Browsing by Rob Blezard
Pope Francis’ Environmental Call to Action
The earth cries out to us because of the harm we have inflicted on her by our irresponsible use and abuse of the goods with which God has endowed her. We have come to see ourselves as her lords and masters, entitled to plunder her at will. The violence present in our hearts, wounded by sin, is also reflected in the symptoms of sickness evident in the soil, in the water, in the air and in all forms of life. (Photo by Aleteia Image Department, used by Creative Commons license.)
Church Giving is Tied to Gratitude, Sense of Mission
Worshipers want to feel their contributions are making a difference. The tithe may no longer be the norm outside conservative Protestant churches, but members who feel connected to their church and confident it is contributing to God’s work still give financially. From the Lilly Endowment’s Insights into Religion. (Photo by Lululemon athletica, used by Creative […]
Congregations Take Action on Climate Change
Across the country congregations of many stripes are working on the issue of climate change by modeling environmentally friendly practices, educating folks or advocating political solutions. Good reading from Tikkun. (Photo © Dmitry Rukhlenko – Fotolia.com)
Everyday Stewardship Practices
Stewardship is a means of showing gratitude for all that we have in our lives. Each of us has something that we can be grateful for. As a way of life stewardship calls all of us to action. Here is a handy guide from the Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane, Australia. (Photo © JcJg Photography – […]
Stewardship: A Pastor’s Responsibility
Since giving is a spiritual issue and the pastor is the congregation’s chief spiritual leader, it is easy to say that stewardship is a pastor’s responsibility. But what exactly does that mean? Here are some key thoughts about the pastor’s role in stewardship. From Pastors.com. (Photo © Scott Griessel – Fotolia.com)
Stewardship Ideas for Small Churches
Stewardship is more than financial giving. It is a sense of thanksgiving for all that God has given us, including care giving for the world around us! Here are eight ideas — try one in your church soon. From BuildingChurchLeaders.com. (Photo © TRITOOTH – Fotolia.com)
Earth Stewardship Leads to Solar Project
Folks at a Lutheran congregation in Washington State were so inspired by Frances Moore Lappé’s book, “Ecomind,” that they took a step in addressing climate change. Partnering with local educators, they installed solar panels on a middle school. What can your congregation do? (Photo by Ellen Lamiman)
Four Poor Responses to Church Money Problems
OK, so money is tight in the congregation. Tensions are high and anxiety is climbing steadily. How you respond can definitely impact the overall health and wellbeing of your church and God’s people. Here are four common traps to avoid, from ChurchLawandTax.com.
What Our Hearts Treasure
A United Methodist pastor was downright fearful when he spoke about money to his congregational plant for the very first time. But he found the reasoning, the courage and the support to carry on. (Photo © Rolffimages – Fotolia.com)
Modern Ministry: Learning the Art of Strategic Neglect
Ministers today face so many pressures, The intensity of the job itself added to the high rates of unrealistic expectations from church memberships or even leadership can set up ministers to burn out quickly and, often, to live with a great burden of guilt, frustration, and disillusionment. “Strategic neglect” may be a way for ministers to cope by taking a new look at putting first things first by better managing their competing commitments and finding homeostasis in their spiritual, personal, and professional lives. (Photo by Leland Francisco, used by Creative Commons )
