2006

Oct. 16 - Give with Pure Joy! In this sermon, The Rev. Ronald Burcham, pastor of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, LCMS, Urbandale, IA, talks about attitudes of giving.  "The number one danger is that what you are giving to is to a church or an organization, not giving it to God. There is a difference." Click here for "Give with Pure Joy."

Oct. 9 - A Theology of Stewardship. Growing in stewardship involves four distinct phases, according to this study guide that provides a biblically based program for a classroom or workshop series. Can be done on its own or incorporated or adapted for your own stewardship drive. Click here for "A Theology of Stewardship." From Joy Lutheran Church (ELCA), Gurnee, Ill.

Oct. 2 - Eight ways congregations raise pledges.If you're looking for a way to increase giving at your church (and what leader is not?), here's an article for you! This piece looks at the strengths of eight pledge-raising approaches in order to help churches find the one that best fits their own situation. Good reading for the stewardship novice and seasoned hand alike. Click here for "Eight ways." From the Alban Institute's Congregational Resource Center.

Sept. 25 - Pastor: Fund Raiser for Mission. "The time has come in our church when we, as clergy and leaders, can no longer divorce ourselves from raising money for mission. To a present culture of materialism, selfishness, and consumerism, we are called to model in our own lives and teach others Christian financial stewardship." Click here for "Pastor: Fund Raiser for Mission," by Jerry L. Schmalenberger, former president and professor of parish life at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary. From the Lutheran Laity Movement archives.

Sept. 11 - Life on the Edge: A Small Congregation Redefines Its Mission. "If North America is now a mission field, this fact has tremendous implications for small congregations. Being on the margins can provide fresh opportunities for offering bold witness. It is often a better position for discovering mission than is the center. In scripture, faithfulness seldom comes from, or results in, large numbers or success. God often elects the small for extraordinary missionary service." Click here for "Life on the Edge." By the Rev. Richard S. Bliese in The Christian Century. 

Sept. 4 - Eight ways congregations raise pledges. If you're looking for a way to increase giving at your church (and what leader is not?), here's an article for you! This piece looks at the strengths of eight pledge-raising approaches in order to help churches find the one that best fits their own situation. Good reading for the stewardship novice and seasoned hand alike. Click herefor "Eight ways." From the Alban Institute's Congregational Resource Center.

Aug. 28 - Proclaiming stewardship. Here's a gem for pastors who want to emphasize stewardship from the pulpit and classroom. Susan K. Hedahl, professor of homiletics, Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, offers tips for sermons and temple talks. "Ask what the stewardship profile of your congregation is -- Before public proclamation, it is necessary to ask: Where have we been? As a congregation, what gifts do we already employ for ourselves and others? Where do we hope to be in the months, the years ahead? Which resources do we need to consider, expand, develop?" From the Lutheran Laity Movement Archives

Aug. 21 - Miracle Sunday stewardship. Here's a program outline for launching a financial campaign for a major project. Through the example and experience of a local church that wanted to pay off its mortgage to save interest and free up money for mission, you'll get ideas on how your own church can manage a successful stewardship campaign. From the Association of Lutheran Resource Centers.

Aug. 14 - Giving extravagantly. "We are people of great abundance, and we can afford to give extravagantly. Thousands of children still die each day from hunger in this world. How can we continue to deny an abundance that makes dieting a higher priority for us than searching for food? ... But the most important reason of all to give extravagantly is because we must give that way if we want to participate in the extravagant love of God, the giver of Jesus Christ." Click here for "Giving Extravagantly. Prophetic words in an essay by Margaret G. Payne, Bishop of the New England Synod.

Aug. 7 - 20-Day Stewardship Devotional. Good for your stewardship committee, congregation council or general membership, here is a resource that will get your folks thinking and brainstorming about stewardship. Each Bible-based daily devotion challenges and inspires. Click here for "20-Day Stewardship Devotional," from Redeemer Presbyterian Church, New York City. PDF file requires Acrobat Reader.

July 31 - Douglas John Hall: Stewardship as a Human Vocation. With the world facing crises on many fronts, now more than ever it is time for people of faith to embrace their God-ordained vocations as stewards. From Douglas John Hall, one of North America's most prophetic theologian, an essay given as a lecture last year at Gettysburg Lutheran Seminary. Click here for "Stewardship as a Human Vocation. (PDF file requires Adobe Reader.)

July 24 - 5 ways to beat the clock. Stewardship of your personal time - and how timely! In the gospel for this past week the apostles were so busy they didn't even have time to eat. Here are some ideas for modern-day apostles like us. This article lists five tips for young adults, but they really apply to all of us. From Campus Life magazine.

