Bivocational ministry is increasingly the norm, and while it is a challenge, it also presents an opportunity to understand God’s work in us in new and exciting ways,” writes Jessica Young Brown, assistant professor of counseling and practical theology at Virginia Union University. “As we adjust to this new way of doing ministry, it’s helpful […]
Orient your congregational leaders on the basics of a stewardship ministry with this succinct and insightful essay by Dan Charney, stewardship missioner for the Episcopal Diocese of Bethlehem, Pa. It covers lots of good ground and can help get your stewardship efforts in high gear. (Photo © Robert Kneschke – Fotolia.com)
Like the cardiac patient who winds up with a heart attack after ignoring both his deteriorating health and his doctor’s urgent advice, many congregations wait until there’s a crisis to start thinking seriously about stewardship and finance. You don’t want to be that congregation, writes Rob Blezard, SOLI web editor. (Photo: Aaron | Dan , […]
Asking disruptive question can help leadership teams navigate both challenges and opportunities toward growth and new vision, says leadership expert and coach Mac Lake. “There’s nothing like a great disruptive question to lead to great strides in development in those you’re equipping,” says Lake. Watch this short video to learn more. (Photo: marcoantoniotorres, Creative Commons)
When it comes to asking God’s people to give to your congregation, avoid any mention of the general budget. Why? Because people simply aren’t inspired by appeals simply to end the year in the black. In this brief video from Horizons Stewardship, Joe Park explains that its more effective to focus on mission plans. (Photo: […]
Honest conversation about money is a huge taboo in many congregations, a taboo harms both the financial life and the faith life of the congregation. As the spiritual leader, the pastor must shatter the “conspiracy of silence” by talking about money and leading in stewardship. Challenging essay by stewardship author and pastor Charles Lane. (Photo: […]
Is your current building way too old, way too big and way too expensive for your current ministry? Read about an enormous congregation that did the unthinkable — reduce its footprint, getting rid of memory-rich square footage for the sake of future ministry. From Faith and Leadership. (Photo: Luke Peterson, Creative Commons)
Here’s a great late-summer read. “Stewardship 101” is a free collection of 17 essays from Luther Seminary’s Center for Stewardship Leaders. It’s for stewardship/generosity committees, for clergy seeking new energy for financial leadership, and for Christians wondering what, if anything, God has to do with day-to-day finances. (Photo: Onay Davus, Creative Commons)
Stewardship. We know it’s biblical. We know we have people gifted in time, talents, and treasure. But we face problems seeing it surface in our churches. Why? How do we encourage our church members to put their time, talents, and treasures back on the table? (Photo: Olivander, Creative Commons)
The money game in churches has changed dramatically in just a generation, so wise leaders need to know the new “rules” to ensure the funding churches need to provide vital ministries to God’s people. From Churchleaders.com, here are seven principles.
