Browsing by Rob Blezard
The Economist accuses Pope Francis of ‘following Lenin’
First, Rush Limbaugh and Glenn Beck labeled Pope Francis a Marxist. Now, The Economist is accusing him of following Vladimir Lenin. The respected financial magazine accused the pope of following the founder of Soviet communism in adopting an “ultra radical line†on capitalism. From Religion News Service. (Photo by Semilla Luz, used by Creative Commons license)
Increase Your Church’s E-Giving
Fewer people today are writing checks, yet that’s still the way many churches expect to receive gifts and offerings. Expand your congregation’s options with opportunities to give through Electronic Fund Transfers, credit cards or RQ codes. This article from Kluth.org gives you some ideas. (Photo by Jhaymesisviphotography, used by Creative Commons license)
Prepare for the Summer Offering Drought
It happens every year: People go on vacation, get busy, stay away from church — and the weekly collection plummets. Here are some ideas from the Texas Methodist Foundation on how church leaders can prepare for the “offering drought” and help minimize its impact. (Photo © James Steidl – Fotolia.com)
Why Christians Care about Climate Change
Almost daily scientists find new evidence that human activity is altering the earth’s climate and threatening the future of life on earth. This succinct article from the United Church of Christ provides a good overview of the problem, why we care, and what we can do about it. (Photo by Takver, used by Creative Commons […]
Clergy Learn that Self-care is Not Self-ish
Even with the best intentions and all the knowledge and advice in the world, clergy of all ages often find it difficult to take care of themselves. On the long list of items that must be done every day, they often put self-care last, with unhealthy results for ministry. But churches are increasingly working to encourage and equip their leaders to take better care of themselves.(Photo © Warren Goldswain, Fotolia.)
Creation Care Lectionary Commentary: Pentecost 2 A
“Listen to true prophets! Righteousness and Justice for All Creation!” is the title for the Creation Care Lectionary Commentary for the second Sunday after Pentecost, June 122 Caring for the environment is our age’s most pressing priority. The folks at Lutherans Restoring Creation offer a weekly commentary to lift up environmental themes from the Lectionary. (Photo […]
Mourning the Death of a Congregation
The author of this article thought it was the end of the world when her church decided to close its doors. But good congregational leadership helped members like her see the closing in a wider context, and find joy, hope and meaning. From Christianitytoday.com. (Photo by Keeva999, used by Creative Commons license.)
Healthy Change in a Local Church
Wise leaders know that change in a congregation can be incredibly hard, requiring amazing amounts of time and energy. But they also know that constant change is necessary and worth the expense. Here are some principles for how to lead your congregation through healthy change. From pastor.com. (Photo by Phil Whitehouse, used by Creative Commons […]
Unleashing the Generosity of Our People
What is the secret to creating a culture of generosity in my church? Why does stewardship come so easy to some congregations but is so hard in mine? Good questions, that this resource from the United Methodist Church answers in a simple, sweeping, easy-to-understand concept.
What’s Your ‘Money Autobiography’?
A “Money Autobiography” assists you in discovering your relationship to money. In writing a money autobiography, some discover that money controls them, while others discover that they control money.  Be sure to check out “Money Autobiography” questions. From the Lewis Center for Church Leadership.
