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July 7, 2008
Matter of Life and Debt
 Many people have been riding a wave of credit so long, they think it will last forever. But when it crashes, they don’t have to drown. This article gives great advice for managing debt. Although it’s written for Britons, the advice is easily adapted for us Americans. Click here for “Matter of Life and Debt,” from the Church of England.
Getting Out of Debt
 With energy and food costs going through the roof, even people with good incomes are finding themselves pinched. This article is as much about STAYING out of debt as GETTING out of debt. As the financial storms approach, we all need good advice to batten down the money hatches. Click here for “Getting Out of Debt,” from Generous Giving.
What To Do When Someone Asks for Money
 Does your church have a policy for handling requests for assistance by people who wander into your property? It should, lest your lay people fall victim to scam artists or thugs. This church’s advice may inspire and guide your own church’s policy. Click here for “What To Do When Someone Asks for Money,” from the Unitarian Universalist Church of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
Faith, Hope and Love for Our Future
 “After pretending for millennia that we can exploit our natural resources forever, continue to engage in violence as the first and best response to conflict, continuing to fail to love our neighbors as ourselves, we now know we must change. Or die an early death.” Click here for “Faith, Hope and Love for Our Future,” from SOLI webmaster Rob Blezard, posted in last week’s edition our free online newsletter. Click here to read other archived columns. Click here to subscribe.
Inquiry Into Megachurch Money Sparks Church-State Showdown
 Most pastors in the United States are not overpaid, but the few high-profile pastors who make millions from their ministries are stirring the waters. This article details the inquiry into the tax-exempt status of several ministries – and the questions it raises for the rest. Click here for “Inquiry Into Megachurch Money Sparks Church-State Showdown,” from Church & State magazine and posted on Alternet.
June 30, 2008
The Green Church
Whether your congregation is building a new structure or staying put in an old building, there are plenty of ways to lower your energy usage – saving money and helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Click here for “The Green Church,” from Church Solutions magazine.
Why it’s Important to Keep Tithing in Tough Economic Times
“Most people would concede that our current economy is going through some tough times and most people are feeling the impact in some way or another. As Christians, we aren’t immune to these troubles, but we know that God will provide a way out and will help us overcome if we trust in Him and follow in his principles.” Click here for “Why it’s Important to Keep Tithing in Tough Economic Times,” from Crosswalk.com.
A GPS For $ Directions
"One of the key reasons that so many of our congregations don’t grow is because they afraid to ask for help. Most of them will suffer through years of “hand wringing” and long debates in their council meetings agonizing over things that can be corrected in short order by groups within the ELCA that are always anxious to help" Click here for "A GPS for $ Directions," from Tuck Aaker, weekly columnist for ELCA Stewardship Resources.
Full of Sound and Fury and a Lot of Hot Air?
“Do you ever wonder what Jesus would have to say to us if he came to our towns to teach? Would he be as frustrated with our inability to grasp his life-giving message? Would he find our differences and divisions as petty as those of the religious leaders of his day?” Click here for “Full of Sound and Fury,” the latest essay from SOLI columnist the Rev. Sharron R. Lucas. Click here to read columns from her archive.
Does Economic Downturn Mean Crisis for Nonprofits?
It is nearly impossible these days to avoid thinking - and worrying - about the country's recent economic struggles.” But what’s a nonprofit manager (such as a pastor or finance committee) to think? This article has some tips. Click here for “Does Economic Downturn Mean Crisis for Nonprofits,” from onPhilanthropy.org.
June 23, 2008
Money As Religion
Here’s a mind-stretching, soul-challenging resource critiquing how Americans view wealth. Good for small-group discussion, sermon inspiration or personal devotion. Click here for “Money as Religion,” from the Stewardship Department of the Seventh Day Adventist Church.
Christian Stewardship: What God Expects of Us
“Christian stewardship is a way of living in which we recognize that everything belongs to God. All resources must be used for His glory and the common good.” Click here for “Christian Stewardship: What God Expects of Us,” from Catholic Education Resource Center.
Caring for God’s Creation and God’s People
“In the midst of a hurting world of homelessness, environmental destruction and hopelessness, a theology of inter-relationship is urgently needed.” So begins this challenging essay that calls us to Christ-centered faith, from which flows sound stewardship. Click here for “Caring for God’s Creation and God’s People,” from Missouri Renewable Energy.
The ‘Theology of the Hammer,’ and the ‘Ecoomics of Jesus’
“For Christian stewards who are concerned with issues of poverty and affordable housing, Habitat for humanity proves a simple, hands-on way to help..” Click here for “The ‘Theology of the Hammer,’ and the “Economics of Jesus,” from SOLI webmaster Rob Blezard, posted in last week’s edition our free online newsletter. Click here to read other archived columns. Click here to subscribe.
June 16, 2008
Capital Campaigns: Inspiring Generosity Through Abundant Vision
If your church is thinking about a Capital Campaign, here is an article worth checking out! Stewardship expert David Bell explains what a Captial Campaign is – and is not. This will help you get on the right path and stay there. Click here for “Capital Campaigns: Inspiring Generosity Through Abundant Vision,” from the United Methodist Church’s Center for Christian Stewardship.
