Every congregation can do something to increase giving and cultivate stewards. Not doing anything is, in fact, doing something; it’s compromising the future of your faith community. Here are six easy ideas to get your congregation started with stewardship right now. (Photo: Alfredo Muller, Fotolia)
What does the Bible say about possessions and money? Obviously, a lot. This article (and the accompanying podcast) provide some key basic understandings that can ground your congregation in stewardship. Article by stewardship experts Chick Lane and Grace Duddy Pomroy, (Photo © Alfredo Miller – Fotolia.com)
The number of nonprofit organizations in North America has mushroomed, and that means there are a lot more people asking YOUR church members for donations. In this blog, Phyllis Freedman gives sound advice how you can be sure your congregation stays ahead of the game. (Photo: U.S. Army)
A line-item budget puts people to sleep, but a narrative budget energizes people for mission and encourages them to give. Check out this excellent narrative budget brochure from Hixon (Tennessee) United Methodist Church. What can your church do better? (Photo: Sarah Reid, Creative Commons)
Hey pastor, does the congregation know what you give? It ought to, and you should be leading by example, according to author and stewardship consultant J. Clif Christopher. “When a pastor and staff are not tithing and being generous in every possible way, it is seldom that I will see a congregation that does.” (Photo: […]
How about planning and leading a “vision-based budgeting retreat” this year? Here are some thoughts from David Putman and Todd McMichen of Auxano, as well as a link to a more in-depth resource. (Photo: taxcredits.net, creative commons, http://taxcredits.net/)
Kristine Miller and Scott McKenzie describe stewardship as “grounded in gratitude, revealed in prayer, lived in faith” (page 3). Generosity flows from the heart because stewardship is really a spiritual matter. Leaders who speak openly about their joy in giving inspire others to greater trust and deeper discipleship, says this review from United Methodist Communications. […]
It costs a fortune to air condition a church in the summer, but there are things your property team can do to help minimize the expense, says this article from WorshipFacilities Network. Which would work for your congregation? (Photo: Purplejavatroll, Creative Commons)
What does it mean to lead a Stewardship Ministry? I have come to understand ithe varied cultures in which we serve. What meets the needs of one church may not meet the needs of another congregation. What works in the culture of a large congregation may not fit into the culture of a smaller congregation. I find three steps to be an effective way for us to design a stewardship ministry.
It takes only about a minute every Sunday, and it helps the congregation understand why their offerings matter. It’s the Dedication of Gifts, and this blog post from Horizons Stewardship says it makes a big difference changing the attitudes and habits of members.
