successful life.   Are we delivering the programs and activities to help all of our members perfect themselves and desire to be part of our lodge and fraternity?
Next comes analysis of the facts and details.  Only with analysis and alignment can we as a fraternity, make progress.  All too often, we fail at this point and emotion rules instead of solid and steady facts.  What does your lodge need to be successful?  Why?  Do your members agree with the priorities and critical factors for success?  See Articles 1 – 5 from 2015 as the basis to gather and share the facts and data about your Lodge current situation and future direction?
Again we should ask ourselves, are we performing our Duty and are we Dedicated to our Lodge, our Fraternity and to each other?  Our actions will show if we believe we will be successful or if apathy will determine our Lodge Future. This is personal accountability to the Craft!   
I continue to be excited about the future of our great fraternity!  Many of our Brethren demonstrate their Dedication to Duty, with the very actions that they are leading for the future health and welfare of our great fraternity!  “Duty is with us always!”  Dedication and sacrifice demonstrate how we give of ourselves to performance of duty. 
RW and Ill. Bro. Logan remains as an inspiration to so many because of his Dedication and Duty that we have witnessed for many years.  May we pursue his example of Dedication and Duty!
MASONIC EDUCATION LESSON PLAN                                                                           NUMBER 8
LEADERSHIP BY EXAMPLE
BACKGROUND:  Leadership will determine to our Long Term Success.                                                      
ISSUES:            Has your Lodge completed your LTSP? (Long Term Strategic Plan)
NEEDS:            Are your Lodge Officers leading the craft with effective plans?
It has been the strategic focus of the Lodge of the Future series to inform and challenge our Lodge Leadership and membership to consider the future of your Lodge.  We have focused on working to supply tools for the Lodges to determine where you are today and where you will be in the future.
This Lesson plan is to challenge each Lodge and the current officers to determine if you are doing your duty and are dedicated to a plan for the future.  Again this is not an option if you are an officer, it is a Duty. 
APPLICATION:  Implementation of your Lodge of the Future Plan. 
Step One:       Review the data gathered from your research of your membership                        ( Lesson Plan 1 and 2 - Masonic Light 6/2015 and 8/2015 respectively )
Step Two:       Worshipful Masters should review your Committee appointments and Ritual Assignments to see if you have delegated to more members? Are these proficient in their performance? ( Lesson Plan 3 – Masonic Light 10/2015 )
Step Three:     Has your Lodge reviewed your Income and Expense and implemented a budget for 2016?  How is your Lodge performing to budget? ( Lesson Plan 4 – Masonic Light 12/2015.)   Do you review your budget versus actual spending with your members at your meetings?
 Step Four:      Have you improved the Masonic Education program for your Lodge?  Do members acknowledge that Masonic Education is an important part of the meeting?  ( Lesson Plan 5 – Masonic Light 2/2016 )
Step Five:        Are you ready to assess your Lodge Progress?  Every Worshipful Master and Officers should be prepared to share your progress with the Lodge Members.  Can you see and feel the difference in your Lodge and mark the progress over the last year?  It is never too late to start the journey, but it is never too early to plan and communicate with your members!  
                          Brethren, it is great to be a Freemason and you can access the previous lesson plans from our website at www.scgrandlodgeafm.com under the resource tab or contact me at mike.d.smith@milliken.com.   
​