When Stewardship Means Letting Go
“Discipleship quite often puts us squarely at odds with the way the world works, with the structures of society and the systems of the status quo. Contemporary culture puts great emphasis on “finding oneself,” on self-actualization, and on “looking out for number one.” Jesus, however, says exactly the opposite.” Click here for “When Stewardship Means Letting Go,” the latest essay from SOLI columnist Sharron Reissinger Lucas. Click here for archived columns.
Peace With God & Creation
In this prescient talk from 1990, the late Pope John Paul II underscored the role faithful people can have in preserving the environment. His call for action takes on particular urgency 18 years later. Click here for “Peace with God & Creation,” posted by the Theology Department of Marquette University.
The Gospel Worldview
“It's not the magical act of giving that makes people cheerful. People who give grudgingly tend to wind up more sour as a result. But people who are cheerful in their faith tend to give generously. There's a tool that transforms grudging people into cheerful givers.” Click here for “The Gospel Worldview,” the essay from last week’s SOLI/Update, our free online newsletter, from web editor Rob Blezard. Click here to read archived essays.
June 9, 2008
Growling at God: Why We Struggle to Give
Here's an inspirational piece that says a lot about why we hold onto our money so tightly. “God asks us to give because He knows it will bring increase in our lives, not only monetarily, but also spiritually as we learn to think less of our own needs and more of others’." Click here for “Growling at God,” from Crosswalk.com.
Stewardship: Dad’s Pencil
With Father’s Day coming this Sunday, this brief essay is timely as well as inspirational. The author draws big lessons from his dad’s simple household rule. Good for a sermon illustration or children's message. Click here for “Dad’s Pencil,” from Christianity Today.
How to maintain the spirit of giving throughout the year, Part 2
Last week we printed Part 1. This segment continues the good advice. "Low offerings. It's a problem almost every church faces at some time in its life. The simple prescription offered by one financial consultant: prayer." Click here for “How to maintain the spirit of giving throughout the year, Part 2,” from Church Central.
The Most Important Question
"What is the DNA of your congregation? What are the avenues that your congregation’s traditions, heritage and faith can travel upon to bring new people to Christ? Every congregation has a strength that can used to build upon; what is that strength in your congregation?" Good advice! Click here for "The Most Important Question," from Tuck Aaker, columnist for ELCA Stewardship Resources.
June 2, 2008
Four Great Texts for Preaching About Money
“I can testify to the challenge American pastors face in preaching on money to history’s wealthiest Christians. Someone has said that the most sensitive nerve in the body is the one going from the heart to the wallet." Click here for “Four Great Texts for Preaching About Money,” from Circuit Rider, the magazine for United Methodist clergy.
Living Stewardship – Every Day
In looking at the lectionary texts for this week, our columnist found herself thinking how her grandmother naturally embodied good stewardship. “No one left her home empty-handed. She’d press a bag of apples, a quart jar of beans or jelly, or some homemade apple half-moon pies into your arms along with a hug and a prayer for your safety.” Click here for this latest essay by SOLI columnist Sharron Reissinger Lucas. Click here to read her archived columns.
How to maintain the spirit of giving throughout the year, Part 1
Talking and educating about financial giving should not be relegated to a few Sundays in October, says this practical how-to resource. Instead it should be woven subtly through your ministry year round. Click here for “How to maintain the spirit of giving throughout the year,” from Church Central.
Father’s Day
Men are the often-overlooked demographic in a church outreach strategy, and yet statistics show that fewer men come to church than women. Can your church honor the men in the pews this Father’s Day? This resource gives some practical guidance. Click here for “Father’s Day” ideas and resources, from ChristianityToday.com.
Poor, dumb critters
“As a species, we persist in lifestyles that are making us stressed, fat and sick. We continue to smoke and drink. We glorify empty sex lives that are anti-family, anti-marriage and spread dangerous diseases. We use violence as the primary way to resolve conflict.” Click here for “Poor, dumb critters,” from SOLI webmaster Rob Blezard, posted in last week’s edition our free online newsletter. Click here to read other archived columns. Click here to subscribe.
May 26, 2008
Martin Marty: Nurture Generosity
Generosity, unlike stewardship, has no limits, Martin Marty told a conference. "It's not that you've got to be generous, but you get to be. …It's not haranguing or threatening. It's liberation." Click here for “Nurture generosity,” from Episcopal Life magazine.
Bulletin Insert: Checkbook Theology
Here’s a great way to educate and inspire your congregation about stewardship – a Sunday bulletin insert. This one, available in PDF download, explores how our real beliefs are reflected in our financial records, such as checkbooks, bank statements and credit card bills. Click here for “Checkbook Theology” from the Office of Stewardship Resources in the Presbyterian Church (USA).
Safeguards for Handling Church Funds
Many churches don’t think about financial safeguards until after the crisis – maybe a church leader dips into the till or an audit shows money unaccounted for. This practical guide tells you how to tighten up the operation. Click here for “Safeguards for Handling Church Funds,” from Enrichment Journal, the magazine of Assemblies of God.
Hilarious Giving: Debunking Five Tithing Myths
People are extremely resistant to the extremely biblical notion of tithing, and they often fall back on misinformation to justify their resistance. This article gives you some good counterarguments. Click here for “Debunking Five Tithing Myths,” from LifeWay publishing.
