Creating a sound budget is the result of two ongoing disciplines: clear visioning, discernment and articulation of your congregation’s mission and ministry; and routine, year-round internal monitoring of financial results and regular reporting within the vestry and to your congregation on its financial status. This article, from the Episcopal Church Foundation, tells you how to […]
We need healthy pastors to have a healthy church, but statistics show that clergy need help in this area. Designed for use by pastors and lay leadership, this three-part series seeks to illustrate some of the unique issues clergy face in maintaining and improving their physical, emotional, social, financial, and spiritual wellbeing. Through video and discussion guides, it encourages congregations and pastors to share a ministry of health that benefits everyone. (Photo by Dr. Abdulla Nasar, used by Creative Commons license)
So many choices, so much confusion! That’s sometimes the reaction when churches look into accounting software, but this article from the Episcopal Church Foundation looks at three of the most popular options. (Photo by Kodomut, used by Creative Commons license)
Climate change is a confusing topic, not to mention a terrifying one. It often feels more about problems than solutions, which makes it easy to push to the sidelines as “something scientists can deal with.” This free, six-lesson course prepared by the UU United Nations Office aims to give participants a solid understanding of the facts behind climate change, an appreciation of the earth, and tools to find solutions on a range of scales. (Photo by Takver, used by Creative Commons license)
Christians were well represented among the 310,000 people who traveled to New York City on Sunday, Sept. 21, for the largest-ever protest to spur world leaders to address climate change. The march was in advance of a UN Summit. Good reporting, plus a video, from the Christian Science Monitor. (Photo by Takver, used by Creative […]
In his 2013 book “Charity: The Place of the Poor in the Biblical Tradition,” University of Notre Dame theologian Gary A. Anderson challenges Protestants to take seriously the biblical commands–and promises–about giving to those in need, according to this review from ChristianityToday.com. (Photo by Ed Yourdon, used by Creative Commons license)
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)
Our church is facing unprecedented challenges, but many of us were never trained or prepared to serve God’s people in the 21st century’s emerging environment. Transformative leadership seeks to help by teaching us how to change ourselves first. This article from Duke Divinity School provides an overview. (Photo (c) 2005 OJ the Photographer, via Bigstock.com)
“I want to give too!” begins this wonderful pledge card for children designed by the Evangelical Covenant Church. What a wonderful way to help teach a habit of generosity to kids. (Photo by Richard Wagoner, used by Creative Commons license)
Don’t waste those precious moments just before the ushers start to pass the collection plates — use them for “a call to offering” or “stewardship meditation.” You can help set the tone for generosity and cheerful giving. From the Center for Faith & Giving. (Photo by Lisafx, via Bigstock.com)