MASONIC EDUCATION CORNER
Five Points Of Fellowship
It is, indeed, a distinguished honor to be elected to serve the Craft of The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient Freemasons of South Carolina as your Senior Grand Warden.  I am humbled and honored by your support and our shared love of this great Fraternity.  Thank you and I pledge to do my best to support your Lodge, by listening and working together for the benefit of the Fraternity.
I continue to be excited about the future of our great fraternity!  Many of our Brethren and Lodges are accepting the challenge of examining and improving the experience for all of our members.  Brethren our Lodge membership is our most important asset.  While I am positive of the great influence we have as Freemasons and our future, however many Lodges continue to be unprepared, and some still unaware of the issues that are on their horizon.
Our Grand Master, M.W. & Ill. William B. Rogers, continues to encourage us to Spread The Light in our Grand Jurisdiction.
Have We Learned Our Lessons Well?  Five Points Of Fellowship
Do you remember those Lodge Brethren that got you started in the right direction?  Those that invested in you and your Masonic career?  I recall several members of my Lodge, Landrum Lodge # 278, and the Spartanburg Scottish Rite, that were actively engaged with my Masonic Journey.  I petitioned at age 21 because of many men in my community that were active and involved.  My Father, Grandfather, and my Father in Law were influences with their involvement in the Lodge, Scottish Rite and Shrine.  Their work to support others was impressive.  Once in the fraternity, my Masonic circle expanded rapidly and the friendship and fellowship was outstanding!  I met great men, in both character and in their love of fellow Freemasons.  I was taught great lessons and study increased my Faith in both God and Man! 
At a recent Scottish Rite Leadership Conference, one great lesson was played out in a Fellows Session. I was proud of the 11 South Carolina Fellows in attendance, these are great men with a passion for our craft.  I was honored to attend the private session by Ill.  Ronald A. Seale, who asked me to charge the Fellows group, to action in their respective Scottish Rite Valleys.  During this session, one Fellow asked about how to handle a troublemaker in his lodge, that always “stirred” it up.  After some consideration, I demonstrated a way that I was taught to address this issue.  The Great Lesson from the 5 Points of Fellowship, where we are taught to Love our brethren enough to offer good council.  I asked one of our South Carolina members to stand with me and demonstrate with the 5 Points of Fellowship how, in a brotherly manner, offer council but letting a brother know that they are creating issues and offer a possible course of action for them to consider.  How many times have you used the 5 Points of Fellowship to, Pray, Encourage, Council your brethren?  Perhaps our next Lesson Plan is appropriate to have all members participate in the 5 Points of Fellowship.
MASONIC EDUCATION LESSON PLAN                                                                           NUMBER 7
OUR LODGE OF THE FUTURE STARTS WITH YOU!
BACKGROUND:  Membership Engagement is KEY to our Long Term Success.                                                        
ISSUES:            Are your Lodge Brethren Aligned and Aware of Our Lodge Status                            Are YOU in Harmony with your Lodge and Members
NEEDS:            Encouragement of Members!  Do Your Members Feel Valued?
In your next Masonic Educational Program, Have all members participate in demonstrating the 5 Points of Fellowship.  Have them all pair up and walk them through the 5 Points Lecture.  Discuss the key symbolism of this important Brotherly Act of Love and Fraternity.
1.      Support of Each Other – Physically, Mentally, Emotionally, Spiritually 
2.      Remember each other in our Daily Devotions.
3.      Genuine Brotherly Love for each other, even when we don’t always agree.
4.      Have Each Others Back, Even when our Brothers Stray – Bring them Back
5.      Council, both Good Council and Corrective Council.
APPLICATION:  These actions will be helpful when we look to work together in harmony. 
Step One:       Your Brothers will come to your support.  You can count on me!                       Can your Brothers Count on You?
Step Two:       I will pray for you!  Teaches us the important value of prayer!                                                       Do you pray every day? Do you remember brothers in your Daily Devotions?
Step Three:     Do you have Brotherly Love for your Brethren? How do you show it?                 Do you help the Harmony in your Lodge?  Does your Labor show it?
Step Four:       I embrace you in Fellowship and Fraternity?  I will put my hands to work?               Can you embrace your members? Do you comfort and support your brothers?
Step Five:        I care enough about you to listen and also to share good council.                           How well do you encourage, council, and correct errors of your brothers?         Do you correct using the attitude of the 5 Points of Fellowship?  You should!   
PRACTICE:       Brethren let’s Spread the Light of Brotherly Love and Affection.  Remind each other that only through HARMONY can we advance and seek perfection.
                        Use this opportunity to bring your Brethren together, build Harmony and set the craft on the path to progress and success!
Fraternally Yours  
​