July 17 - Loaves and fishes. This piece explores a biblical approach to "asset-based stewardship" for congregations. "Sometimes people phone or e-mail my office to inquire about stewardship resources. I often tell them that the Bible is our best stewardship book because it tells stories about Jesus, our finest stewardship teacher," writes Barb Fullerton, stewardship staff member with the United Church of Canada. Great reading! Click here for Loaves and fishes.

July 10 - Christian History Corner: Serving God with Mammon. John Wesley's wisdom for hard economic times: earn all you can, save all you can, and give all you can. Insights from Wesley, the 18th century founder of the Methodist Church, reported in this illuminating article. Click here for "Serving God with Mammon," from ChristainityToday.com.

July 3 - Giving hilariously: No-nonsense stewardship. “For God loves a cheerful giver,” St. Paul writes in Cor. 9:6-7. When greed is in charge, we cling to money and possessions as if they were permanently ours. When we rise above greed, we give to God's work 'hilariously.' The Greek word we translate 'cheerful' is 'hilarious.' Paul challenges us to give 'hilariously.' That means giving spontaneously and giving joyfully. The Macedonians rose above greed by giving hilariously. So can we!” Click here for "Giving hilariously," from the Lutheran Laity Movement Archives.

June 19 - Who do you believe owns it all? "My hunch is most Christians would agree with this statement: God owns it all. But will your estate plan reveal you believed it? Most of us approach estate planning with fear and trepidation, or we treat it as a necessary chore. But estate planning is nothing more than intentionally giving away whatever assets we have come to possess." Click here for "Who do you believe owns it all?" Good reading from www.MoneyandFaith.net.

June 4 - Where your treasure is, your heart will be also. "In our lives we want to desperately hold on to what we have -- people, relationships, material possessions, power, prestige, and even money. And we don't want anyone else to tell us what to do with any of them. We tend to think they are ours to have and to hold from this time forth and forever more. But these are only temporary." Click here for "Where your treasure is." Inspirational reading from the Rev. Kristi Beebe in The Lutheran Laity Movement Archives.

May 29 - Planned giving awareness in the local church.  "It would appear that God and the IRS agree on one thing -- we can't take it with us," says this compelling article that explains why churches are frequently overlooked in their members' wills -- and how pastors and stewardship leaders can change things. Click here for "Planned giving awareness." Good reading from Planned Giving Today -- a newsletter for philanthropic professionals.

May 22 - For Youth! 10-10-80: Empowering Steward Leaders. It's a problem facing many a parent and congregation: How to teach youth to handle money responsibly. This program inspires young people to give 10 percent, save 10 percent and spend 80 percent. Good lessons for people of all ages. Includes free online materials and a DVD available for a nominal cost of $5. Click here to learn more about 10-10-80, produced by three Lutheran Synods in Wisconsin, the ELCA Department for Communication and Augsburg Fortress Publishers, with funding from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.

May 15 - Stewardship: A handbook. Here's a resource available for free PDF download - a sort of "stewardship 101" guide for congregational leaders. It covers a variety of topics, from Scripture references to programs to nurturing stewardship. It's prepared by the Episcopal Church of Scotland, and the principles apply just as well this side of the Atlantic. Click here for "Stewardship: A handbook," from The Episcopal Network for Stewardship.

May 8 - Bible Study: Stewardship as a lifestyle. This brilliant and insightful resource by former 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." Click here for "Stewardship as a lifestyle."

May 1 - Bible Study: Kingdom, Mission and Money. Here is an insightful two-week study is to help us better understand what the Kingdom of God is, and how all Christians are called to the mission of seeing God's Kingdom come 'on earth as it is in heaven'. Includes participant and leader guides available for free PDF download. Click here for "Kingdom, mission and money." From Redeemer Presbyterian Church, New York City. Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader: Click here for a free download.

April 24 - The church's call to environmental stewardship. The biblical call to stewardship will lead us to foster quality of life. The quality of life that is measured only by material goods and economic factors is incomplete. Total quality of life must include the health and stability of the natural world, relative justice and peace for people, and the free and true worship of God Almighty. It is on this basis, on this biblical vision, that Christians are motivated to respond to ecological crises." Click here for "The church's call to environmental stewardship," by Gilson A.C. Waldkoenig in the Lutheran Laity Movement Archives.

April 17 - Time and Money: When either one runs low, you've got a problem. "Most pastors are not formally trained in financial management. Yet in many churches, it is the pastor who assumes responsibility for properly managing church finances. Is the pastor aware of the monetary risks that can threaten a ministry?" Click here for "Time and Money," from Your Church magazine.

