“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 […]
Nobody said it would be easy to talk about money in the congregation, but it need not be impossible. Here, from tithe.ly.com, is a concise rundown of some of the most common mistakes when it comes to talking about money — and how to overcome them! (Photo: Tal Atlas, Creative Commons)
‘Detox’ is all the rage in the world of physical health, and it’s a great idea to remove toxic substances from your body. But what can you do about those toxic ideas and thoughts that have been poisoning your soul for years and years? Craig Groeschel, author of Soul Detox (Zondervan, 2012) shares some great […]
Don’t just learn about the problems facing the environment today, learn how to be a person of faith who is part of the solution! This 30-day devotional explores issues, connects them to Scripture and suggests ways to get busy immediately and for the long term. From Web of Creation at the Lutheran School of Theology […]
Educators in Georgia, working with the Atlanta Food Bank, put together this wonderful 76-page curriculum to teach about hunger in America. Insightful, creative exercises help explain the causes and possible solutions to poverty and hunger. Adapt it for your adult and children’s Christian education. (Photo: FMSC Distribution Partner – Phillippines, Creative Commons)
Money talk may be the biggest taboo in the church today—even more than sexuality. It seems that the principalities and powers of our age have stuffed a gag into the mouths of our preachers, prophets and sages. Lack of transparency and conversation may mask a deeper spiritual issue. From the Mennonite Church USA. (Photo: Brandon […]
Here is a resource for your church’s monthly stewardship communications: “cut-and-paste” RCL-based “Stewardship Snippets” for Sunday bulletins, an article for your newsletter website. Plus helpful links. This month’s theme is stewardship of loving relationships. By SOLI web editor Rob Blezard. (Photo: Per Erik Strandberg, Creative Commons)
As the environmental crisis deepens, many Christian leaders would like to say more about the environment in their preaching, but they don’t know how. In this post, Pastor Leah Schade of Lexington Theological Seminary has some creative ideas for kickstarting your preaching! (Photo: Stephen O, Creative Commons)
Many congregations start serving their communities by looking at how much they lack, which is fine, but never unlocks the potential that exists. Asset-Based Community Development looks at what strengths or skills the community has to offer. An Indianapolis pastor tells how the ABCD approach turned around his church. (Photo: Wonder Woman0731, Creative Commons)
Losing weight and exercising more are wonderful New Year’s resolutions, but this year teach your congregation about making resolutions that deal with the connections between money, faith, spirituality and stewardship. This article form Luther Seminary’s Center for Stewardship Leaders can get you started.