Undivided Loyalty
“When Jesus says we cannot serve both God and money in Matthew 6:24, most people draw the wrong conclusion. They believe, then, that it is simply up to us to choose between God and money.” Click here for “Undivided Loyalty,” from SOLI webmaster Rob Blezard, posted in last week’s edition our free online newsletter. Click here to read other archived columns. Click here to subscribe.
May 19, 2008
Stewardship: A Way of Life
“When we recognize that God is the origin of all life, the giver of everything that we have and are, the source of our freedom and giftedness, the healthy person responds by thanking God through prayer, by serving God and God's people through ministry, by sharing our financial resources with those in need.” Thoughtful reading. Click here for “Stewardship: A Way of Life,” by Bishop Robert Morneau of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Green Bay.
Don’t Worry – Be Faithful
“Like most things in life, happiness is most often a byproduct of dedicated focus and effort. All too often, we humans search for happiness in all the wrong places. We consume to excess, we buy, we eat and drink, and we even try to drug ourselves into a state of contentment.” Click here for “Living Stones,” the latest essay from SOLI columnist Sharron Reissinger Lucas. Click here for archived columns.
Is Your Church Money Savvy?
“Your ministry work may keep you so busy that you don’t pay much attention to your church’s finances. But money is an important part of your church’s work, because without it, none of that work would be possible.” Good premise for this intelligent article. Click here for “Is Your Church Money Savvy?” From Crosswalk.com.
Leisure a Key to a Balanced, Healthy Life
“Mention "leisure time" and I think of those Corona beer commercials on TV: Lazy, tranquil hours on a deserted beach with no tasks more challenging than slicing limes and removing bottle caps. But for non-vacation weeks, leisure shouldn’t be neglected.” Click here for “Leisure: A Key to a Balanced Life,” from SOLI webmaster Rob Blezard, posted in last week’s edition our free online newsletter. Click here to read other archived columns. Click here to subscribe.
May 12, 2008
Sluggish Economy Increases Financial Pressure for Church Leaders
The title states the obvious for many church leaders who are dealing with decreased giving as a result of their people dealing with rising prices and slowing employment. Here are some ideas for coping. Click here for “Sluggish Economy Increases Financial Pressure for Church Leaders,” from the United Methodist Church’s Center for Christian Stewardship.
Whose Money is it Anyway?
It’s for teens, but anybody can benefit from this commonsense article about money. “Most of us have an upside-down view of money. We figure the money we have is ours; God's money is just the portion we put in the collection basket.” Click here for “Whose Money is it Anyway?” From Ignite Your Faith magazine.
How to Help Your Church Overcome a Slump in Summer Offerings
Summer is only weeks away, and many church leaders dread the slowdown in cash flow. This article offers five things to DO and five things NOT to do to cope. Good ideas. Click here for “How to Help Your Church Overcome a Slump in Summer Offerings,” from Maximum Generosity.
Stewardship Lessons from $3-a-gallon Gasoline
“It's an observation that goes to the heart of stewardship values: People grouse about paying a little more for something they need, but they gladly open their wallets and surrender their credit cards for grossly overpriced stuff that they want. Does this sound familiar?” Click here for “Stewardship Lessons,” from SOLI webmaster Rob Blezard, posted in last week’s edition our free online newsletter. Click here to read other archived columns. Click here to subscribe.
May 5, 2008
Stewardship Strategies for Local Churches
OK, here is a “Stewardship 101” type of resource that identifies key points and issues for any congregation to assess where they are in stewardship, where they should be – and how to get there. Good stuff. Click here for Stewardship Strategies for Local Churches, from the United Methodist Church’s Detroit Annual Conference.
Stewardship Notes from the Road
“Going on vacation doesn’t mean you leave stewardship issues at home. If anything, vacation time means facing even more decisions about use of one’s resources and care of God’s good creation. Does one fly and purchase carbon offsets, take a train, or drive and cry at the rising cost of gas? Does one stay with relatives and friends or book a hotel?” Click here for this latest essay by SOLI columnist Sharron Reissinger Lucas. Click here to read her archived columns.
Five Components of Congregational Stewardship
This simple resource is the kind of thing you can tape above your desk or put on your fridge with a magnet. You can refer to it to stay focused. Simple. Direct. Informative. Click here for “Five Components of Congregational Stewardship,” from the LaCrosse [Wis.] Area Synod, ELCA.
Website: Christian Ecology Link
From the United Kingdom comes an interesting website put together by Christians devoted to doing something about the environmental crisis. Here you’ll find tips, free articles for a parish newsletter, as well as research, inspiration and links. Check it out. Click here for “Christian Ecology Link.”
Forty Years Later, ‘Population Bomb’ Still Ticking
“Since 1968 three things have come true: One, there are almost twice as many people on the globe; two, the planet is showing signs of great stress from human activity; and, three, there will be more and more people vying for the same resources in decades to come.” Click here for “The Real It!,” from SOLI webmaster Rob Blezard, posted in last week’s edition our free online newsletter. Click here to read other archived columns. Click here to subscribe.
April 28, 2008
Ecology, Justice and Theology: Beyond the Preliminary Skirmishes
Back when the environmental movement was young – and taking a lot of heat from all sides -- the Rev. H. Paul Santmire weighed in with a theological perspective. Santmire, who is now one of the leading voices in environmental theology. His words from 1976 still speak to us, maybe especially because the environmental movement is still taking heat from all sides. Click here for “Ecology, Justice and Theology,” from Religion Online.