April 10 - Down-to-Earth Theology. One of the most prophetic voices in American Christian thought, Sojourners magazine devotes its entire March 2004 issue to the environment. Every article is rich, provocative, passionate and faithful. Free access requires registration. Highlights:
Consider the Turtles of the Field - Many evangelicals find themselves in an emerging theological habitat, where care of creation is central to mission.
Rockfish, Redfish, Stockfish, Foodfish - Seven biblical principles for the care of creation.
To Serve and Preserve - The Bible calls us to dominion over creation. Or does it? 
Sins of Emission  - No politician seriously believes that Americans are willing to deal with global warming. Is it too late to prove them wrong?  By Bill McKibben.

April 3 - Capital Fund Drives & Capital Debt Reduction Programs: What to Ask and What to Expect. Looking for some solid answers to your questions about a congregational capital campaign? Philip Reitz, deployed DCM stewardship specialist, provides some essential answers. Posted on  ELCA Region 1 website.   Click here for "Capital Fund Drives & Capital Debt Reduction Programs."

March 27 - Sermon: Why tithe? "For many people, tithing falls into the same category as bungee-jumping and sky-diving: something that may show courage but seems pretty extreme and is something they would never, ever want to try! Biblically speaking, a good case could be made that tithing really falls into quite a different category. It falls into the same category as moral purity, financial honesty, personal integrity" Click here for "Why Tithe."  By the Rev. William Martens, pastor of Richland Lutheran Church, Richland, Wash.

March 20 - Our Charge: To Do God's Work. "We must provide a way for each member of the body of Christ to exercise his or her gifts, including the gift of financial support to the church. We believe it is essential to ask for regular commitments which address the basic needs of the church. The early church took care of the basics by the people sharing everything they had, something that is probably not practical with today's lifestyle, but the concept provides the foundation for the commitments we make today." Click here for "Our Charge."  By Lt. Col. David Penman, USMC, in the Lutheran Laity Movement Archives.

March 13 - The positives of pledging.  Whether we call it a pledge, a commitment, an intent, or something else, it all comes down to the same thing: a statement that a proportionate share of our monetary resources is to be given for the proclamation of the Gospel. It says that our Christian giving is not only on a par with everything else in our household budget, but indeed is at the top of the list! We want to give the first fruits for the Lord’s work!" Click here for "The positives of pledging," from the Lutheran Laity Movement Archives.

March 6 - Top 5 Reasons Why People Give. This article sheds a lot of light on a subject that's often mysterious to many church leaders. "Of course, there is no greater cause than the cause of Christ. However, that is not enough to motivate people to give to your ministry, especially when others can claim that they exist for the same cause.  Churches that strategically assimilate people into the life of their fellowship, and then present to them a compelling vision for the ministry, are more likely to stimulate sacrificial giving of the kind that goes well beyond the normal 1 percent or 2 percent of a person's income." Click here for "Top 5 Reasons," from Church Executive magazine.

Feb. 20 - 40 Days of Generosity: Free online Lenten devotions. Here is a wonderful resource  for disciples and congregations alike -- daily Lenten devotions exploring generosity. Online resources also provide prayers, activities and more. Click here to go to the index for 40 Days of Generosity. It's a 2005 calendar, but can easily be adapted for this year. From the ELCA Division for Congregational Ministries

Feb. 13 - Faith-raising, not fund-raising. "Saddleback Community Church's 'next step' strategy of helping even the most disconnected individual take a step of faith in God’s direction, allows us to help guide anyone’s growth towards God’s intentions. Even in the difficult area of becoming a financially fit and faithful steward."  Insights from Saddleback Community Church, founded by Rick Warren. Click here for "Faith-raising, not fund-raising," from Building Church Leaders magazine.

Feb. 6 - The Spirituality of Stewardship. "Stewardship is undeniably fruitful. Where, over time, more and more parishioners become engaged in committing their time, talent and treasure to the work of the Gospel, the Church flourishes. Parishes report an upsurge in volunteer engagement, a greater fervor in the prayer life of the community, a more effective outreach to those in need, an increase in religious and priestly vocations, and so on." Click here for "The Spirituality of Stewardship," by Thomas Collins, Archbishop of the Edmonton, Ontario, Diocese of the Roman Catholic Church.

Jan. 30 - Digging Deeper: Money and Your Heart "Money can make it hard for an independently minded person to admit his need and dependently trust Christ for eternal salvation. Luke 18:18-30 [the story of the wealthy young man] does not teach that giving to the poor will merit one’s salvation. Other New Testament passages make it clear that salvation is not the result of good works. Luke simply illustrates how riches can hinder a relationship with God."  Click here for "Digging Deeper," by Mark L. Bailey of  Dallas Theological Seminary, in Moody Magazine.

