Browsing by Rob Blezard
Are Fossil Fuels ‘Sinful’?
Repenting from what it called the “sin” of fossil fuel, Union Seminary divested itself of stocks in energy companies. “Climate change poses a catastrophic threat. As stewards of God’s creation, we simply must act to stop this sin,†commented Union president Serene Jones. From Religion News Service. (Photo by Grant Rambojan, used by Creative Commons […]
Book Review: ‘Gratitude’ by Peter Leithart
Peter Leithart’s new book, titled simply Gratitude: An Intellectual History, takes a sweeping look at gift-giving from ancient to modern times, with particular emphasis on how Christ changed — and continues to influence — the culture and customs surround gifts. Review from Christianitytoday.com. (Photo by Tiger Girl, used by Creative Commons license)
The ‘M’ Word: Talking About Money
In too many churches, money is the No. 1 taboo topic, but it’s avoided only at the congregation’s financial peril. Here is a handy guide for any congregation that wants to do better — a national publication dedicated almost entirely to money. Articles include, “Components of a Stewardship Program,” “Opening New Doors of Giving” and “Growing Generous People.” (Photo by Bev8200, used by Creative Commons license)
Stewardship Strategy Assessment
How is your congregation doing in its approach to stewardship? This handy diagnostic checklist will help you figure out the things you’re doing right and the things you need to improve. From the United Church of Canada. (Illustration by AJ Cann, used by Creative Commons license)
Boundaries Have Saved My Ministry—and They Can Save Yours
How many pastors have had to resign in disgrace? Too many. Knowing how to set — and keep! — good boundaries can go a long way toward keeping a ministry trouble- and accusation-free! From ChurchLeaders.com. (Photo by Sharron Blezard)
Just Eating? Practicing Our Faith at the Table
:Just Eating? Practicing Our Faith at the Table” is a seven-session curriculum for congregations that call us to integrate the commitments and practices of our faith into the way we eat. The study uses scripture, prayer and stories from the local and global community to explore five key aspects of our relationship with food. (Photo by JBloom, used by Creative Commons license.)
Christian Stewardship: What God Expects of Us
Despite popular usage, “stewardship” means much more than simply giving time, talent, and treasure. Stewardship demands a way of life that encourages virtue and bears the fruit of solidarity among peoples, says this insightful essay on the Catholic Education Resource Center website. (Photo by Martin Workman, via BigStockPhoto.com)
Where Are You on the ‘Buyerarchy of Needs’
OK, followers of Jesus the Christ, what’s your relationship with the material goods of the world? If you can work that out, you’re taking a huge step in stewardship. This handy graphic from the Story of Stuff Project can get you thinking.
‘Proverbs’ Has a Lot to Say About Money
No wonder Proverbs is considered one of the Hebrew Bible’s wisdom books — it has so many commonsense teachings about so many topics including money! Jana Riess, a columnist for Religion News Service, discovered five key teachings. (Photo by bhsher, used by Creative Commons license)
Neighbor-love’s Moral Framework for Markets That Serve All
If the market has become our God, what does it mean to confess Christ? It means trusting what Luther called the first principle of Christian doctrine — the gracious love of God given in Christ, a saving love that cannot be shaken from us or diminished by any force in heaven or earth. And it means heeding Luther’s second principle, the call to embody God’s love in our lives by loving neighbor as self. (Photo by Pandah, used by Creative Commons License)
