As the pandemic drags on, leaders ask, “How in the world are we supposed to do a stewardship emphasis when we can hardly gather in-person for worship?” Every congregation has its own priorities, but ELCA pastor and author Charles Lane, offers three things to consider. (Photo: Jerrybuckel, Creative Commons)
Honest conversation about money is a huge taboo in many congregations, a taboo harms both the financial life and the faith life of the congregation. As the spiritual leader, the pastor must shatter the “conspiracy of silence” by talking about money and leading in stewardship. Challenging essay by stewardship author and pastor Charles Lane.
As I work with congregations in their stewardship ministry, I’m always surprised how few annually ask members and friends of the congregation to increase their giving. Most people won’t increase giving if you don’t ask them to. “Because of God’s Great Mercy” is a complete program that provides everything a congregation needs to make a direct, respectful request, along with a simple way for people to calculate an increase of 1/2 of 1% of household income.” (Photo by Artotem, used by Creative Commons license)
