“In Biblical times food and clothing were produced nearby. There were no industrial sweat shops, black markets, or genetically-modified food,” writes Christina Cook, in Comment Magazine. “Today we live in a different world and God intentionally set us in this time. We must choose to live wisely. Gratitude and humility are right responses to God’s […]
Stewardship is part of every aspect of our lives, and responding faithfully to often polarizing issue in politics and culture can be a challenge. Public Faith in Action, a timely new release by Miroslav Volf and Ryan McAnnally-Linz, is designed to help people of faith both talk about tough issues and take action. (Photo: Michael […]
The starting point for stewardship is our relationship to God, says Methodist writer Larry Hollon. A vibrant, flourishing life occurs when we are in a right relationship with God and with others. These relationships inform us of our own value and the value of the gift of life, and its meaning and purpose.
Because children learn from observing parents’ stewardship practices, the Faith & Money Network offers this “parents’ supplement” to their money autobiography. Consider using is during Lent. (Photo: foilman, Creative Commons)
Here’s an interview with the director of the documentary film GIFT, about the gift economy. On the rise in secular culture, the notion of “gift” has long been a principle of faith communities. How might we encourage and heighten awareness of how our congregations can participate in the gift culture? After all, we are all […]
In this study of the necessity of leisure, cultural curator Maria Popova calls us all to rethink our ideas about work and play and rest. While the article does not address Sabbath, the connections are clear. Stewardship of our selves and our time are essential to a well-balanced life and vigorous spirituality. (Photo: Andres N […]
Is it possible to cultivate a mindset within our congregations and institutions that would reframe the stresses of the budgeting and fundraising season? Could a “sharing” mindset open up more creativity and decrease the feeling of fighting for scarce resources? The mindset I have in mind is “generosity,” writes David Odom, executive director, Leadership Education at Duke Divinity School.
Your church budget is a moral document, reflecting the priorities of your faith community. Likewise, as Christians we are called to be good stewards of all resources, whether they be individual or communal. This paper was produced by the National Council of Churches Eco-Justice program (now Creation Justice Ministries) and examines two areas of our federal budget where Christians may wish to gain greater understanding in order to more effectively advocate for faithful use of these resources.
Thousands of young adults have dropped out of church because of what author Reba Reiley calls “Post-Traumatic Church Syndrome.” PTCS comes because Millennials experience the church as clashing with their worldview and values, she tells Religion News Service in an interview. (Photo by Ken Teegardin, used by Creative Commons license)
Did you check your work email while on vacation? Chances are you did. This article examines our addiction to technology and the need for a break. Read Lloyd Alter’s article and then consider how you might enjoy a digital Sabbath. (Photo: Mike Prosser, Creative Commons)
