The Bible says a lot about generosity and giving. In this video and study guide for 1 Corinthians 16 we see how Paul instructed his congregants to give generously and proportionally, insights that are applicable to us today. The study brings other relevant scripture to bear on the subject. From PersueGOD.org. (Photo by Alvanman, used […]
For a lot of churches, “stewardship” is just asking for money, or as this article from Catholic Stand puts it, begging for money. The author suggests instead focusing on helping people to understand biblical principles about giving and generosity. What can you you learn from this? (Photo: Todd Petrie, Creative Commons)
Young people struggle to understand the concept of Sabbath, in part because adults model busyness, says Pastor Nathan Stuckey, author of Wrestling With Rest: Inviting Youth to Discover the Gift of Sabbath. Stucky addresses the importance of modeling and teaching Sabbath to youth. From Faith and Leadership. (Photo: Yasan Hassan, Creative Commons)
Looking for fresh leadership from the pews in your congregation? Leaders need to be cultivated, equipped, and coached for success. Check out this comprehensive lay leader training guide from the Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church. Other denominations and traditions could easily adapt these materials. (Photo: Jirka Matousek, Creative Commons)
In the middle of the bustle of the Advent season, it can be easy to forget the reason that we celebrate in the first place. This series of five Advent reflections from Stewardship Services is designed to help Christians recapture the wonder of Advent and discovers the generosity in unconventional places.
Are you helping congregants fully maximize their desire to support your church’s ministries? Consider using the information in this Charity Navigator article to facilitate a conversation about the tax benefits of giving. If you don’t educate and don’t ask, congregants are not likely to invest as fully as possible in your faith community. (Photo: Creative […]
Here’s a comprehensive climate change teaching guide to help you can use in faith-based settings. These resources reflect teachings of the Finnish Lutheran Church but are easily adaptable to your particular context. “Climate change is not just a problem related to natural sciences, but it is above all a moral and ethical issue strongly linked to justice and […]
Despite earning a decent salary, many of God’s people are cash poor because they don’t know how to handle money. Churches can help by offering education, and the federal Consumer Finance Bureau can help. Its free booklet can equip your financial educator with the curriculum to teach your congregations. (Photo: Filip Pticek, Creative Commons)
How are you equipping youth in your congregation to talk about, manage, and steward financial resources? Instead of avoiding the topic, try this youth group lesson that uses Matthew 6:19-21, 24 along with games, teaching time, and discussion. You might also want to adapt this lesson for an intergenerational learning opportunity. (Photo: Creative Commons, Thanks!)
What is your relationship with money? How does your faith community collectively view their relationship with money? Having a faith-based understanding of money is essential for cultivating generous congregations and for growing faithful stewards. Demi Prentiss of the Episcopal Church Foundation writes about ways for your congregation to begin a fruitful conversation. (Photo: Ron Mader, Creative […]
