How do we teach children – anyone really – to be good stewards of God’s gifts? I’m often asked about curriculum, lessons, exercises. To be honest, I don’t think that’s how it works. We don’t learn to be good stewards just from a program or curriculum, a one-day service event, a one-time mission trip, or a […]
For folks who an in-depth understanding of stewardship and how it relates to theology and church life, here’s a wonderful free series of six lessons that provide everything you need! Each lesson begins with a 15-minute video talk from Dr. Joel Biermann of Concordia Seminary and has a study guide to let you take it […]
A ‘temple talk” is one of the best ways to teach people about stewardship. Powerful temple talks occur when member of the congregation speaks during a worship service conveying a spiritual message on how God has been present in their lives and how that has led to generosity. Here are some ideas for great temple talks. From the Center for Steward Leadership at Luther Seminary. (Photo: Daniel Dionne, Creative Commons)
This brilliant and insightful workshop by former ELCA Presiding Bishop H. George Anderson helps bring church members into a fuller understanding of holistic stewardship. “Stewardship is like a magnet passing over the jumbled pins and needles of our life, organizing them into a meaningful pattern. Stewardship is the Christian lifestyle.” (Photo: Mimi_K, Creative Commons)
The Lord takes the gifts we give and uses them to further God’s work. When we see giving as commissioning resources to serve God’s purpose, our attitude about giving should change from one of drudgery to one of enthusiasm. Stewardship is a kingdom investment, not an expense. So when the offering plate reaches us, let’s smile as […]
If you Google “teaching generosity,” most of your results will be about teaching children. But what about those tight-fisted adults who need a lesson or two in generosity? Here are some ideas for how to reach the grown-ups with the notion that generosity is good. From Character-In-Action. (Photo: Alan Light, Creative Commons)
Teaching stewardship to children and youth can be challenging, and a good story always helps. The Archdiocese of St. Louis offers these suggestions for using Jesus’ masterful parables to teach stewardship in the classroom. The ideas can be easily adapted for faith formation in the home or parish, too. (Photo: Richard Wagoner, Creative Commons)
Here is a series of four Bible-based lessons on stewardship that help you explore such important stewardship topics as wealth, giving, time, family and entertainment. Use them individually or as a series. Materials include teacher’s guide and student sheets. From the Alabama Baptist Convention. (Photo: Todd Petrie, Creative Commons)
You don’t have to wait for Thanksgiving to encourage “thanks-living.” Here’s a list of 10 short videos about random acts of kindness and gratitude. Use these films as discussion starters with your youth groups, faith formation classes, or other venues in your faith community. (Photo: marco antonio torres, Creative Commons)
Here’s a PDF guide from stewardship.org.uk to help you talk with teens about money and possessions. You’ll find scripture references, games, and thought-provoking questions to help your youth explore stewardship of God’s abundance. (Photo: Wayne Miller, Creative Commons)