Jan. 23 - Avoiding the connection between faith and money. quot;Especially from the pulpit, money may be the most taboo subject in America, and yet the pastor who refuses to talk about money misses a great opportunity to teach the congregation the real meaning of stewardship." A very inspiring, thoughtful essay from the Rev. William O. Avery. Click here for "Avoiding the connection," from the Lutheran Laity Movement Archives.

Jan. 16 - The Practice of Stewardship: A Spiritual Discipline in Response to God's Grace. "The practice of stewardship begins with hearing the Good News of Jesus Christ. It is the power of the Holy Spirit working through Word and Sacrament that changes our hearts and wills so that we become the generous children of God." This and other insights from Gary Hedding, Assistant to the Bishop, Northwest Synod of Wisconsin and made available through the Association of Lutheran Resource Centers. Click here for "The Practice of Stewardship."

Jan. 9 - Martin E. Marty: Generosity.  How are the values of generosity we cherish and promote for ourselves and our congregations reflected in our nation's policies?  "Since the days of Alexis de Tocqueville, Americans see theirs as a religious, moral, generous nation -- a nation whose people have been looking into the mirror and making this appraisal.  ... How are we doing?" Click here for "Generosity," from Sightings, published by the Martin Marty Center at the University of Chicago Divinity School. 

Jan. 2 - Resolutions Worth Keeping. How are you doing on those New Year's resolutions? So far so good? Here's an article that explores the surprising Pagan origins of this yearly custom, as well as how Christians through the ages have approached it. (Guess what the Puritans did!) "Many of us may have taken New Years Eve and New Years Day as God-given opportunities. We have taken at least a few minutes to reflect, pray, and dedicate ourselves anew to our Lord." Click here for "Resolutions Worth Keeping," from ChristianityToday.com. This week's Treasure Chest offering.

2005
Dec. 26 - Stephen R. Covey: Three resolutions. Want to make good New Year's resolutions and keep them? The author of 7 Habits of Highly Effective People suggests three "universal resolutions" that will help. Though aimed at a secular audience, Covey's article fits well into a faith framework. weighs "If people are ‘looking out for number one’ and ‘what's in it for me,’ they will have no sense of stewardship no sense of being an agent for worthy principles, purposes and causes. They become a law unto themselves, a principal." Good reading from FranklinCovey.com.

Dec. 12 - Sermon: Letter from the Devil  This creative sermon takes a humorous look at a serious topic: What the devil thinks of stewardship. "If there's one thing the Devil doesn't want, it's a congregation with a strong, expanding heart." By the Rev. Ken Wyneken, pastor of King of Kings Lutheran Church, LCMS, Renton, WA. Click here for "Letter from the Devil."

Dec. 5 - When the Holidays Hurt: 10 ways to cope with loss "For many people, the holidays are a traditional time of happiness and festivity. However, for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one, the holidays are a time of mixed emotions. There can be pleasure, but there is also much pain, because the season magnifies the sense of loss." Great advice for individuals or congregational leaders whose parishioners suffer the holiday blues. Click here for "When the Holidays Hurt." From Today's Christian magazine.

Nov. 28 - Pass the peace of Christ this Advent"Christ willingly offers Himself to us to offer us a peace that is beyond comprehension, but nonetheless real.  It is a peace that increases with sharing rather than dissipating. It is a little like the loaves and fishes.  Broken and blessed, the peace of Christ abounds when it is shared." Click here for "Pass the peace of Christ," an inspiring essay from the archives of Dana Reardon's weekly reflection.

Nov. 21 - Thanksgiving resources galore. Since gratitude is an essential component of stewardship, this week is important. To help make Thursday more than turkey and football, our friends at the United Methodist Church have compiled an amazing assortment of resources -- liturgies, creative ideas for celebrating Thanksgiving in home and church, essays, inspiration. Just about anything you could imagine. Click here for Thanksgiving resources, from the UMC's General Board of Discipleship.

Nov. 14 - Sermon! Consecrate: Set aside for God. "Contrary to popular opinion, pastors don’t enjoy preaching about money. They would rather preach about God’s love and grace and the spiritual resources that come from God that help us live from day to day. That is why I appreciate the approach of the Consecration Sunday program." By The Rev. Daniel Mangler, pastor of Shepherd of the Mountains Lutheran Church, Estes Park, Colo. Click here for "Consecrate."

