Sam Polk had it all — a job on Wall Street, a job that paid millions, all the stuff he could buy — but still he wanted more. That was before he had a moment of insight and walked away from it all. His insight? He was addicted to money the way alcoholics are addicted […]
Vacationing with the family is a wonderful — and necessary — summer tradition. But if you’re not careful the cost can be astronomical. The key to planning an affordable family vacation this summer, and every summer, is making common-sense choices that keep costs under control. This article from tripsavvy.com provides lots of great ideas and strategies […]
Forget the latest John Grisham thriller or Sue Grafton’s whodunit — this summer put some stewardship books in your beachbag! There’s never been a better selection of brilliant, informative reading material to help you plan and execute your congregation’s stewardship program. From the practical to the theological, there’s something to fit your congregation’s need. This suggested […]
Stewardship is a necessity for our churches, but we must be diligent to see that the church practices good stewardship after the congregation has done its part. Leaders have a responsibility to manage church funds properly. Careful management establishes credibility with the church body as well as with those examining the finances. Sloppiness leads to […]
With the rise of online shopping and electronic banking, the way people use money in the economy has changed dramatically in only a few years. Fewer and fewer people carry cash or checks to make their purchases. Yet for many congregations it’s still the 20th century when it comes to receiving offerings. Electronic and online giving […]
We have heard it said over and over again, “all that church wants is my money.” Or, “That preacher is just money hungry.” Whether this is true or not, unfortunately many times it has turned people off and some have even left the church. So what is the plain truth about God, money and the […]
With the nonstop commercial advertising that’s everywhere, it’s easy to spend every penny we earn, or even get into debt just to feed our everyday whims! Spending is a habit, and like all habits it can be broken. This writer from LifeWay tells you how. (Photo: Rob Pongsajapan, Creative Commons))
Debt lures us in with a promise: You can have what you want NOW, and pay for it later. And you pay dearly. The typical American family has about $15,000 in credit card debt, which costs $2,700 in interest at a typical interest rate of 18 percent. And that’s just on credit cards. It does […]
Money gets a bad rap in some churches. The thinking goes something like this: Even though we ask for money every time we collect an offering, the truth is, we shouldn’t need it; we shouldn’t want it; we should be able to get by without it, just like Jesus did. After all, money is the root […]
Especially when it comes to finance, life seems to throw us one thing after another. And the bills pile up like February drifts of snow and we think we’ll NEVER pay off those credit cards! Take heart. It can be done, but it takes wisdom and discipline to shovel out of debt. Crosswalk.com has these tips!
