Here’s a brainy, challenging read from The Guardian about how economics has become a new faith — promising adherents a path to security, comfort and material salvation. Why not tackle this as a study group, sharing your own experiences of the marketplace’s hold over your soul. (Photo: epSos.de, Creative Commons)
Our planet and its resources are under enormous strain, but what ordinary folks do about it? Plenty, says Creation Justice Ministries, which created this handy list of 52 steps that we can take in our everyday lives to help. Little changes can make a HUGE difference! (Photo: Interfaith Power & Light, Creative Commons)
How do God’s people integrate personal stewardship of their diverse God-given blessings, such as health, time, relationships, and finances? This month’s Toolbox includes a “cut-and-paste” newsletter article and links to help them explore. Plus RCL-based blurbs for the Sunday bulletin. Fresh and original from SOLI. (Photo: Per Erik Strandberg, Creative Commons)
Most congregational leaders would rather do anything besides asking congregants for money. So when they DO ask, their skittishness can lead to mistakes and missteps that can be counterproductive. Here, from SOLI content editor Rob Blezard, are tips for making an ask. (Photo: Iqoncept, via bigstockphoto.com)
Make a list of taboo topics in church, and after money (of course) mental illness is pretty close to the top, says Ed Stetzer, executive director of the Billy Graham Center. Thankfully, things are changing, but there’s a long way to go. Stetzer discusses how to encourage healthy conversation in your church. (Photo: Bottled Void, […]
Should a pastor know how much people give? Some call it a “third rail” of ministry — touch it get zapped! Others say the knowledge is essential to good ministry. This United Methodist Church article discusses up the pros and cons while also lifting up ways to encourage healthy talk about money in church.
We tend to think of gratitude as a personal feeling that we can cultivate. But it’s also communal and social, says theologian Diana Butler Bass. In this Q&A from Faith & Ladership she reflects on the spiritual and ethical dimensions of the topic, described in her new book Grateful.
To get an idea of where God’s people are financially, Alyssa Quart’s well-researched book can provide insight. In his review of “Squeezed: Why Our Families Can’t Afford America,” Adam Copeland of Luther Seminary says this is a must-read for church stewardship leaders to understand the stark realities facing many of God’s people. (Photo: Stuart Pilbrow, […]
Much faster than expected, oceans are warming and sea levels are rising. This spells big trouble not only for millions who live in coastal areas, but for the planet in general. This article from The Guardian gives a good overview, as well as links to other authoritative reports. (Photo: Rambojan Iphoneography, Creative Commons,)
“We just don’t talk about money in this congregation,” a church lay board member said, explaining why her congregation was continually running a deficit and perennially doing poorly in stewardship. “And one member told me his family will leave the church if we start asking for money.” Her congregation is hardly alone. A “wall of […]