Nov. 7 - Good Stewardship Begins with the Pastor. "Like any top executive in a successful corporation, the pastor must be willing to put forth time and effort far beyond what he or she expects of his or her people. The pastor sets the standard and the tone. If a pastor is not willing to make some sacrifices, he or she should find another less demanding profession. It’s that simple." By Robert Zimmer. Click here for "Good Stewardship." From the Lutheran Laity Movement Archives.

Oct. 31 - Digging Deeper: Money and Your Heart. Why is it harder for a rich person to go to heaven than for a camel to go through the eye of a needle? This piece from Moody Magazine offers some valuable insights. "Money can make it hard for an independently minded person to admit his need and dependently trust Christ for eternal salvation." Click here for "Digging Deeper," from the archives of Moody Magazine.

Oct. 24 - Christian Service Workshop. From the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, a creative and thoughtful service to get your members thinking and acting. With handouts and other resources. Click here for Christian Service Workshop. From the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada.

Oct. 17 - Stewardship: Sharing the abundance. Here's a wonderful congregational resource for novice stewardship leaders and veterans alike. It provides a solid bibliography, tips, lists of websites and resources for teaching stewardship. Broad in its approach and deep in its detail, Sharing the Abundance is useful and practical. Click here for Sharing the abundance. From the Resource Center of the Eastern North Dakota Synod.

Oct. 10 - Stewardship letters to the congregation. As a congregational leader, you know how much good is done with the dollars that flow into your collection plates. You know how philanthropy is a key to discipleship. But how do you communicate that to your flock? Pastor Wayne Miller of St. Mark Lutheran Church (ELCA), Aurora, Ill., did a marvelous job in five letters to parishioners last year. Click here for "Stewardship letters." Check them out for inspiration and ideas.

Oct. 3 - Sermon: The Kingdom's cost/benefit ratio. "What happens when we take the world's common tool for evaluating worth and apply it to things of faith? Well, it gets interesting, as you can read in this sermon. Click here for "The Kingdom's cost/benefit ratio" By the Rev. Daniel Mangler, pastor of Shepherd of the Mountains Lutheran Church, Estes Park, CO.

Sept. 26 - Stewardship is more than money - it's your life! "Holistic stewardship encompasses all that we are, all that we hope to become. We use four “c” words to summarize scores of biblical passages upon which we base our theology of holistic stewardship: conversion, commitment, communion, and concern," says this insightful article from the Alban Institute's magazine, Congregations. Click here for "Stewardship is more than money."

Sept. 19 - 12 Tools for Cultivating an Unselfish Church . "Often church leaders work countless hours planning how to limit spending, but they focus little attention on how to increase giving. We succeed where we focus our time and energy," says this insightful article from Leadership Journal. It goes on to provide practical ways your congregation can help increase giving. Click here for "The Hows and Whys of Money Leadership."

Sept. 12 - The Hows and Whys of Money Leadership. Wow! Here's a free, seven-part curriculum for leaders who want to plumb the depths of their congregation's financial soul. It covers attitudes about money, congregational finances, leadership, money and theology and other topics. A real gem for congregations that find themselves stuck and don't know how to get going. It was developed cooperatively by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Alban Institute and Lilly Endowment.  Click here for "The Hows and Whys of Money Leadership."

Sept. 5 - Stewardship, faith and life. Although we profess a wider understanding of stewardship, we have allowed it to be primarily focused on the giving of money. Even when we add time and talent to our discussion, the message we hear is related to money. We need to focus on the 'need of the giver to give' versus the 'need of the institution to receive.'"  Click here for "Stewardship , faith and life," by Duane Englehardt. Part of the Lutheran Laity Movement Archives.

Aug. 22 - A Shower of blessings stewardship thrust "What can we do to motivate members about their response to God's blessings?" That was the question stewards from Grace Lutheran Church, ELCA, Eau Claire, Wis., asked. The answer is this full stewardship program. Click here for "A shower of blessings," part of the archives of the Association of Lutheran Resource Centers.

Aug. 15 - Zacchaeus: Patron saint of stewards. "Zacchaeus did not promise to read scripture more faithfully nor to attend the synagogue more regularly. On this occasion he was not pledging his time or his talent to the programmatic mission of the faith community. Worthy as those are -- and necessary for the life of the people of God -- this visit was about something else. This commitment was to re-order his financial priorities and his stewardship of material things." Click here for "Zacchaeus." It is part of the Lutheran Laity Movement Archives.

