Through the discipline of generosity we engage in the subversive kingdom ways of Jesus. The kingdom of God is more than just a simple reform of a flawed system. Jesus is calling us to move beyond mere improvements to existing structures. The kingdom of God is an entirely new way to live. It is altogether […]
Lent is a perfect time to embrace spiritual disciplines that will sharpen our awareness, clear our mind, strengthen our self-control and help bring us closer to God. This year, instead of the usual painless disciplines of giving up chocolate or swearing for Lent, consider a discipline that will challenge your will and make a big difference — financial giving.
Here’s a great way to lift up stewardship in your congregation during Lent. Check out 40acts 2017 “Romans 12 – A Living Sacrifice” and examine what it means to give your best: when it’s hard, when it hurts, with excellence. You’ll find Bible studies, small group resources, prayers, worship ideas, resources for youth, and more.
“Human generosity, far from being a thin veneer of cultural conditioning atop a Machiavellian core, may turn out to be a bedrock feature of human nature,” concluded UC-Santa Barbara psychologists in a recent study. Writing in Scientific American, author Maria Konnikova cites research supporting that it is more blessed to give than to receive. (Photo: Asenat29, Creative Commons)
The number of Americans 65 and older is expected to almost double from 40 million in 2010 to 74 million in 2030. Retirees facing an uncertain future on a fixed income may not be able to give as generously to the church year-by-year, but they will be putting their estate plans and wills in order. Here are some ways your congregation can get ready! (Photo: Garry Knight, Creative Commons)
You can give away almost anything — your time, money, food, ideas. In this hour, stories from TED speakers who are “giving it away” in new and surprising ways, and the things that happen in return. Their insights into a new world of giving offer important lessons for church leaders. Check out especially Dan Pallotta’s segment. (Photo: Stephen Dann, Creative Commons)
If your church is like most, the top third of your givers will contribute about 70 percent of the income, and the bottom third will have no record of giving at all. Zero. Why don’t they give? The stewardship director from the Anglican Diocese of Toronto lists the top 10 excuses he’s heard. (Photo: Bark, Creative Commons […]
When it comes to giving to the poor, why are Christians so miserable at it? The short answer is human nature, but the long answer has to do with one’s experiences with money. Generally , the more money people have, the less generous they are. Those who have experienced poverty are more likely to help. Here is an exploration, as well as some tips for developing your own generosity. (Photo: Steven Depolo, Creative Commons)
Scientists and church folk alike know that living a life of gratitude reaps benefits spiritually, mentally and physically. “Thankfulness releases us from anger and from materialism,” says Doris Whitaker, University of Mississippi Medical Center chaplain. “It helps us acknowledge that there’s something greater than us.” Here, with links to lots of other resources, are some ways to cultivate generosity.
Even if you’ve heard some of these tips before, this list of 16 great ideas from Diocese of Ottawa, Anglican Church of Canada, is worth printing out and giving to every member of your finance and stewardship team! Which can you implement immediately? (Photo: Jared Jarvis, Creative Commons)