​MASONIC EDUCATION CORNER
The Lodge of the Future – The Year in Review!
IT IS GREAT TO BE A FREEMASON!  HOW IS YOUR LODGE DOING?                                                                                                         As we conclude our first year of the Lodge of the Future Series, it is a great time to review and evaluate how the program has worked for you and your Lodge.  We also need to review how our Grand Lodge has worked to identify, create, and elevate the Lodge experience for all of our members.  Since Grand Lodge, your Officers have had numerous opportunities to address the Future Path your Lodge will take to improve member engagement and develop a plan for the future.  We have offered 5 Lesson Plans for your use to better engage members. Your Grand Lodge has held a new format Instructional Meeting program, where over 2000 Lodge officers attended and the Worshipful Masters Workshop has been presented.  Again, I believe that fear is the most crippling attitude that must be removed from our thinking, before our Fraternity can progress and continue to improve our Masonic Experience for our current and future members!  

Lesson 6.   MASONIC EDUCATION - REVIEW
If you have yet to discuss the first 5 “Lodge of the Future” Lesson Plans and Lodge Education Topics, you may find these at www.scgrandlodgeafm.org under the Resources Tab.  We offered a lesson plan to review your Lodge membership statistics, how you can plan for the next 10 years.  Lesson 2 covered new ways to engage your membership to keep them informed and actively involved.  Lesson 3 was designed to highlight the Leadership needs for your Lodge, is your Lodge prepared to pass the reigns to the next generations?  Lesson 4 focused on the financial future of your Lodge.  Essentially the two way to sustain your Lodge is with increased membership and reduce membership losses, viz, NPD’s. Lesson 5 was focused on raising the bar on your Lodge Masonic Education and creating more value for your members.  Finally your Grand Lodge is implementing a new membership program that will take our communication with Lodges to an entirely new level and allow us to stay in touch with all of our members.  Your help will be integral in maximizing the effectiveness of this program.  You will hear more at Grand Lodge about this exciting new program.  Use these focused lesson plans for enhanced education, analysis and discussion in your Lodge, and thus prepare for your Lodge of the Future Implementation Plan.
The final major issue that has come up is the issue of Lodge Safety, which includes the recent Edict from Most Worshipful Brother Rogers.  Lodge Safety includes dealing with the perimeter and how to control entrances before, during and after our meetings.  It includes total safety for our members and guests as they visit our lodges.  It is a new focus for our Worshipful Masters  and Lodges to consider.  I support the concept of a Safety Committee to engage all aspects of Lodge Safety for our members and visitors.   
Finally Gentlemen, let us prepare for a successful Grand Lodge, I hope to see you there!
​
MASONIC EDUCATION LESSON PLAN                                                                         NUMBER 6
THE LODGE OF THE FUTURE – THE YEAR IN REVIEW
BACKGROUND:   Our Lodge Future depends upon our implementation of great plans.
ISSUES:            Will our Lodge be successful beyond 2020?
NEEDS:            Freemasonry is a multi – generational experience!  We need to deliver more value to all members. that will enhance their knowledge and understanding of themselves and their relationship with other men and God.                                                   How will your Lodge implement and share your Masonic Education program?
FACTS:             Lead a discussion with the members at your meeting to address the following;
1.      What is your current Lodge Membership?
a.      How many members do you have beginning 2016? 
b.      How many new members were raised, reinstated or affiliated in 2015?
c.       How many members deceased, dropped NPD or Demitted? 
d.      How many members are dues paying versus life members?
2.      What does your Lodge do to Engage Your Members?
a.      How many members attend your meetings?  Business Meetings?  Specials?
b.      What does your Lodge do to improve your meetings?  Education? Dinners?
c.       What does your Lodge do to communicate regularly with your members?
d.      How does your Lodge stay in touch with your older members?
3.      How does your Lodge develop Future Leaders?
a.      How often does your Lodge “recycle” Worshipful Masters and Wardens?
b.      How quickly does your Lodge Set the New Members to Work?
c.       How does your Lodge teach your newest members the workings of the Lodge?
d.      How many members serve on active Lodge Committees?
e.      Does your Lodge call on committees for reports at each meeting?
4.      Financial Planning is an important to the Lodge of the Future.
a.      What are your annual Lodge Expenses?
b.      What is your annual revenue and from what sources?
c.       Is your Lodge ready for a major expense, like a new roof or HVAC?
d.      How much does your Lodge have in savings and or investments?
5.      How does your Lodge deliver Masonic Education to your members?
a.      Do you have an active Masonic Education Committee?
b.      How do your members rate your Lodge Masonic Education?
c.       Does your Masonic Education provide enlightenment to your members?
Please take time to have the discussion about what your Lodge will be in the Future.
Gentlemen, if your Grand Lodge Officers or your Masonic Education Committee be of assistance please contact us through the Grand Lodge office or your District Deputy Grand Master!  

