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)
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)
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)
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!)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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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Personal Finance Workshop
Help get your own finances in order, or lead a group in your congregation, with this handy, free four-session workshop on personal finances. The resource will guide your self-study or small-group session. Helpful video, too! From the Disciples of Christ’s Center for Faith and Giving. (Photo © mangostock – Fotolia.com)
Plan a Creation Care Sunday
Our planet is facing unprecedented environmental problems. Your church can help stir God’s people to learn more and get involved in creation care by planning a Creation Care Sunday. These resources from the Evangelical Environmental Network will help you pull it all together for the good of your people and God’s earth. (Photo © Mopic – Fotolia.com)
Should Pastors Know How Much Members Give?
Is it helpful or harmful if a pastor knows how much every member gives? On the one hand, it can help a pastor diagnose problems in the congregation. On the other hand, the pastor may start playing favorites. What do you think? Experts are divided, as this discussion by ChristianityToday.com reveals. (Photo © Michael Nivelet – Fotolia.com)
Stewardship Starter Kit
Here’s a pretty sweet assortment of materials to get a congregation going in a stewardship program – from pledge cards to brochures. The Evangelical Covenant Church has put this together for its congregations, but this starter kit could provide wonderful inspiration and helpful guidance for any church to develop its own program.
How to Write a Winning Grant Proposal
Foundations and other funders are eager to give grants to organizations that send in applications that meet their criteria and their mission. Listen to this podcast on how to maximize the chances that your church’s application will come out on top.
8 Ways Stewardship Will Transform Your Leadership
Good leadership begins and ends around the issue of stewardship. The whole idea of stewardship relates back to the concept of watching over something for someone else, taking care of something you don’t own. Good tips from ChurchLeader.com.
From Farm to Trash?
Did you know that 40% of all food grown in the U.S. is wasted? Take time to read this article and evaluate your own stewardship of food. (Photo: jbloom, Creative Commons License. Thanks!)
Why Bringing Teens to Worship Matters
Click here for a uplifting reflection by Mallory McDuff about why she made her teen go to church. It’s a stewardship issue, too, because we are charged with passing on the faith. If you, or someone you know, needs encouragement, pass this link along! (Photo: husin.sani, Creative Commons License. Thanks!)
Eugene Peterson on Pastoring
In this brief interview from Outreach magazine, Eugene Peterson, author of ‘The Message” and other books, shares his thoughts on vocation, church size and other matters. (Photo by James Ogley, used by Creative Commons license. Thanks!)
Energy Efficiency Saves Churches Money
Churches are freeing up money for mission and ministry by making their buildings more energy efficient. This article from the United Methodist “Interpreter” explains how, and provides links to helpful sites. (Photo by Sun Dazed, used by Creative Commons license.)
Browse the Archive
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.
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.
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)