Appetite Control
“Today I felt really great – powerful, centered, spiritual, joyful -- and I know why. I fasted. I always feel great after I’ve fasted. But it had been so long, I forgot how invigorating it can be to go 30 hours or so without nutrition.” Click here for “Appetite Control,” from SOLI webmaster Rob Blezard, posted in last week’s edition our free online newsletter. Click here to read other archived columns. Click here to subscribe.
Gospel Based Discipleship
Here’s a great approach to energizing your church from the study group on up. Gospel based discipleship helps Christians understand the call of the Gospel in their own lives, in their own context. With a little creative leading, you can make stewardship a big part of that exploration. Click here for Gospel Based Stewardship, from Stewardship Resources of the Episcopal Church.
Coaching Your Leaders
"It’s the time of the year when your new leadership team members have had a little exposure to their goals and challenges and need some guidance to achieve what you would like to see happen.” It’s precisely here when your leaders can lose heart. Here are three ways to energize them and keep them on task. Click here for “Coaching Your Leaders,” from Tuck Aaker, stewardship columnist for ELCA Stewardship Resources.
A Call to Stewardship Arms
Dick Towner’s provocatively titled essay is built on a provocative premise. “We live in a very materialistic environment. Webster's definition of materialism
is, ‘The belief that everything can be explained by physical matter.’ That is a theological statement. … It is nothing less than a competing theology with a god called money.” Read on! Click here for “A Call to Stewardship Arms,” from Today’s Children’s Ministry.
April 21, 2008
Saving Our World and Serving the Lord
For your Earth Sunday Celebration (or Rogation Sunday, or Seedtime Blessing Sunday), challenge your young people with this handy discussion/study guide on how people of faith can and should embrace care for the earth. Good material for disciples of all ages. Click here for “Saving the World and Serving the Lord,” from FaithLens, the weekly youth resource from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
We Can’t Afford Not To
How much of your congregation’s budget goes to paying salaries for staff? When things are tight, does your church consider reducing staff or not hiring? Here is some wisdom to help you think things through. Click here for “We Can’t Afford Not To,” from Tuck Aaker, columnist for ELCA Stewardship Resources.
Do You Know Where Your Church’s Money Is?
Most every church has some money put aside for investment purposes – or even just a rainy day. But how many churches have a well thought out investment policy to guide the use of those funds, so that the church is going to get the most out of those funds? This resource will helpyou get started. Click here for “Do You Know Where Your Church’s Money Is?” From YourChurch magazine.
Lazy Stewardship’s Best Teacher
“A tight income forces a person to live simply. Everyday luxuries, such as dining in a restaurant, taking the kids to a movie or indulging in a new Music CD, are simply out of the question.” Click here for “Lazy Stewardship’s Best Teacher,” from SOLI webmaster Rob Blezard, posted in last week’s edition our free online newsletter. Click here to read other archived columns. Click here to subscribe.
April 14. 2008
Planet Earth Sunday
Do something special to celebrate creation this spring. Here are some wonderful liturgies you can adapt for use in your congregation that will help connect members to the seasons and cycles of creation. Click here for resources for “Planet Earth Sunday,” from Season of Creation, an Australian website.
Awakening to God’s Call to Earthkeeping
This 50-page resource includes both a Leader Guide and participant materials for use in faith-based small group context: adult or older youth Sunday school, Christian education classes, women’s circles, men’s groups, congregational “green team,” or in a retreat setting. A great resource from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Click here for information on purchase. Click here for a free PDF download.
Stewardship as Discipleship
When revitalization caused four of its five top givers to worship elsewhere, Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in North Aurora, IL, faced a challenge. Yet its pastor focused on discipleship, and the church’s giving not only did not go down, it actually increased – and has been growing steadily. Pastor Kathryn North tells how in this essay. Click here for “Stewardship as Discipleship,” and then scroll down to page 11. From “The Epistle,” the magazine of Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago.
Living Stones
Our columnist is now a quarter way through her year of buying nothing new, and she keeps receiving new awarenesses. “Every choice we make has impact on others. We are not isolated beings floating around aimlessly on the sea of life.” Click here for “Living Stones,” the latest essay from SOLI columnist Sharron Reissinger Lucas. Click here for archived columns.
Prayer Resources for Stewardship
Planning a stewardship emphasis? Here are some wonderful prayer resources to help – morning prayer, evening prayer and compline (night prayer) with an emphasis on stewardship. Click here for “Prayer Resources for Stewardship, from the Methodist Church of Great Britain.
Acts of Generosity
Reading the second chapter of Acts gives us great insights into stewardship. “There’s something that happens to people when they get the Christian message. When they really get the Gospel. It changes everything. It changes our relationship to one another, and it changes our attachment to money.” Click here for “Acts of Generosity,” from SOLI webmaster Rob Blezard, posted in last week’s edition our free online newsletter. Click here to read other archived columns. Click here to subscribe.
April 7. 2008
Two of Me
“For God's people, the opposite of simplicity is not complexity. It's duplicity,” declares the subhead of his challenging essay. It offers insight and practical advice to any Christian who is juggling multiple demands in faith, work and family (and who isn’t?). Click here for “Two of Me,” from Leadership Journal.
