Rob Blezard – Page 145

The Scary Truth about Christian Giving

April 16, 2014 By Christianity Today Leave a Comment

The Bible gives a two-sided portrayal of wealth: It is good, but it can seduce us into sin. The solution, according to New Testament scholar Craig L. Blomberg, is to freely share it. In Christians in an Age of Wealth: A Biblical Theology of Stewardship (Zondervan), Blomberg, who teaches at Denver Seminary, argues that sacrificial giving is an essential part of good stewardship. He spoke with CT editor at large Rob Moll about our spending patterns and whether Christians are required to tithe. (Photo (c) Luke Peterson, used by Creative Commons license)

A Lens of Generosity

April 10, 2014 By Rob Blezard Leave a Comment

Four simple questions — incorporated into your everyday life — can give you “A Lens of Generosity” through which to recognize God at work all around you all the time. From the United Church of Canada, which includes a handy sheet to photocopy and help you spread the practice to everyone. (Photo © David2223, used […]

How To Ensure Easter Visitors Don’t Come Back

April 10, 2014 By Rob Blezard Leave a Comment

It’s hard for regular churchgoers when Easter arrives and the church is crowded with all those pesky “Creasters” — folks who come only on Christmas and Easter — as well as the curious visitors. Here, from ChurchLeaders.com, are 12 ways to make sure those heathens never come back. (Photo © Winston Health, used by Creative Commons […]

Living Wi$ely

April 3, 2014 By the Episcopal Church Leave a Comment

Living Wi$ely is a personal finance and budget counseling ministry that helps participants explore basic concepts of 1) creating and living within a budget; 2) saving, giving and getting out of debt; 3) biblical principles and spiritual issue of money. It is designed to be offered weekly for four weeks. The free online materials include the Financial Workshop Manual and a PowerPoint presentation for each of the four sessions. (Photo (c) Ariel Grimm, ShareAlike License)

Video: Why Giving Matters and Clues to Improve It

April 2, 2014 By Rob Blezard Leave a Comment

Here’s an eight-minute video that’s free for download from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership. It’s director, Lovett H. Weems, Jr., provides an overview of the importance of congregational giving and ways you can improve it. (Photo by Lisafx, via Bigstock.com)

To Be a Christian Steward

March 27, 2014 By Rob Blezard 1 Comment

What identifies a steward? Safeguarding material and human resources and using them responsibly are one answer; so is generous giving of time, talent, and treasure. But being a Christian steward means more, says this statement from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. (Photo © 2005 Martin Workman, via BigStockPhoto.com)

Americans Divided on the Importance of Church

March 26, 2014 By Rob Blezard Leave a Comment

Opinion research from the Barna Group shows that viewpoints on the importance of church tracked according to age. Not surprisingly, the older the respondent, the higher the value he or she placed on church. The younger the respondent, the less value.

Alban Institute to Close

March 26, 2014 By Rob Blezard Leave a Comment

After four decades of providing authoritative publications, consultants and workshops for congregations and pastors, the Alban Institute has announced it will close its doors, according to Religion News Service. Read the Alban Institute’s statement.

The Depth and Breadth of Stewardship Theology

March 25, 2014 By the Rev. Michael Maier Leave a Comment

Stewardship theology begins with a basic understanding of the “otherness” of God. We begin by acknowledging that God is, by definition, beyond our comprehension. God is not only beyond our comprehension, but in essence “totally other.” Our foundational awareness of the Holy One occurs when we recognize that we are submerged and overwhelmed in our own nothingness. The Holy One is felt as objective and outside ourselves. (Photo (c) Keren Tan, ShareAlike License.)

The ‘Regular Offering’ is Anything BUT Regular

March 19, 2014 By Rob Blezard Leave a Comment

Many churches calculate their needed monthly offering simply by dividing the yearly budget by 12, and yet everyone knows that the actual giving tends to differ by month and season. There are better ways to calculate what is an adequate gift for any given month, according the United Methodist Church.