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL FREEMASONS! As we begin the new Masonic year, it is a great time to embrace and improve the Masonic experience for your Lodge Brothers and Visitors. I believe that fear is the most crippling attitude that must be removed before your Lodge can progress. We often see Lodges that are crippled by fear of trying new things or trying to raising the quality standards of the Lodge, and while it is true that all may not like changes, changes are needed to continue to improve our Masonic Experience for our current and future members and indeed change is happening!

Lesson 5. Enhanced Masonic Education
Recently, Most Worshipful, William B. Rogers and RW Bro. William R. Logan and I were discussing the lack of quality Masonic Education in some of our Lodges. All too often Masonic Education in the Lodge is considered risky business to our Lodge officers, when most members, especially our youngest members, are literally begging for more from their Masonic Experience. Why? Perhaps it is a lack of confidence in leading an educational topic or a genuine fear of displeasing our members with any changes. I contend that it is our duty to further enlighten our members and create a desire to learn more and improve ourselves in Freemasonry.

Is it possible that your Lodge has become complacent about Masonic Education? If so, it is time to lead an effective educational program each month. By offering a l0-15 minute program each month, you will create a new experience every month for your members. Vary the programs by delegating to your officers and members, including new members to encourage more research, or have a young member interview a Past Master and share a presentation about his Masonic experience and history. You will be amazed by what you and your younger members will learn. Alternate between history, symbolism, current topics, and consider having a guest speaker on occasion for a special event.

Many resources are available for your use with Grand Lodge Publications, including Masonic Light, Ahiman Rezon and our Educational materials, Masonic Service Association of North America Publication, Scottish Rite Master Craftsman Program called “The Symbolic Lodge”, Video programs and the “Transactions” from South Carolina Masonic Research Society.

If you have not yet discussed the first 4 lessons in the “Lodge of the Future” series of Lesson Plans and Lodge Education Topics, you may find these at www.scgrandlodgeafm.org under the Resources Tab. Use these for enhanced education, analysis and discussion in your Lodge.

Finally Gentlemen, remember that we learn best from each other so offer to share your experience and your Lodge History with your members. Many great Freemasons have passed through your Doors. Document and share your Lodge history before it passes another generation.