John Wesley: The Use of Money
Here’s a brilliant sermon from the founder of Methodism – and one of Christianity’s brightest souls. Wesley expounds on his oft-quoted (and misunderstood) maxim that when it comes to wealth, a Christian should make all he or she can, and give all he or she can. Good reading! Click here for “The Use of Money” from the Global Ministries Board of the United Methodist Church.
Tithing – Is That Still Around?
In this challenging essay, stewardship specialist and author Eugene Grimm finds inspiration about tithing from Napoleon Hill’s Think and Grow Rich. He finds they have application to Christian giving and tithing. Click here for “Tithing – Is That Still Around? From Grimm’s website, www.stewardshipconnection.com.
A Bicycling Pastor Models Good Stewardship
In the community where a colleague serves, congregation members see him riding his bike everywhere. “The pastor is making a statement and also setting excellent examples of good stewardship on a number of points.” Click here for “Bicycling Pastor Models Good Stewardship,” from SOLI webmaster Rob Blezard, posted in last week’s edition of our free online newsletter. Click here to read other archived columns. Click here to subscribe.
March 31. 2008
10 Suggestions for Effective Stewardship Preaching
The first one is Be Bold: “Boldness is the only way to address money and giving. We apologize3 far too much for stewardship sermons.” Wow! How’s THAT for good advice. Read on for more about boldness and nine other great tips. Click here for “10 Suggestions for Effective Stewardship Preaching,” from Circuit Rider, the magazine for clergy in the United Methodist Church.
Rx for Heartburn
“So, tell me, do you experience heartburn? I certainly hope that you do! No, of course, I’m not talking about the kind of heartburn that sends you rummaging in the medicine cabinet for Prilosec or Pepcid. I’m talking about the kind of heartburn that Cleopas and his companion experienced on the Emmaus Road when they met Jesus.” Click here for this latest essay by SOLI columnist Sharron Reissinger Lucas. Click here to read her archived columns.
The Illusion of Congregational ‘Happiness’
Many look at the church with a “cruise ship”– everybody’s must be having a good time and every complaint is attended to. But most of the time that leads to trouble. Here is an article that offers practical alternatives to chasing down and fixing complaints. Click here for “The Illusion of Congregational ‘Happiness’.” From the Congregational Resource Center of the Alban Institute.
Easter! Now that was a Sabbath
“Nowadays the mantle of specialness that used to mark Sunday has diminished considerably. Even those of us who wish to keep the Sabbath Day holy can find the world's busy-ness creeping into our Sabbath the way that lights from a city can block our view of the stars in the sky.” Click here for “Easter! Now that was a Sabbath,” from SOLI webmaster Rob Blezard, posted in last week’s edition our free online newsletter. Click here to read other archived columns. Click here to subscribe.
March 24, 2008
Earth Day Sunday: The Poverty of Climate Change
Thus year tackle one of our world’s most pressing problems – climate change. Many churches plan a creation-centered worship in the spring, so why not have an Earth Day Sunday. The Eco-Justice Program offers a comprehensive free resource, with bulletin inserts, backgrounders, Bible Studies. Lots of good stuff on the theme. Click here for “The Poverty of Climate Change,” from the National Council of Churches of Christ Eco Justice Program. Requires free registration. While your there, check out the other wonderful free materials.
Equipping the Believers as Stewards
This weighty and informative essay gives you the whole scope of the challenge facing Stewardship Committees. Informative reading that can help your congregation plan effectively. Click here for “Equipping the Believers as Stewards,” posted by Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary.
A Gift to God
“Many pastors and lay leaders have the notion that if they make a point of asking for those gifts to come from the top of people’s income or paychecks, they are going to “turn them off,” and they won’t give as much. That’s just not true!” says columnist Tuck Aaker. In fact, giving is something that needs to be taught by leaders and learnd by members. Click here for “A Gift to God,” from Stewardship Now, the column at ELCA Stewardship Resources.
Are You Dangerously Tired?
OK, pastors and church leaders. Here’s a good question for the days after Holy Week. It has everything to do with your personal stewardship as one leading a congregation. “Dangerous tired is an atmospheric condition of the soul that is volatile and portends the risk of great destruction. It is a chronic inner fatigue accumulating over months (and sometimes years) that doesn't always manifest itself in physical exhaustion.” Click here for “Are You Dangerously Tired?” From Building Church Leaders magazine.
The New Commandment
Maundy Thursday teaches us many things. “Knowing his time was running out, Jesus spent time with the ones he loved the most. He shared a meal with them and modeled servanthood by doing the most lowly job on the “to do” list of a household servant: Washing someone else’s feet.” Click here for “The New Commandment,” from SOLI webmaster Rob Blezard, posted in last week’s edition our free online newsletter. Click here to read other archived columns. Click here to subscribe.
March 17, 2008
Easter Messages:
ELCA Presiding Bishop Mark S. Hanson
“The death of Jesus shows no partiality. It was for all nations and all people -- for them, for you, for me. Your life is now with Christ. In baptism you have died. Hidden with Christ, no longer entombed in grief, your life carries the promise of glory.” Click here for the Easter Message from the presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Episcopal Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori
“We are beginning to be aware of the ways in which our lack of concern for the rest of creation results in death and destruction for our neighbors. We cannot love our neighbors unless we care for the creation that supports all our earthly lives. We are not respecting the dignity of our fellow creatures if our sewage or garbage fouls their living space.” Click here for the Easter Message from the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church U.S.A.
