Despite earning a decent salary, many of God’s people are cash poor because they don’t know how to handle money. Churches can help by offering education, and the federal Consumer Finance Bureau can help. Its free booklet can equip your financial educator with the curriculum to teach your congregations. (Photo: Filip Pticek, Creative Commons)
How are you equipping youth in your congregation to talk about, manage, and steward financial resources? Instead of avoiding the topic, try this youth group lesson that uses Matthew 6:19-21, 24 along with games, teaching time, and discussion. You might also want to adapt this lesson for an intergenerational learning opportunity. (Photo: Creative Commons, Thanks!)
What is your relationship with money? How does your faith community collectively view their relationship with money? Having a faith-based understanding of money is essential for cultivating generous congregations and for growing faithful stewards. Demi Prentiss of the Episcopal Church Foundation writes about ways for your congregation to begin a fruitful conversation. (Photo: Ron Mader, Creative […]
A culture of radical generosity doesn’t happen without teaching, planning, and cultivating one. This series of three blog posts poses six questions for congregational leaders to use in assessing how well they are teaching and living generosity. Culture shifts begin with church leadership, so consider how you might study these questions and develop or refresh […]
How do we raise generous children in a world of materialism and consumption? “The goal is to make the process of giving a natural part of your children’s lives,” says educator Deb Cohen. Check out her ideas for parents and other adults. (Photo: The Museum of the Future, Creative Commons)
They say showing, as opposed to explaining, is the better way to teach. Here is a great step-by-step plan to start an environmental stewardship ministry in your congregation. The Episcopal Ecological Network has you covered with this adaptable PDF starter kit for reflection, education, and action. (Photo: Jamie, Creative Commons)
“Lord, teach us to pray,” said Jesus’ closest disciples. We need to make sure that youth learn ways to pray that work for their stage of life. Here are 10 creative ideas to help your youth, Sunday school, or cross-gen group experience new ways to pray. (Photo: Nimble Photography, Creative Commons)
The benefits of family and community meals are many, and The Family Dinner Project, founded by Harvard Medical School professor Anne Fishel, aims to teach people how to host successful communal meals. You’ll find conversation topics, recipes, examples, and more. It’s good stewardship, good for well-being, and fun, too! (Photo: Alpha, Creative Commons)
When it comes to teaching stewardship, actions speak louder than words. Here’s a great article about “good enough” birthday parties that equips parents to model stewardship for their children. Use these tips to avoid party pressure and model/teach a different way to celebrate. (Photo: Jim Pennucchi, Creative Commons)
Yes, that’s right! We can preach and teach about generosity until the cows come home, but unless there is opportunity to practice it is difficult to become person steeped in generosity and abundance. It takes a combination of teaching and action to nurture generous people. Author and pastor Tim Stevens reflects on his own experience in learning […]
