Mistakenly thinking that information will motivate donors, many congregations make their stewardship pitches with data, graphs and spreadsheets. There’s a better way — storytelling that reaches not only people’s minds but also their hearts. By Scott McKenzie of Horizons Stewardship. (Photo: Brisbane City Council, Creative Commons)
Two reasons: First, to sustain your future ministry and mission; and second, to help a growing number of members who feel called by God to leave a legacy gift. But members are unlikely to leave gifts unless they are encouraged and asked to do so. From MinistryMatters.com. (Photo: Ken Mayer, Creative Commons)
Instead of giving up chocolate for Lent again this year, how about giving up plastic waste? Or processed foods? Or some of your driving trips? Here are a dozen tips for Lenten disciplines that are eco-friendly and can help you have a lighter environmental footprint. From treehugger.com. (Photo: Bill Smith, Creative Commons)
Just in time for Lent, here is a wonderful four-week Bible study on stewardship by Methodist author and bishop Robert Schnase. Each day there’s a new Bible verse to pray over. This link gets to to the first week; links to later weeks in the left menu. Posted by Franklin United Methodist Church, Churchton, Md.
Drug overdose is now the top killer of people under 50, as the opioid crisis continues unabated. To empower churches to respond, the US Department of Health and Human Services has put together a web-based “Opioid Epidemic Practical Toolkit,” with lots of good ideas and helpful links. (Photo: Cat Branchman, Creative Commons)
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, […]