Salvation Army General Shaw Clifton
“Who among us does not need healing? Which of us is perfectly whole? Where is the one with no need of a Saviour? The first step toward healing is to recognise our need. Yet how often our pride gets in the way and we struggle on wounded, our vitality quietly seeping away and our effectiveness for the Kingdom compromised.” Click here for the Easter Message from the general of the Salvation Army.
Discipleship: The Challenge of Staying Focused
Holy Week is a busy time for pastors and laypeople alike. Is it too busy? “It’s Holy Week, I thought to myself. What about walking with Jesus during this time? What about prayer and preparation? Doesn’t that matter?” Click here for this latest essay by SOLI columnist Sharron Reissinger Lucas. Click here to read her archived columns.
The Weight of Our Decisions
“Watch any old TV show or movie and it’s apparent just how “plus-size” we have gotten. The federal Centers for Disease Control reports that since 1980 obesity among adults has more than doubled from 15 percent of the population to the current level – about a third of the population! And everybody else is bigger, too. As one who battles daily to keep my weight down, I know it’s not easy.” Click here for “The Weight of Our Decisions,” from SOLI webmaster Rob Blezard, posted in last week’s edition our free online newsletter. Click here to read other archived columns. Click here to subscribe.
March 10, 2008
Tithing: Law of God or Gift of God (Part 2)
Here’s the second part of David Bell’s essay on the controversial issue of tithing. (We highlighted the first part several weeks ago.) “God offers us a different perspective on giving. It is not one of last resort and compounded with guilt, but one filled with abundance, freedom, and joy.” Click here to read part 2 of “Tithing,” from the United Methodist Church’s Center for Christian Stewardship. Click here for Part 1.
Stewardship as a Ministry in the Local Church
This article discusses the potential for stewardship as a discipleship opportunity. “Many churches and organizations are discovering that these are exciting days for stewardship ministries. The resources that God has placed in the hands of His people to meet ministry needs are more than we could ever ask or think.” Good reading. Click here for “Stewardship as a Ministry in the Local Church, from Enrichment Journal, a publication of Assemblies of God.
Powerpoint: Stewardship 101
This creative Powerpoint presentation puts stewardship ministry into the context not only of discipleship but also congregational life. Although it is probably too specific to its own context to be used in your church, it can inspire and guide your own efforts to craft a Powerpoint presentation for your congregation. Click here for “Stewardship 101,” from the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles.
A ‘Floor’ for Personal Giving
Entering a second year of automatic, electronic giving, how’s it working out? Pretty Well. “Back in the days when I – gasp! – wrote weekly checks, I was always getting behind. So then by the end of the year “making up” for six or seven week’s worth of contributions exacted a very heavy toll.” Click here for “A ‘Floor’ for Personal Giving,” from SOLI webmaster Rob Blezard, posted in last week’s edition our free online newsletter. Click here to read other archived columns. Click here to subscribe.
March 3, 2008
Christian Stewardship in Light of Theology of the Cross
Where does one look for insight into Christian stewardship? Right on the cross, where Jesus emptied himself for us and gave away everything. “Through the lens of the theology of the cross, we recognize that all we have, even life itself, comes from the pure grace and generous mercy of God,” says the Rev. Michael Cooper-White, president of the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, in this provocative essay. Click here for “Christian Stewardship in Light of Theology of the Cross. Click here for a Spanish version, “Mayordomía Cristiana a la Luz de La Teología de la Cruz.”
Almsgiving: A Papal Lenten Message
As a Lenten discipline that is good to practice anytime, Pope Benedict XVI suggests almsgiving to help Christians fight the temptation to turn money into an idol. “Almsgiving helps us to overcome this constant temptation, teaching us to respond to our neighbor’s needs and to share with others whatever we possess through divine goodness,” Benedict says in a message. Click here for “Almsgiving,” posted on The Vatican website.
Can These Bones Live?
The Sunday’s lectionary reading from Ezekiel has special meaning for residents of the Upper Midwest who have been dealing with population decline and other problems. “Yes, those North Dakota “dry bones” not only stood up and rattled around, but they also gave witness to the same hopeful spirit that breathed in the first homesteaders, that this spirit is still alive and well.” Click here for this latest essay by SOLI columnist Sharron Reissinger Lucas. Click here to read her archived columns.
The Real IT!
“Spiritual emptiness. It's the human race's number one problem - the root cause of war, addiction, crime, oppression, greed, gluttony, selfishness and on and on.” Click here for “The Real It!,” from SOLI webmaster Rob Blezard, posted in last week’s edition our free online newsletter. Click here to read other archived columns. Click here to subscribe.
February 25, 2008
Why the Devil Takes Visa
If you read only ONE article on stewardship this Lent, then read this one. The subtitle says it all: “A Christian response to the triumph of consumerism.” In this classic essay, Rodney Clapp discusses the history of Western economics and the emergence of the current consumer culture that includes the “deification of dissatisfaction.” A lot to take in. Digest it. Savor it. Click here for “Why the Devil Takes Visa,” from ChristianityToday
Finding Positive Solutions
Stewardship columnist Tuck Aaker says too many congregation members think of the church “budget” too narrowly. “The budget is an important tool in helping the congregation grow, but --- that the real goal is the mission and the focus has to be on strengthening the ministries to bring Christ into more lives and reaching out to help others.” Click here for “Finding Positive Solutions,” by Tuck Aaker, from ELCA Stewardship Resources.