Aug. 8 - Can stewardship be more inviting? "All stewardship talk which begins with money starts at the wrong place. The place to begin meaningful stewardship conversation is with the concept of freedom.  ... God’s love is freely given to us simply because we are God’s children, simply because God loves us apart from our worthiness or unworthiness. When we learn this truth and appropriate it at the center of our being, then we are truly free." Click here for "Can stewardship be more inviting?" The essay is by Prof. William O. Avery of Gettysburg Seminary.

Aug. 1 - Tru-envy? From America's obsession with a perfect lawn, Jon Pahl of Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia makes a religious connection: "We seem somehow uncertain of our salvation, so we seek enemies to conquer and control, and we seem driven constantly to display our power for others to see. Can there be a connection between the way we treat dandelions and the way we treat our neighbors? The way we treat the poor and sick and suffering of the world?" Click here for "Tru-envy."  Reprinted, with permission, from the April 15, 2004 issue of Sightings, produced by the Martin Marty Center at the University of Chicago Divinity School.

July 25 - Stewardship is more than money -- it's your life "Holistic stewardship encompasses all that we are, all that we hope to become. We use four “c” words to summarize scores of biblical passages upon which we base our theology of holistic stewardship: conversion, commitment, communion, and concern." Click here for "Stewardship is more than money." Insights from Congregations magazine, published by the Alban Institute.

July 18 - Stewardship: Sharing the Abundance.  Here's a wonderful congregational resource for novice stewardship leaders and veterans alike. Broad in its approach and deep in its detail, Sharing the Abundance is useful and practical. Click here for Sharing the Abundance. From the Resource Center of the Eastern North Dakota Synod.

July 11 - The Kingdom's cost-benefit ratio. "Jesus comes offering the Kingdom of God, but with the Kingdom there is a cost... everything you have and everything you are.  But don't misunderstand.  Jesus does not come selling the Kingdom of God for your lifetime of enjoyment.  Jesus comes giving the Kingdom freely.  He paid for it on the cross and now gives it as a gift.  The Kingdom itself is the cost." By the Rev. Daniel Mangler, pastor of Shepherd of the Mountains Lutheran Church, Estes Park, CO.

July 4 - Stewardship is more than money -- it's your life.  "Holistic stewardship encompasses all that we are, all that we hope to become. We use four “c” words to summarize scores of biblical passages upon which we base our theology of holistic stewardship: conversion, commitment, communion, and concern." Click here for the article. Insights from Congregations magazine, published by the Alban Institute.

June 27 - Digging Deeper: Money and Your Heart. Why is it harder for a rich person to go to heaven than for a camel to go through the eye of a needle? This piece from Moody Magazine offers some valuable insights. "Money can make it hard for an independently minded person to admit his need and dependently trust Christ for eternal salvation." Click here for Digging Deeper.

June 20 - Christian Giving in God's World. This insightful essay answers some of the fundamental questions. "Is giving money to God optional? Absolutely not! Christians are commanded by God to give of their possessions to the work of God," writes the Richard Bucher, pastor of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, LCMS, Lexington, Ky. Click here for Christian Giving in God's World.

 
June 13 - Jerry Schmalenberger: Stewardship of the family. For the run-up to Father's Day, a here's a timeless paper on family and marriage from a noted theologian.  "Faithfulness and lifelong fidelity must be stewarded very much like we preserve, conserve, and treasure other priceless possessions and natural resources." Click here for Stewardship of the family.

June 6 - What helps people let go? Say 'stewardship' in front of a church full of worshipers in October and they will hear, 'Money!' … But one prominent found that congregations can influence two major factors that affect giving: members' understanding of stewardship and their involvement in church programs. Hearing stewardship sermons and participating in congregational life led to higher giving."Click here for the article, from The Lutheran magazine.

May 30 - Is your church fiscally fit? Ten ways to assess your financial strength" in a very insightful, down-to-earth article from Building Church Leaders.com, a service of Christianity Today. "No one on deck applauds a sloppy, leaky, sinking fiscal ship. 'Tis a gift to be appropriately aware of money

May 23 - Widow's Walk ... Does Jesus idealize poverty? Stewards love Jesus' story of the "widow's mite" as the ideal illustration of sacrificial giving. Here's a fresh wrinkle: "Our culture counsels us to became like the honored scribes, but Jesus counsels us to become like the dishonored widow. We are to model our lives on one we would normally overlook, being too busy admiring the lifestyles of the rich and famous." Click here for Widow's Walk. By Mary Anderson, pastor of Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Incarnation, Columbia, S.C., printed in The Christian Century.

May 16 - Essay: Being Kept Michael C. Rehak of Deerfield Lutheran Church, Deerfield, Wis., explores our giving to God. "It is not about keeping the tithe. It is that tithing will keep you. As you increase your giving and approach giving 7 or 8 or 9 or 10 percent or more a change will occur in your life. A new realization will develop that all that we have ultimately belongs to God.

