What does it take to move your congregation into God’s amazing abundance and generosity? In this two-part essay, ELCA Pastor and stewardship leader Larry Strenge suggests three mindsets that we can cultivate to help our congregations go. Great ideas from Luther Seminary’s Center for Stewardship Leaders. (Oregon DOT, Creative Commons)
Stereotypes abound about Millennials, especially when it comes to giving: They’re lazy, self-absorbed, ungenerous! But the truth is much different, says Anders Peterson, a pastor in California. He sets the record straight in this article from the Center for Steward Leadership at Luther Seminary. (Photo © mangostock – Fotolia.com)
If you’re hesitant to talk about money in the pulpit, you’re definitely not alone. It’s a big taboo in a lot of congregations, and many preachers avoid it like the plague. In this insightful article David Lose, the noted author, speaker and scholar, describes the lessons that transformed him into a fan of talking about financial […]
Because the church has always funded its ministry through small gifts from a large number of people, crowdfunding is not too much of a stretch for congregations. Crowdfunding has gained a respectable status among the many ways to fund new ventures, whether business-related or charitable. Crowdfunding presents a clear opportunity for church-related giving to expand its focus, audience, vision, and reach. (Read more in this free download!) (Photo: James Cridland, Creative Commons)
This article, written by Pastor Todd Nelson, is one of many valuable weekly newsletter offerings from the Center for Stewardship Leaders at Luther Seminary. Be sure to visit their website for this and other resources, as well as recordings from past Renewing Stewardship events.
The connection between stewardship and church mission and faith discipleship is pretty clear, but many of God’s people have simply never been taught. This three-lesson package, subtitled “Lessons in Generosity,” was prepared by faculty of Luther Seminary and will help adult learners understand key stewardship concepts. Includes PowerPoint presentations. (Photo by Monado, used by Creative Commons license)
Register now for Luther Seminary’s Rethinking Stewardship 2014 Conference, July 28-30, on the campus of Luther Seminary. The focus for this year’s event is year-round stewardship, and you’ll leave with plenty of practical ideas to put to use in your congregation. Check the link for more information and to register.
Here is a really wonderful 49-page Lenten devotional that will enable you to explore important themes of stewardship through daily Scripture readings, prayer and reflection. It’s free! Written by Rev. Russell McDowell for 2012, the ideas are still fresh (although you’ll have to adjust the dates). (Photo © robhainer – Fotolia.com)
Traditional churches often struggle to reach Millennials and Generation X Christians, who have their own cultural experiences and suppositions. What this means for the church’s stewardship was the topic of a three-day conference by Luther Seminary’s Center for Stewardship Leaders, featuring two keynote addresses by Nathan Dungen. The Powerpoint presentations and audio Mp3 recordings are available for all to explore. (Photo © Vibe Images – Fotolia.com)