Tithing: Law of God or Gift of God (Part 1)
Probably no other concept is so controversial – or so misunderstood in Christian Stewardship. This article attempts to clear the air a bit. “Tithing becomes a benchmark for the modern-day Christian. Since few regular worship attenders have achieved the giving mark of tithing, how might pastors and church leaders encourage congregants to strive to tithe?” Good reading, with helpful links. Click here to read “Tithing,” from the United Methodist Church’s Center for Christian Stewardship.
Plant a Tree at Easter
How about celebrating new life for the earth on Easter by planting a tree? It’s not a new idea, but one that has new urgency because of all the new data showing that global warming is even worse than scientists thought. Click here for “Plant a Tree at Easter,” posted on the website of the Green Belt Movement.
February 18, 2008
Crumbs from the Table: Jesus and the Syrophoenician Woman
The story is one of the most moving in the Gospels -- a woman denied a blessing from Jesus argues that even dogs eat the crumbs that fall from the table (Mark 7:24-30).. This two-part Bible study is great for exploring the stewardship implications either in a group in your personal devotion. Click here for Part 1, "A Feast of Crumbs." Click here for Part 2, "Crossing the Boundaries." From Women of the ELCA.
Ex-Lucas-Libris
In her year of simplifying her life, our columnist faced a perplexing problem: What about the books? As part of my make-do pledge, I find that I’m also questioning the value and use of items I presently possess. Staring at shelf after shelf of beautiful, bountiful books provides an eye-opening experience." Click here for “Ex-Lucas-Libris," from The Rev. Sharron R. Lucas.
The Stewardship of Our Talents
We know that stewardship involves the best use of our time, talents and treasures. But for the devout Christian, it's not just using our talents that's required. "We are called to not just maintain and protect our talents, but we are to develop, grow, and increase them. Sometimes this requires measured risk taking." Click here for "The Stewardship of Our Talents," from St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, Kokomo, Ind.
No Hot Water: A First-World Problem
“Pity me! My hot-water heater bit the dust last week!
I need your pity because I probably won't get much from the 1.1 billion people in the world who lack safe, clean, plentiful drinking water." Click here for “No Hot Water," from SOLI webmaster Rob Blezard, posted in last week’s edition our free online newsletter. Click here to read other archived columns.
February 11, 2008
Energy Guide for Churches
Right when you need it most – a free 48-page guide to help your church save money by lowering energy use! The State of Michigan Energy Office prepared this guide, which has lots of tips and info to get your church going! Click here for “Energy Guide for Churches,” from Michigan’s Energy Office.
Spiritual Consumerism’s Upside
“Why church shopping may not be so bad,” is the subtitle of this thought-provoking essay that explores why it is healthy for people to have options when it comes to choosing a worship community. Click here for “Spiritual Consumerism’s Upside,” from ChristianityToday.
Leaders Notes to Biblical Stewardship Principles
The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod has made a good resource even better by providing Leaders Notes to their Biblical Stewardship Principles. The Leaders Notes will help your congregation hold classes or workshops to explore the eight principles. Click here for the page that will give you both the Biblical Stewardship Principles and the Leaders Notes. From the Stewardship Resources of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod.
How about a ‘Financial Ash Wednesday’?
“We would begin by confession, acknowledging that we love our money and possessions more than we love God. After all, when we look at our credit card balances and checkbook, we find that we spend more on dining out than we do giving to our church.” Click here for “How About a ‘Financial Ash Wednesday’?” from SOLI webmaster Rob Blezard, posted in last week’s edition our free online newsletter. Click here to read other archived columns.
February 4, 2008
‘Stewardship U’: Basic lessons
Here is a wonderful series of columns that cover all the basics of stewardship. Written by Eric Hasselhorst, director of stewardship for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Dodge City, Kansas.
The Gift of Community
“We are bound together, you and I. Each one of us is wonderfully and uniquely created by God with gifts and talents, skills and abilities, failings and frailties. But we are not alone, nor are we designed to be alone.” Click here for this latest essay by SOLI columnist Sharron R. Lucas.
Annual Financial Campaign Suggestions
“The most effective, spiritually centered annual financial campaigns consistently focus the core of their programs on the joyful transformation of the giver in giving, and not on the need of the church to receive.” This helpful article helps you sort out the options out there. Click here for “Annual Financial Campaign Suggestions,” from the United Methodist Church’s Center for Christian Stewardship.
7 Non-Negotiables of Christian Stewardship
Starting any kind of stewardship effort, you’d better have a foundation of good principles. That’s what this article gives you – from number one, “God owns everything,” to number seven, “God Blesses the giver in proportionate measure.” Click here for “7 Non-Negotiables of Christian Stewardship,” housed at Luther Seminary’s Stewardship for the 21st Century.
This Lent, Practice Stewardship as a Discipline
“There’s nothing wrong with petty sacrifice for Lent. But in older times, Lent was a somber and penitential time of purification and spiritual journeying from Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday in order to prepare Christians for the glory of Easter.” Click here to read other archived columns. Click here to subscribe.
January 28, 2008
Stewardship Bible Studies
This resource is all you need to conduct seven Bible studies on diverse issues of stewardship – from stewardship of creation to personal commitment. Good for small-group discussion. Click here for “Stewardship Bible Studies,” from the Methodist Church of the Great Britain.
