Browsing by Rob Blezard

Mental health of Clergy Requires Balance

Stress comes with the job for most clergy. . Pastors need to be aware of factors that ratchet up the stress — and things they can do to maintain equilibrium, says this report from the Presbyterian Church (USA).  (Photo © styf – Fotolia.com)

Stewardship and Lent

Among the many opportunities the Lenten season provides for us, it also gives us many chances to broaden the discussion of stewardship. In our world, which is so driven by consumerism, greed, and wealth, this season calls us to turn away from these, and look again to the one true God. Here are some ideas […]

Stewardship Devotional for Lent

Here is a really wonderful 49-page Lenten devotional that will enable you to explore important themes of stewardship through daily Scripture readings, prayer and reflection. It’s free! Written by Rev. Russell McDowell for 2012, the ideas are still fresh (although you’ll have to adjust the dates). (Photo © robhainer – Fotolia.com)

Dirt People: An Eco-Sermon for Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday is a perfect opportunity to remind people that God created us from the earth, suggests “ecopreacher” Rev. Leah Schade. “Finding ways to reconnect with the earth from which you were created is so essential to finding wholeness and being at rest in God.”  (Photo by Josh Larios, used by Creative Commons license.)

Promoting Healthy Congregations

Health is a process, not a thing or state. It is ongoing, dynamic, and ever changing. Health is a direction, not a destination, a once-and-for-all property. Congregational leaders are the key stewards of the congregation as a unit in itself. (Photo by Antti Nissinen, used by Creative Commons license)

Dealing with Clergy Stress

Because of the demanding nature of their jobs, clergy are at greater risk for stress-related mental health issues, such as burnout, depression and “compassion fatigue,” according to health surveys. The United Methodist Church report talks about the risks and how some congregations and pastors are coping.  (Photo by Bottled Void, used by Creative Commons license.)

Stewardship in the Gospel of Mark

Perfect for your small-group ministry or Christian education class, an 11-minute video and study guide that explores the subject of stewardship as seen in the Gospel of Mark. Good stuff fro the Center for Faith and Giving (Disciples of Christ). (Photo by Alvanman, used by Creative Commons license)

Money and Faith: William G. Enright and the Big Taboo

As a young pastor in the 1960s, William Enright avoided talking about money in church, so it’s interesting that he spent the better part of his career taking on “the big taboo” in church life. Now as the director of the Lake Institute on Faith & Giving he is in a good position to help Christians, and especially church leaders, engage in a constructive conversation about money. and adopt a healthy attitude toward wealth. (Photo © Alfredo Müller – Fotolia.com)

Preaching on Money

Most pastors would rather preach on almost anything besides than finances and stewardship, but as the preaching pastor, you are the chief development officer for your church. Provocative words from Ministry Matters. (Photo by Sumos, via Bigstockphoto.com)

16 Ways to Increase Church Giving

Here are 16 great — yet simple — ideas that your congregation can take and run with. Number one should register a collective “Dugh”: Establish a stewardship committee.  Check out the other 15, from the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa, Canada. (Photo by Lisafx, via Bigstock.com)