May 9 - How To Create a Mission Endowment Fund: A guide for Congregations. FREE BOOKLET! Such a fund can be a vehicle to support and enhance ministries.  This vision attracts planned and future gifts as people desire to Leave a Legacy for Ministry: Gifts that Nurture the Whole Church. Click here for the resource. From the ELCA Foundation, free PDF download. While on the page, check out the other helpful resources, such as how to encourage donations, bequests and life insurance donations.

May 2 - Stewardship training program.  Here's a wonderful PowerPoint presentation you can adapt to educate your congregation about the stewardship this year. Pastor Sue Eidahl and the folks at Zion Lutheran Church (ELCA), Stratford, Wis., created the presentation for a past campaign and are making it available through the Association of Lutheran Resource Centers. You can also access the material as a QuikTime movie.

April 25 - Down-to-Earth Theology.  One of the most prophetic voices in American Christian thought, Sojourners magazine devotes its entire March 2004 issue to the environment. Every article is rich, provocative, passionate and faithful. Free access requires registration. Highlights:
Consider the Turtles of the Field - Many evangelicals find themselves in an emerging theological habitat, where care of creation is central to mission.
Rockfish, Redfish, Stockfish, Foodfish - Seven biblical principles for the care of creation.
To Serve and Preserve - The Bible calls us to dominion over creation. Or does it? 
Sins of Emission  - No politician seriously believes that Americans are willing to deal with global warming. Is it too late to prove them wrong?  By Bill McKibben.

April 18 - Journey Between Worlds: Economic Globalization and Luther's God Indwelling CreationOur created environment and livelihood of billions face unprecedented peril from economic globalization.  As stewards of God's world, what are we to think? In her article in the Journal of Lutheran Ethics, Cynthia Moe-Lobeda finds insights from Luther's theology. "The presence of God taking bodily form in 'our' many forms suggests a web of connectedness pregnant with implications for both moral obligation and moral-spiritual power." Click here for Moe-Lobeda's article.

April 11 -  Jürgen Moltmann: Reconciliation with Nature. This fine essay by one of our era's pre-eminent Protestant theologians is just one in a classic edition of Word & World, published by Luther Seminary, St. Paul. The issue provides in-depth scholarly treatment to the environment issues, including:
The Responsibility of Royalty: Genesis 1-11 and the Care of the Earth - James Limburg
The Weeping Mask: Ecological Crisis and the View of Nature - Vitor Westhelle
Environmental Concern and Economic Justice - Peri Rasolondraibe
Ecology, Feminism and Theology - Mary Ann Hinsdale
The Church's Role in Environmental Action - Calvin DeWitt

April 4 - The church's call to environmental stewardship. "The biblical call to stewardship will lead us to foster quality of life. The quality of life that is measured only by material goods and economic factors is incomplete. Total quality of life must include the health and stability of the natural world, relative justice and peace for people, and the free and true worship of God Almighty. It is on this basis, on this biblical vision, that Christians are motivated to respond to ecological crises." By Gilson A.C. Waldkoenig in the Lutheran Laity Movement Archives.

March 28 - Tithing: A step in walking the way of ChristJesus did tell his disciples to pay their taxes to Caesar; rendering to him the coin that has his face on it, but giving to God what is God's.  I guess that raises the question: what part of your life belongs to God?  Have you given it all to God, or just part of it?  Is Jesus the ruler of your life, or someone you follow on Sunday from 10:30 to noon?" Click here for Tithing. By The Rev. Dr. Walk Jones, pastor of Northminster Presbyterian Church, Pensacola, Fla.

March 21 - Lighting the first candle. "We shall never know the true meaning of being faithful stewards until we are prepared to risk the transitory for the sake of the ethereal." Click here for the article, by Robert Buhr, in the Lutheran Laity Movement archives.

March 7 - Crisis or Opportunity?  Since the 1960s, mission support has declined across all denominations, including the ELCA. "If the resources continue to decline, we'll need to cut programs--programs that make a real difference in people's lives," says ELCA treasurer Christina Jackson-Skelton. "That will have to involve careful choices and conversation with synods about how needs are going to be met in light of those reductions." Click here for Crisis or Opportunity. From the March 2004 issue of The Lutheran magazine. (And check out the Study Guide written for this piece.)

