To be “Committed to Christ” involves more than just a two- to four-week financial emphasis each November. In his book Bob Crossman has designed a holistic approach to Christian discipleship that includes financial giving, but also looks at the other elements involved as well. Reviewed by Ken Sloane of the United Methodist Church, Board of General Discipleship. (Photo […]
Three kinds of financial giving are mentioned in the Bible: offerings, tithes and alms. Do you know the difference? Most people don’t. This document helps us understand what is meant by each. From ELCA Stewardship Resources. (Photo by Lisafx, via Bigstock.com)
Churches can be easy targets for thieves, but by taking some simple, commonsense steps church leaders can prevent protect their church from being victimized, says this excellent article from Brotherhood Mutual Insurance, part of the company’s extensive Safety Library. (Photo by Rob Pongsajapan, used by Creative Commons license. Thanks!)
Fewer people today are writing checks, yet that’s still the way many churches expect to receive gifts and offerings. Expand your congregation’s options with opportunities to give through Electronic Fund Transfers, credit cards or RQ codes. This article from Kluth.org gives you some ideas. (Photo by Jhaymesisviphotography, used by Creative Commons license)
What is the secret to creating a culture of generosity in my church? Why does stewardship come so easy to some congregations but is so hard in mine? Good questions, that this resource from the United Methodist Church answers in a simple, sweeping, easy-to-understand concept.
In too many churches, money is the No. 1 taboo topic, but it’s avoided only at the congregation’s financial peril. Here is a handy guide for any congregation that wants to do better — a national publication dedicated almost entirely to money. Articles include, “Components of a Stewardship Program,” “Opening New Doors of Giving” and “Growing Generous People.” (Photo by Bev8200, used by Creative Commons license)
How is your congregation doing in its approach to stewardship? This handy diagnostic checklist will help you figure out the things you’re doing right and the things you need to improve. From the United Church of Canada. (Illustration by AJ Cann, used by Creative Commons license)
This handy four-page PDF outlines the basic concepts involved in stewardship that confront Christians and congregations in North America, including hyper consumerism, idolatry, discipleship and commitment. Good for anyone trying to steer a godly course in our culture.
The Christian Reformed Church is a tiny denomination with just a quarter million members, but their members give in an outsized way — more than twice the national average among Protestant churches. They are doing something right, ChristianityToday reports. (Photo by iqoncept, via bigstockphoto.com)
The United Church of Christ offers free monthly messages that can be printed in a bulletin, posted on a website, used in a newsletter — howeer it may be useful for your stewardship ministry. (Photo by Valerie Everett, used by creative commons license)
