Browsing by Rob Blezard
10 Essentials for an Effective Church Vision
What is church vision? Bill Hybels calls it “a picture of the future that produces passion and puts people in it.†Others say it is a picture of a preferred future. I say vision is what you see, feel, and hear on Sunday compounded over time. Here are 10 essentials, and some food for thought […]
January 2017 Stewardship ‘Toolbox’
Here is a great all-in-one resource for your congregation’s monthly stewardship communications. You’ll find short “Stewardship Snippets†tied to the RCL readings for every Sunday’s bulletin, articles for your monthly newsletter or website – ready to cut and paste, plus links to resources and more! Prepared by SOLI web editor Rob Blezard. (Photo © Les Cunliffe […]
TED Radio: Giving it Away
You can give away almost anything — your time, money, food, ideas. In this hour, stories from TED speakers who are “giving it away” in new and surprising ways, and the things that happen in return. Their insights into a new world of giving offer important lessons for church leaders. Check out especially Dan Pallotta’s segment. (Photo: Stephen Dann, Creative Commons)
Tips for Increasing Year-End Giving
Giving at year-end represents an increasing portion of total giving in many churches. Recognizing the many different circumstances that may motivate people’s desire to give in December, here are some strategies to maximize giving at the end of the year.  (Photo: Grublee, Bigstockphoto.com)
Top 10 Excuses Not to Give
If your church is like most, the top third of your givers will contribute about 70 percent of the income, and the bottom third will have no record of giving at all. Zero. Why don’t they give? The stewardship director  from the Anglican Diocese of Toronto lists the top 10 excuses he’s heard. (Photo: Bark, Creative Commons […]
Why are Christians so Miserable at Charity?
When it comes to giving to the poor, why are Christians so miserable at it? The short answer is human nature, but the long answer has to do with one’s experiences with money. Generally , the more money people have, the less generous they are. Those who have experienced poverty are more likely to help. Here is an exploration, as well as some tips for developing your own generosity. (Photo: Steven Depolo, Creative Commons)
Brochure: Finding Hope in Hard Times
Whether it’s loss of a job, underemployment or income stagnation amid rising bills, many people today are facing hard financial times. This brochure outlines seven spiritual practices to maintain hope. From the Episcopal Church.
Book Review: ‘The Generous Church’
What difference does generosity make in the church? Why is generosity so vital for congregations? Author Tom Berlin, calls the church to focus on its distinctive mission—to bring to fruition the desire to “make a difference in the world, in the name of Christ.†Review from the United Methodist Church.
December ‘Toolbox’ for Congregations
Here is a great all-in-one resource for your congregation’s monthly stewardship communication and education needs. You’ll find short “Stewardship Snippets†for every Sunday’s bulletin and articles for your monthly newsletter or website – ready to cut and paste! There’s links to resources and more! Prepared by SOLI web editor Rob Blezard. (Photo: Matt Joyce, Creative Commons)
Why Christians Should Care About Creation
In this podcast the director of Lutherans Restoring Creation discusses the role of creation in theology and the resources available for Christians who want to bring care for creation into their faith lives. From Gettysburg Lutheran Seminary.
