Browsing by Rob Blezard

Book Review: Six Steps to a Generous Life

To be “Committed to Christ” involves more than just a two- to four-week financial emphasis each November.  In his book Bob Crossman has designed a holistic approach to Christian discipleship that includes financial giving, but also looks at the other elements involved as well. Reviewed by Ken Sloane of the United Methodist Church, Board of General Discipleship. (Photo […]

Giving? What kind?

Three kinds of financial giving are mentioned in the Bible: offerings, tithes and alms. Do you know the difference? Most people don’t. This document helps us understand what is meant by each. From ELCA Stewardship Resources. (Photo by Lisafx, via Bigstock.com)

Bible Study: Abundance & Generosity

Give your congregation a thorough grounding on what the Bible says about generosity and abundance. This free, eight-page Bible study from the United Church of Christ highlights verses from the Old and New Testaments. Suitable for one or more sessions.

Strategic Evangelism: 3 Effective Outreach Opportunities

All Christians have the obligation to share the gospel. It is, and should be, on the heart of every believer to look for opportunities to share. It does not mean, however, that you should not create special times within the body of your church for evangelism with some strategy. Here are three ideas from Christianitytoday.com. […]

Avoid These Vacation Money Traps

A family vacation can be a major summer expense, filled with unexpected costs. But if you can avoid these seven money traps you can come home with more cash in your pockets, says this article from Stewardship.org. (Photo by 19melissa68, used by Creative Commons license)

Financial Controls Protect Church Offerings

Churches can be easy targets for thieves, but by taking some simple, commonsense steps church leaders can prevent protect their church from being victimized, says this excellent article from Brotherhood Mutual Insurance, part of the company’s extensive Safety Library. (Photo by Rob Pongsajapan, used by Creative Commons license. Thanks!)

Fast for Climate Change

There’s a growing movement. Thousands of God’s people are fasting — going without food — on the first of every month to stand in solidarity with the poor and people who are suffering from climate change. Read about this movement and watch the video. Will you join them?

Why the Church is a Hotbed for Finance Education

Personal finance classes offered by churches are often well-attended by the congregation. Some of the things that make these classes successful can be helpful to people who don’t attend church, too. What would a personal-finance program do for your congregation? (Photo by Jirka Matousek, used by Creative Commons license)

Conversation Starter on Generosity and Gratitude

This  resource from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada will help you explore your experience of gratitude and generosity, and become more comfortable sharing this aspect of our faith.  Use this in your congregation, your Bible study group, or even for your own family’s personal stewardship development. (Photo © mangostock – Fotolia.com)

The Delicious Invitation to Rest

“Sabbath is the day that I cease to see myself as a tool of production. And blissfully, I recover the scale and proportion of my life, even my own self,” writes Jen Pollock Mechel, in a guest blog on Christianitytoday.org. It’s a good read for all of us who think we’re too busy.  (Photo by […]