The COVID-19 pandemic will surely have a long-term impact on the financial life of congregations, regardless of their denomination, size or makeup. How can churches survive and even thrive in a post-pandemic landscape? Faith & Leadership asked 12 leaders to weigh in. (Photo: Joshua Smith, Creative Commons)
The coronavirus is challenging us to do ministry better, smarter, more creatively. This is especially true in stewardship because other interests and priorities may seem more pressing. From the United Methodist Church. (Photo: AJC1, Creative Commons)
The American Psychological Association offers these seven basic, yet vitally important, tips for leadership that maximizes trust and minimizes stress in challenging times. Notice that the first one begins with taking care of you–the leader. Remember that good stewardship begins with you. (Photo: AFGE, Creative Commons)
The Paycheck Protection Program grants loans to small businesses (including churches) to help keep workers employed during the COVID-19 emergency. The loans are potentially 100 percent forgivable. Excellent resources from the United Methodist Church. (Photo: Rain Love AMR, Creative Commons)
Ministry is hard under any circumstances, but the current emergency is ramping up stress, big time. These 10 guidelines for pastoral care, published in Christian Century this month, offer sound advice to vocational church workers. Pay particular attention to #10. Please take care of you, too! (Photo: © Christy Thompson – Fotolia.com)
Church leaders know the emphasis in congregational stewardship has changed dramatically in the last 20 years, from “making the budget” to “making disciples.” This is a good thing, says stewardship author and speaker Charles Lane, who puts the change into perspective and helps us anticipate the future of stewardship. From Luther Seminary’s Center for Stewardship […]
People today have all sorts of financial pressures and priorities. So, why should they give to the church, rather than pay off student loans, buy a house or contribute to another charity? This is the question congregations should answer even before they ask for money, says Scott McKenzie of Horizons Stewardship. (Photo © shotsstudio – […]
In too many congregations the “Stewardship Committee” is the last place anyone wants to serve because it’s earned a nasty reputation as the team that badgers, begs and coerces money from tight wallets. If this is the case in your congregation, why not “reboot” and “rename” the committee? (Photo: a.mina, Creative Commons)
Here is an all-in-one resource to help your congregation embrace stewardship as a key practice for disciples. An 82-page guide from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops provides a comprehensive look at the theology and faith practices involved in stewarding your life as a disciple of Jesus and aligning ourselves with God’s purposes. (Photo […]
Two strategies — seeking solitude with God and companionship in stewarding one’s vision — will help good intentions become realities in the new year, writes a spiritual director. Author and spiritual director Samuel Rahberg sees companionship–with God and colleagues/friends/mentors–as the way forward. (Photo: Alan Levine, Creative Commons)
