Cross of Christ Lutheran Church, Roberts, Wis., looked at digitial giving options and decided to go with an iPad giving station. Now 8 percent of its offerings are received that way. Read about their experience. From the Center for Stewardship Leaders at Luther Seminary. (Photo: Creativity 103, Creative Commons)
The Official Stewardship ‘Don’t Panic Kit’
If your church is at sixes and sevens when it comes to stewardship, it’s definitely not alone! The important thing is to keep your heads, trust in God, and make a plan! This free resource from the Episcopal Diocese of Washington has some great ideas, as well as helpful links! (Photo: Techme Slowly, Creative Commons)
Giving Thought to a Narrative Budget
There’s another way besides a line-item budget to present your congregation’s proposed annual spending plan. A Narrative Budget tells the story of how your church practices good stewardship of the gifts entrusted to it. It provides a vision of where the church hopes to be in the coming budget cycle. It reflects how the congregation spends its time, talent, and treasure rather than paying the bills.Check out this free 12-page resource. (Photo: Rob Nguyen, Creative Commons)
50 Ways to Encourage Faithful Giving
Wow! Here are some solid ideas for cultivating stewardship at your congregation! Use them as a discussion starter, or to map out a strategy for year-round stewardship: Which could your church implement in the next year? From the United Methodist Foundation for the Memphis and Tennessee Conferencees.
Avoiding Stewardship Potholes
Potholes can do some serious damage to cars, and potholes in your congregation’s stewardship program can also wreak havoc. Author Timothy Siburg, writing for Ministry Matters, identifies eight stewardship potholes that leaders need to be on the lookout for. Any one of the eight has the potential to derail your efforts. Click the title to be redirected to the article. (Photo: D Dohler, Creative Commons)
Money Talk
Do you hear people complain that the church talks about money too much? It’s just not true. In fact, the church does not talk about money enough — not nearly as much as Jesus did, says this Episcopalian blogger. (Photo: Andrew Magill, Creative Commons)
7 Truths About Stewardship Programs
No. 1: “The first place to look for money is in the heart, not the wallet.” This resource explains why, and then goes on to explain SIX more truths! It’s a great, handy resource from the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas. (Photo by Varkle69, used by creative Commons license – Thanks!)
FREE e-book: ‘How Much is Enough?’
Some of the brightest minds of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America have collaborated for this collection of essays exploring “How Much is Enough: A Deeper Look at Stewardship in an Age of Abundance.” Each author looks at one aspect of what it means to be a well-formed stewardship leader — the basic competencies needed.
So you’re the new stewardship chair?
Lucky you! For the Episcopal Church has assembled some dandy resources to help you get your ministry off the ground and flying high! Everything from building a committee to financial commitment programs that work. (Photo by Konephoto, via bigstockphoto.com.)
Congregational Discernment and Stewardship
The spiritual practice of discernment may be a useful tool for congregations when it comes to matters of stewardship of money. Check out this article by spiritual director Teresa Blythe on the Patheos website. (Photo by hickory hardscrabble used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)