Sincerely and Fraternally,
Michael D. Smith
Senior Grand Warden

​MASONIC EDUCATION CORNER
Financial Leadership Beyond 2020
Happy Holidays to all of you and may you recount your richest blessings from this year! We have much to be thankful and much more yet to accomplish in the coming year! I wish you peace, joy and happiness in 2016!
Brethren, we now engage the need for Financial Leadership, as we begin our ensuing Masonic year with new leaders and officers as our next Masonic Education topic. If you have not yet discussed the first 3 lessons in the "Lodge of the Future" series of Lesson Plans and Lodge Education Topics, you may find these at www.scgrandlodgeafm.org under the Resources Tab.
Lesson 4. Financial Leadership and Stability.
Recently, Most Worshipful, William B. Rogers, asked me, MW Gerald Carver, PGM and MW G. Kent Elkins, PGM to form an Insurance Committee and investigate the status of insurance coverage for our Lodges in South Carolina. Preliminary results from our survey, which was sent to all Lodges, have found that a significant number Lodges do not have insurance nor the financial stability to address the risks. This will continue increase unless we sincerely address our financial future and planning.
From the travels of our Grand Lodge officers, District Deputy Reports and discussions, it is obvious that we need to address our financial future and plan for success.
Is it possible we have neglected to effectively plan for the financial of our Lodge?
Solid Financial Leadership is a critical item for us to consider for the Lodge of the Future and requires a consistent long term approach to our income and expense, while planning for future needs that the lodge will encounter. As an example, in our survey the average Lodge is nearly 50 years and the roof ages averaged over 20 years and indicates major expense coming to many Lodges in the next 5 -10 years. Will we have to live with patches, pass the hat or begin to plan forward?
Also you need to determine if your members are at risk by not being incorporated. If your Lodge has a legal issue in the coming years, your incorporation can protect your officers and members. This is also a critical issue to review and determine your best path forward
Finally brethren, this is both difficult and necessary to engage with the membership of your lodge. We all want our lodges to be successful and being financially sound will lay a solid foundation for the future and also allow us to advance toward being a successful Lodge of the Future! Come to your instructional meetings for more information.
MASONIC EDUCATION LESSON PLAN NUMBER 4
THE LODGE OF THE FUTURE – FINANCIAL LEADERSHIP BEYOND 2020
BACKGROUND: Effective Financial Planning is key to long term sustainability
ISSUES: Leadership and Planning will be required to sustain our Future Success!
NEEDS: Freemasonry in multi – generational experience! We need to provide for the coming generation of family and friend who will come to Freemasonry due to our influence and protect our investment in history and fraternity. How can your Lodge improve your financial position? How will your Lodge address this responsibility to all your members?
FACTS: Lead a discussion with the members at your meeting to address the following;
1. What are the current sources of income for your Lodge?
  a. Dues ( paying membership )
  b. Donations from Life Members
  c. Contributions
  d. Fund Raisers
  e. Fees
  f. Interest Income from investments?
  g. Other Sources ( Bequests, Honorary Perpetual Life Memberships, etc,)
2. What are your current Lodge Expenses?
  a. Operational Costs, ( Utilities, Food, Rent, )
  b. Insurance ( Review your coverages and your assets and your risk )
  c. Per Capita Expense
  d. Food
3. Discuss your near term and longer term maintenance needs.
4. Assign committees to get these answers and report to the lodge.
5. Calculate your budget for 2016 and estimate with the next 5 years
Will your income cover your expenses?
Will you have any to add to investments or savings?
Will you need to address your dues to put your lodge of better financial position?
Is your Lodge incorporated? Reduce your personal and membership risk profile.
Finally, using the details of this exercise will allow you to share a logical and sound financial position for your members to consider if dues increases are necessary!

 Sustainable Leadership Beyond 2020

Brethren, Before we introduce our next Masonic Education topic, let’s review the first 2 lessons in the “Lodge of the Future” series of Lesson Plans and Lodge Education Topics. 

In Lesson 1, you should have gathered your Lodge membership data and determined how your Lodge will address your Membership trends, Dues and Lodge Expenses, Membership Communication so as to determine where you are today and begin thinking about your Lodge.  At current Membership levels how long will your Lodge be sustainable.    

In Lesson 2, Membership Engagement, we raised the questions and your Lodge should had discussed how to improve Membership Value, Communication, and how to better care, one for the other as promised.  It is all about improving communication with all your members and getting them involved and engaged.

