Browsing by Rob Blezard
Prayers to Care for Creation
Perfect for planning a worship that celebrates God’s creation, the US Conference of Catholic Bishops has assembled prayers appropriate for that occasion, as well as lists of Scripture readings from both the Hebrew Bible and New Testaments. (Photo © Keller, Fotolia.com)
Transparency, Trust & Treasure
A recent study suggests that American Christians don’t give away more money because they lack trust in the church. In response, here are 36 questions your church should be able to answer about money. Good policy builds trust and creates an environment for generosity to flourish. (Photo by Mark Willylis, used by Creative Commons license)
Pope Francis on Environmentalism
No surprise that Pope Francis, who has renewed Christian concern for the poor, also has deep concern for the environment. Here, from Catholic Climate Covenant, is a wide assortment of Pope Francis’ teachings on the environment. (Photo by Semilla Luz, used by Creative Commons license)
Developing a Theology of Stewardship
Clear thinking and sound assumptions are musts in order to foster a climate of generosity in your congregation. This brief article from the United Methodist Church will help you head down the right road. (Photo by ThrasherDave, used by Creative Commons license. Thanks!)
What if Everybody Tithed?
As a whole, American Christians give about 2.5 percent of their income to churches — lower than even during the Great Depression, when they gave 3.3 percent. And yet churches are still able to teach the ignorant, feed the hungry and care for the least among us. Imagine what we could do if every churchgoer […]
The Scary Truth about Christian Giving
The Bible gives a two-sided portrayal of wealth: It is good, but it can seduce us into sin. The solution, according to New Testament scholar Craig L. Blomberg, is to freely share it. In Christians in an Age of Wealth: A Biblical Theology of Stewardship (Zondervan), Blomberg, who teaches at Denver Seminary, argues that sacrificial giving is an essential part of good stewardship. He spoke with CT editor at large Rob Moll about our spending patterns and whether Christians are required to tithe. (Photo (c) Luke Peterson, used by Creative Commons license)
A Lens of Generosity
Four simple questions — incorporated into your everyday life — can give you “A Lens of Generosity” through which to recognize God at work all around you all the time. From the United Church of Canada, which includes a handy sheet to photocopy and help you spread the practice to everyone. (Photo © David2223, used […]
Living Wi$ely
Living Wi$ely is a personal finance and budget counseling ministry that helps participants explore basic concepts of 1) creating and living within a budget; 2) saving, giving and getting out of debt; 3) biblical principles and spiritual issue of money. It is designed to be offered weekly for four weeks. The free online materials include the Financial Workshop Manual and a PowerPoint presentation for each of the four sessions. (Photo (c) Ariel Grimm, ShareAlike License)
Create a Church Endowment Fund
An endowment fund can help provide financial stability for your congregation for years to come. This free 14-page resource offers solid advice for how to go about creating a fund — and even a checklist! Written for the Presbyterian Church (USA), it has good tips for any church. (Photo © rangizzz – Fotolia.com)
Stewardship Planning and Preparation
Here’s a handy how-to guide for setting up a stewardship committee and program in your church. It lists the players you need on the team, their role and their strategy. Good stuff from the Catholic Foundation of the Diocese of San Francisco. (Photo © Robert Kneschke – Fotolia.com)
