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The church budget really isn’t that important

Not important? It sounds preposterous, to say the least. But when it comes to the annual pledge drive and motivating congregation members to support the church, the budget is the last thing that should come into play, argues this Alban Institute writer.  (Photo by WellfordT, via Bigstockphoto.com)

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The Trouble with Money and Faith

Here’s a conversation from the Alban Institute between Wayne Floyd and John Clark about what it looks like when faith and money start talking to each other. Have you made it easy for folks to talk about money in your congregational setting?  Click here to go to the Alban website. (Photo by Mike Knell used… Read more»

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Environmental Stewardship–A Privilege

The Alabama Faith Council offers a series of action items aimed at helping people of faith and worshiping communities become better stewards of the environment. Click here for 10 steps you can take, along with a selection of useful links and tools. The AFC reminds us that “taking care of the Earth is not just… Read more»

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You Are Invited

Lectionary Reflection for the Second Sunday after Epiphany
January 15, 2012
“Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” asks Nathanael. Many folks today ask the same thing about the church. You are invited to open your eyes, to come and see. (Photo by Hans van de Bruggen used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)

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Taking Stock of Roadblocks

Now may be the perfect time to take stock and check your congregation for potential generational roadblocks. Click here to read Carol Howard Merritt’s excellent article from The Christian Century website examining what sorts of roadblocks are keeping a new generation out of church. (Photo by rockinfree used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)

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Family Matters

Lectionary Reflection for Name of Jesus
January 1, 2012
Family matters both within and outside of the church. This Sunday provides an opportunity to explore our family of faith and what it means both individually and as the body of Christ gathered in a particular place and context. (Photo by Children’s Book Review used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)

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God Bless the Child

First Sunday of Christmas Lectionary Reflection
January 1, 2012
Today is the perfect opportunity to honor the gift of God’s son, the Word made flesh, and the children and families in the worshiping community. (Photo by “clairity” used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)

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Simplicity Itself

At this moment in history, the world God loves is groaning under the weight of injustice and slowly being robbed of its capacity to sustain life. All around you, the people God loves are increasingly burdened by lifestyles they can’t keep up for very much longer. You and your congregation are called to help turn that around. (Photo by Nemosdad, via Big Stock Photo)

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5 Steps to Creating a Culture of Generosity

Everybody wants their church culture to encourage members to give generously of time, talent and treasure, but very few churches actually are. Transforming your church culture won’t take place by accident. Here are five specific steps to consider.

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Finding Your Fundraising Voice

“How can we persuade people to give more?” Not surprisingly, this is one of the most frequent questions I encounter in my work as a congregational consultant. One way to respond to such questions is by teaching better fundraising techniques. (Photo by iqoncept, via Bigstockphoto)