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Transforming the Spirit of Communities

All across our countries in thousands of small ways, faith groups are daily offering hope and care to their neigh­borhoods, but very few of these acts get public recognition. When churches take seriously life outside their buildings and their Sunday morning sacred time, they give their communities an inexpressible gift. (Photo © yanlev – Fotolia.com)

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Use that Nasty ‘S’ Word

Has stewardship become a nasty term in your congregation? When it’s mentioned, people avert their eyes, hold onto their wallets and run for the door? If so, here are some ideas for you! (Photo © BortN66 – Fotolia.com)

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Avoiding Clergy Stress and Burnout

We all face stressful moments, but stress is a particular occupational hazard for members of the clergy. Our profession has extremely high burnout rates. The good news is that all of us can take steps to reduce stress and prevent burnout. (Photo © alphaspirit – Fotolia.com)

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Second-hand Wise

Click here to read Leah Wise’s reflection on how shopping in thrift stores–made popular by Mackelmore and Ryan Lewis–can actually be a way to practice better stewardship and do justice. While you’re there, take a look at the other articles on the RELEVANT website. (Photo: adiything, Creative Commons license. Thanks!)

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Stewardship for Sundays

Every good preacher knows that stewardship sermons aren’t just for three weeks in October, but rather the whole year through. Here is a free 72-page resource that offers tips for preaching on stewardship throughout the three-year Lectionary cycle. (Photo (c) Scott Griessel – Fotolia.com)

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Six Stewardship Words to Live By

Looking for a way to teach biblical stewardship in your congregation? This handy six-part series offers a study guide on important stewardship concepts — live, gather, connect, serve, give and multiply. Includes Bible references and teaching instructions. (Photo © Vibe Images – Fotolia.com)

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Plant a Garden, Grow a Community!

It’s planting season, so why not plan a community garden on your church grounds? It’s a way to beautify the neighborhood, create a healthy outreach and educational ministry, and get folks involved! Here are some links to get you going. (Photo © alisonhancock – Fotolia.com)

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10 Ways to Cultivate Generous Stewards

Part of cultivating generous stewards is helping people to see how giving has a positive impact on all areas of life. Here’s an excerpt from Adam Grant’s new book Give and Take: A Revolutionary Approach to Success, posted with permission on the Greater Good Science Center website. (Photo: © freshidea – Fotolia.com)

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Stewardship with Adults Under 40

Click here for information on the Stewardship with Adults Under 40: Possibilities Abound KAIROS Course at Luther Seminary. The three-day event, hosted by the Center for Stewardship Leaders, will take place July 29-31 and features nationally-known speaker Nathan Dungan. Be sure to check this out! (© Igor Link – Fotolia.com)

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  • About Us

    The Stewardship of Life Institute, founded in 1994, is located in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Read more...
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    How to Improve Financial Stewardship

    This resource outlines the six most popular financial response models used by ELCA congregations. An easy-to-follow guide for new stewardship leaders. Available through the ELCA Resource Catalog or in PDF as a free download.

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    Four Gospels, One Way to Live

    Here’s a free online course on biblical stewardship that you can really sink your teeth into. “Four Gospels” pays attention to the stewardship-of-life underpinnings of the four Gospels as it provides a scholarly overview. From Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg.

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    Financial Coaching for Seminarians

    It’s hard enough to prepare for ministry without worry about finances in your seminary years — or how you will pay back those student loans.  Here are resources to help.   Click here to learn more! Click here to log-in! (Contact editor Rob Blezard)

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    The Weekly Joke

    Every week we dish out a fresh scoop of humor. Who says stewardship is no fun?

    Click here to go to the joke  page