Lesson 3, Sustainable Leadership is being introduced and the Masonic Education Lesson Plan can be found at www.scgrandlodgeafm.org under the Resources Tab.

Let’s begin by asking the important question of how many new members raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason in the last 5 years are active in your Lodge today?  From the travels of our Grand Lodge officers, District Deputy Reports and discussions, it appears that most of our new members are joining us and not active in our Lodge Leadership as officers or committeemen. Is it possible we have failed to set ALL the craft to work and give good and wholesome instruction?  In discussion with new members from various Lodges, we make an impression when they receive their degrees.  Some report favorable impression, while others report less than favorable experience and voice concern. 

Sustainable Leadership is another critical item for us to consider for the Lodge of the Future.   Who will be the officers and will they be successful beyond 2020?  Will your lodge have qualified men to serve as leader of their peers or will we continue to rotate leadership roles between our Past Masters, who continue to serve the Lodge.

Sustainable Leadership, in the Lodge setting, is all about the process of selecting, engaging, and training members who will lead our Lodges by serving the membership, and consistently improving the Quality of the Lodge Membership.  This is an important task for the Past Masters and Officers to work together with an eye to the future of the Lodge.  Too many times we see a rift between the generations with one side on “That’s the way we have always done it” and “What if we tried new ways to get members involved.”  I am here to say, in my opinion both are correct!  We need structure and tradition, if and only if the tradition is good and follows our specific ritual, and also new ways to get members involved.

So our Lesson plan will offer some discussion topics to help develop our new members for future leadership.  It will come at a price.  The price is giving of ourselves, as current Leaders and Officers, to assign ritual parts to the newest members, coaching does not stop with the completion of catechism! By sharing the proper and correct way to delivering the important lesson is our great care and one that helps get members on the path to effective leadership.  It comes at a price of assigning our newest members to investigation committees with seasoned members, to teach how to work with a new candidate and his family on Lodge membership.  It comes at a price by assigning new members to committees on how to balance needs of the Lodge and the financial resources to get the job done, or to positively impact the image of the Lodge to our members, our families and our communities.  Step by step we learn and teach.  Step by step we approach the East and making a positive impact as a leader. 

Finally, Servant Leadership is about leading for a short time your peers or your brothers, and having a positive influence.  Servant Leadership is about helping others be better than themselves.  In the Scottish Rite Easter Sunday Service we close with the following charge from the Leader, “May the Peace of Our Master be with you and remain with you always.  It is always better to Love than to hate. Remember our duty is not to be better that others but to be better than ourselves, and the more we have the more we owe those around us who are in need.”  May your Lodge of the Future be filled with servant leaders, each in his turn contributing to the benefit of all the Lodge Members, Families and Communities, and by doing so with the right attitude, provide for the next generation of engaged, enlightened Servant Leaders for the Glory of God and betterment of each other.



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RWB Michael D Smith
Engaging Our Membership

Gentlemen, as we enter the “Dog Days of Summer” we are at the time and place in our Lodges to determine what our membership will be by year end and if we have members that are in danger of being dropped from our roles at the end of the year.  This is the time to both, review the results from the Masonic Education Lesson Plan, as found at www.scgrandlodgeafm.org under the Resources Tab, and to move forward in our series on the Lodge of the Future.  If your Lodge has not yet discussion your actual Lodge statistics and direction for the future, the data that you will generate is vital to understanding your Lodge Future Success.

Start now with your plans to visit every member who is in danger of dropping membership, and determining why they are in arrears.   

The key issue facing us today is how best to maintain our members and engage them.  This is best performed today with an appropriate use of email and website communication to ALL of our members.  It is very unusual today to find any Lodge in our Grand Jurisdiction that has more than 20% of members attending meetings.  Why so few attendees? What do we deliver to our members at meetings?

If, as promised, we are to support one another and continue to improve and enlighten our membership, so then why are they not coming to our Lodge? 