Feb. 28 - Stewardship Practice: A Spiritual Discipline in Response to Grace. "The practice of stewardship begins with hearing the Good News of Jesus Christ. It is the power of the Holy Spirit working through Word and Sacrament that changes our hearts and wills so that we become the generous children of God." Click here for the article. This and other insights from Gary Hedding, Assistant to the Bishop, Northwest Synod of Wisconsin and made available through the Association of Lutheran Resource Centers.

Feb. 21 - Stewardship Bottleneck ."It is hard to believe that the root cause for poor stewardship is a simple little two letter word. It is a word that we learn early in life, long before we learn that we have and are responsible for all of the gifts God has entrusted into our care. Babies often use this word by the time they are barely one year old. From that point on, it guides most of us for our entire life. What is this evil and malicious word? It is the simple word 'my,' that is, belonging to me." Click here for this archive essay by Robert Drange.

Feb. 14 - A Steward's Take on the Apostle's Creed. In this classic paper by the noted late teacher and thinker, the Rev. Richard Peterman sees the Creed as a key to understanding stewardship as a faith discipline. "Stewardship is not a matter of 10 percent of my money, rather it's 100 percent of me." Click here for Peterman's essay. This week's Recycling Bin feature.

Feb. 7 - Christian Service Workshop. From the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, a creative and thoughtful service to get your members thinking and acting. With handouts and other resources. Click here for the Christian Service Workshop.

Jan. 31 -  Stewardship, Faith and Life.  "Although we profess a wider understanding of stewardship, we have allowed it to be primarily focused on the given of money. Even when we add time and talent to our discussion, the message we hear is related to money. We need to focus on the 'need of the giver to give' versus the 'need of the institution to receive.'  " Click here to read the essay by the Rev. Duane Englehardt. Part of the Lutheran Laity Movement Archives.

Jan. 24 -  Stewardship and vocation. This essay explores the connections between these two concepts. "I have managed to say in one breath two words that you usually only hear in church. What’s more, they are words you usually don’t want to hear at all! Stewardship and vocation have the bad reputation of simply being ‘spiritual’ ways of talking about your money and your job." Good reading from The Rev. Dr. Mark Vitalis Hoffman, professor at Gettysburg Lutheran Seminary.

Jan. 17 -  Why Tithe?Here is a sermon exploring attitudes on giving and pledging. "For many people, tithing falls into the same category as bungee-jumping and sky-diving," writes The Rev. William F. Martens, pastor at Richland Lutheran Church, Richland, WA.

Jan. 10 -  Stewardship as a lifestyle
Here is a Bible study/workshop that explains stewardship in practical, discipleship terms.  "Stewardship is like a magnet passing over the jumbled pins and needles of our life, organizing them into a meaningful pattern. Written by former ELCA Presiding Bishop H. George Anderson.

Jan. 3 - Resolutions Worth Keeping. How are you doing on those New Year's resolutions? So far so good? Here's an article that explores the surprising Pagan origins of this yearly custom, as well as how Christians through the ages have approached it. (Guess what the Puritans did!) "Many of us may have taken New Years Eve and New Years Day as God-given opportunities. We have taken at least a few minutes to reflect, pray, and dedicate ourselves anew to our Lord." From ChristianityToday.com.

2004

Dec. 27 - A new vision for your congregation. So, it’s been a while since you reviewed your congregation’s mission statement, or maybe you don’t have one. Or, you are beginning to look afresh at what you think God is calling your congregation to do at this critical time in your history. And you’d like to know how to proceed. This free guide is designed to help. Also available by PDF download.  By Mark Staples of Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia.

Nov. 15 - Idea Booklet for Special Giving. A very insightful congregation put together a sort of menu of gift ideas for families and other donors who wanted to give something to the church. It was a simple matter of matching a wish list of church needs -- everything from new lights in the parking lot to new pew cushions --  with estimated prices. Available in HTML or in RTF for easy editing for your own congregation's needs. From First Lutheran Church, ELCA, Eau Claire, Wis., and made available through the Association of Lutheran Resource Centers.

Nov. 8 - Faith Raising, Not Fund Raising."Saddleback Community Church's 'next step' strategy of helping even the most disconnected individual take a step of faith in God’s direction, allows us to help guide anyone’s growth towards God’s intentions. Even in the difficult area of becoming a financially fit and faithful steward."  Insights from Saddleback Community Church on Pastors.com.

Oct. 25 - Stewardship Training. Here's a wonderful PowerPoint presentation you can adapt to educate your congregation about the stewardship this year. Pastor Sue Eidahl and the folks at Zion Lutheran Church (ELCA), Stratford, Wis., created the presentation for a past campaign and are making it available through the Association of Lutheran Resource Centers. You can also access the material as a QuikTime movie.