Talk About Money in Your Church
Need to raise the issue of financial stewardship in your congregation? Go for it! This resource gives you FIVE excellent reasons why you should. This is a bonus resource as well – explanations of each of the five reasons has a link to a video segment giving you more. Click here for “Talk About Money in Your Church,” from BuildingChurchLeaders.
The 9.5 Theses of Stewardship
Here are some interesting and creative principles to guide your own, and your congregation’s, stewardship ideas. Good discussion starter for your next council or stewardship committee meeting. Click here for “The 9.5 Theses of Stewardship,” from Gary Moore’s The Financial Seminary.
Living in the House of Love
With the war in Iraq war dragging on five years, recession looming and a presidential election under way, people are more fearful now than ever. How does that affect our people’s financial stewardship? Plenty. Using Henri Nouwen’s image that discipleship calls us to leave the house of fear and enter God’s house of love, this article gives commonsense ideas for reaching people in fear. Click here for “living in the House of Love,” in Circuit Rider magazine, the publication for United Methodist clergy.
Stewardship Lessons of the Depression
An 84-year-old member of my congregation has the right attitude about possessions and stewardship. Like many of her generation, she learned them during the Great Depression, and like many of her generation she never forgot them. Her observations have much to teach the succeeding “over-indulged” generations. Click here to read other archived columns. Click here to subscribe.
January 21, 2008
Faith and Money
Here’s an extremely concise and authoritative resource that pulls together a lot of stewardship concepts and plans. Put together by Dan Hotchkiss, a senior consultant for the respected Alban Institute, Faith and Money provides in-depth background that help provide firm ground for your congregation’s stewardship efforts. Click here for “Faith and Money,” from the Congregational Resource Guide
The Corrosion of Consumerism
People may be coming to your church, but are they coming as disciples or consumers? “The ‘consuming’ church springs from the soil of American culture. In contrast, the ‘transforming’ church grows out of the transforming energy of God's creativity.” Interesting observations! Click here for “The Corrosion of Consumerism,” from Your Church magazine.
The Power of Entrepreneurial Faith
It’s the dream of every stewardship committee and pastor serving struggling congregations: Sunday by Sunday more new people fill the pews – and the collection plates – to bring stability then growth. Sounds great, but how do you get there?” Click here to read other archived columns.
Website: Christian Simple Living
“Living Simply … as Christ Intended.” That bold motto greets visitors to the home page of this countercultural website. It’s counter to our prevailing culture that lifts up consumption as the highest value. Inspirational, daring and challenging, this website is a must for those who want to push the stewardship envelope. Click here for Christian Simple Living.
January 14, 2008
100 Stewardship Ideas and Verses
Here is a resource that will jump start your creativity when it comes to stewardship for your congregation. It lists sound ideas about stewardship and then backs them up with quotations from the Bible. How can you go wrong? Click here for “100 Stewardship Verses and Ideas,” from the Christian Stewardship Association.
Of Storage Bags, Shower Curtains, Stewardship and Stuff
Our columnist is learning much just in her second week of a year of buying nothing new. “To be an effective steward of all this stuff, I’m taking a four-pronged approach. I’m beginning by going through closets, drawers, and boxes to see just what lives here with us. Believe me, it’s a daunting process!” Click here for “Of Storage Bags, Shower Curtains, Stewardship and Stuff,” from SOLI stewardship writer Sharron Lucas.
Cultivating Church Health
In this article Rick Warren, the “Purpose-Driven” pastor, explains that balance is one often-overlooked key to church health. Click here for “Cultivating church health,” posted on Building Church Leaders.
A real step forward
The beginning of the year is a great time to stir things up and get things going again, says Tuck Aaker, stewardship columnist. “Consider beginning a Discipleship Training course for some of your people. Begin with your leadership and then add as many as possible.” Click here for “A Real Step Forward,” from ELCA Stewardship Resources.
January 7, 2008
Qualities of The Christian Steward
What does it take to be good steward? If you don’t know, there’s no way you can develop those qualities in either yourself or those in your church. This handy resource gives you a dozen characteristics – and a Bible verse that goes along with each one. Click here for “Qualities of a Christian Steward,” from the Center for Christian Stewardship, United Methodist Church.
Principles Worth Remembering
“We are people that won’t change until we are asked to do it! We can go out and pay $30,000 for a new car and think we got a real deal --- and then put $20 in our envelope for church --- because that’s what we have always done.” Click here “Principles Worth Remembering,” from Tuck Aaker, columnist for ELCA Stewardship Resources.
Three Kinds of Congregations
When it comes to how churches approach stewardship, they tend to fall into three categories, each with its own relative weakness or strength. Know where your congregation is and you can set a new course. Click here to get to the download page, and then scroll down to “Three Kinds of Congregations,” from the New Jersey Synod, ELCA.
This Year Pray for Your Own Epiphany
“Today we live in a world that is facing many pressures that are unprecedented in history. Now more than ever is the time for us to be a little more like the Magi and a lot less like the rest of humanity at the time of Jesus' birth.” Click here to read other archived columns.
Christian Stewardship: What God Expects from Us
Forget about stewardship being an option! Stewardship is at the heart of the job description God gave human beings for creation. This resource really puts things into perspective. Click here for “What God Expects from Us,” from the Catholic Educators Resource Center. |