We hear the typical responses, but often not supported by real facts and truth.  Health issues, work obligations, and relocation are legitimate and often heard, but what about those other members that we do not see anymore, or in some cases ever!  I submit, that like me, many Lodge Officers have members that they have never met!  These are often the very members that are questioning the Value of Lodge membership and predictably more likely to drop from our roles.  While it is incumbent on all members to support their lodge, many report that they feel little or no connection to the Lodge.  We must work to improve the Lodge Experience, with more time together, giving every member a responsibility to the Lodge and providing more for our members.  Better Education, more discussion, better time spent together over a good meal at Lodge and even in other settings.        

Now let’s address ways to engage members that are not active with us but are still our brothers and lodge members. It will take work and effort.

For us to establish a platform for growth and stability, we must address the issue of Creating Membership Value.  We must communicate with all of our members with regular frequency with meaningful information and encouragement to remain active and engaged. We must make our meetings more than meet, read minutes, pay bills and go home.  We must recreate the environment of Brotherhood, Fellowship, Education and Support for all of our members with valuable experiences.  In essence, we must create an environment where members WANT to come to our meetings.

In the Masonic Education Lesson Plan Number 2 - Engaging Members, we offer a Lodge Education topic and action plans to create an opportunity for improved communications and engagement.  Get it at www.scgrandlodgeafm.org  

Will your Lodge become a place where we can come together, learn from each other and enjoy being part of something greater than ourselves and make a difference to our members, our lodge, and our community?

Before we address how to add new member, we must make Lodge Membership a meaningful and rewarding experience for all of our members.

Brethren, thank you for your work to improve the Lodge Experience and Advance toward a successful Lodge of the Future.  Share your results! 

 

MASONIC EDUCATION LESSON PLAN                                                           NUMBER 2

OUR LODGE OF THE FUTURE – ENGAGING MEMBERS

BACKGROUND:  Engaging our Current Members is Critical to our Long Term Success.                                        

ISSUES:            How well we improve and deliver Membership Value will determine our Future Success!

NEEDS:            Freemasons expect and want more value from the Lodge Experience!                 How can your Lodge improve membership engagement?

FACTS:             Lead a discussion with the members at your meeting to address the following;

1.  How can we improve communication with our members?
   
   
   1. Email your members to inform them of the next Lodge Meeting
      
      
      1. Plan and upgraded meal and let them know
         
         
      2. Plan a special education program and let them know
         
         
      3. Invite a guest speaker to present a program.
         
         
      4. Recognize a member at the meeting and let them know.
         
         
   2. Phone Calls to your members to invite those that don’t have email.
      
      
      1. Let them know you are calling on behalf of the Lodge
         
         
      2. Let them know that they are missed and invite them to come
         
         
      3. Offer to bring them if they need a ride.
         
         
   3. Email or Mail an regular newsletter to members
      
      
   4. Have a Member Breakfast and invite your members to come.  Have a Lodge Status Report and Project List for their involvement.
      
      
   5. Start a Supper Club outside of Lodge to invite members and spouses in a Dutch Treat dinner to build relationships.                                           
      
      
2. How to create some membership value with the community?
   
   
   1. Once a quarter, invite one of your local service groups (Firemen, Police, EMS, VFW, etc.) to attend a special meal before your regular meeting, especially if you have members in the service group.  They get to invite peers and involves them in the plan as well. 
      
      
   2. Invite a local merchants, town council or school administrators to the Lodge to a dinner prior to the meeting.  Recognize an accomplishment of the group.  Be a positive supporter.
      
      
   3. Sponsor a Local Charitable Project and promote with your town.
      
      
   4. Invite a local Sports team to the lodge especially if they have won conference title or other reason to celebrate community.
      
      
   5. As a Lodge, schedule and attend your officers church services together, recognize the Lodge members in the church.                            
      
      These are but a few ways to get your Members involved, engaged, and improve awareness in with your members and the community.  Try at least one of these but whatever you do, focus on raising the bar on member value. ​