In his singleminded vision and uncompromising pursuit of justice and reconciliation, Nelson Mandela is revered as one of our age’s greatest leaders. In this article, Duke University’s Faith & Leadership magazine offers a compilation of essays it has published about Mandela over the years. (Photo by Ted Eytan, used by Creative Commons license. Thanks!)
Now there’s nothing wrong with setting goals that will lead to positive changes in our lives, but I’ve noticed how self-centered my resolutions over the years tended to be. I resolve mostly to do things that will enrich MY life, firm up MY finances, improve MY health and promote MY happiness. Narcissistic resolutions are perfect for people of our me-first age, but methinks not so much for followers Jesus. (Photo by Erephas, used by Creative Commons license. Thanks!)
Ministers are notoriously overburdened, but handling our load may be hampered by ingrained work habits that do not serve us well. In this article Michael Hyatt, Chairman of Thomas Nelson Publishers, explains how he gets more done in less time by following simple rules for work. (Photo by BinaryApe, used by Creative Commons license. Thanks!)
Last year, 40 percent of Americans planned to make resolutions on Jan. 1. As you welcome 2014 and plan to achieve those big goals of yours, don’t panic. Scranton University psychology professor John Norcross offers suggestions for following through on your New Year’s resolutions. From USA Today. (Photo by Allan Chatto, used by Creative Commons […]
What’s your church all about? Most churches have the same basic goals, but which they emphasize and how they achieve them varies. Does your church have a statement that expresses its purpose in words that are succinct and inspirational? Saddleback Church’s Rick Warren offers some good advice. (Photo by Sultry, used by Creative Commons license. […]
There’s no season quite so full of wild abundance as the Christmas season. It’s a joyful, exuberant time, full of music, family, parties, good food, and friends. But every Christian steward knows that there’s a shadow side to abundance, particularly material abundance, which brings with it challenges. Amid the joy of Christmas, a good steward ponders these challenges. (Photo by Mike Fleming, used by Creative Commons license. Thanks!)
Why ask kids to give? Shouldn’t they be saving for college? Isn’t that just taking money from their parents? What if they don’t really have any money? These are common responses to the idea that kids should be generous. Truth is, there are good reasons. From ParentFurther. (Photo by Kat, used by Creative Commons license)
So, you consider yourself an environmentalist Christian? Well, take the plunge! This personal earthkeeping covenant from Lutherans Restoring Creation will outline specific actions you can take in your daily life to be a “green” (or “greener) disciple. Why not challenge your study or youth group? )Photo by dizfunkshinal, used by creative commons license http://www.flickr.com/photos/dizfunk/)
Year-end giving marks a confluence of three basic needs — the church’s need for money, the need of taxpayers to make charitable gifts before Dec. 31 and the need of Christians to give generously. Perfect, right? Here are some good ideas from Brian Kluth’s organization that can help you along.
Should you talk about money at Christmas? Why not? It seems that everybody else in the culture sure is. Here is some inspiration: Sermon Central will let you see four Christmas stewardship sermons for free. (Photo by Picsbyclive, used by Creative Commons license)
