Browsing by Rob Blezard
Stewardship in 5 Simple Steps
Many people would love to give to their congregation more regularly and methodically, but they don’t know how — or even how to plan it. Here is a simple five-step process that we introduced to my congregation. Feel free tocopy or adapt it for your use. (Photo © koya79 – Fotolia.com)
Protecting Pastors from Burnout
Studies have shown that many pastors and church staff are burning out. They feel the pressure to preach and create programs and events that entertain and inspire congregants, many of whom hardly serve in their church. What can be done? Eliminating pastor and church staff burnout requires a change of thinking and behavior. Good reading […]
Stewardship of a Pastor’s Marriage & Family
Most ministers realize that the American family is in trouble. We have read the statistics and seen the reports. But unless the pastor has a healthy marriage, he or she will probably not provide the teaching and resources needed for his people to develop healthy marriages. Here are some tips for a healthy marriage. From […]
Building a Narrative Budget
Many congregations have discovered the narrative budget as a way of talking about the needs of the church to carry out its mission. Rather than a spreadsheet that lists columns and columns of numbers, the narrative budget tells the story of the congregation’s mission and service and how the budget components contribute. (Photo by Howard […]
Gratitude Can Help You Through Hard Times
When life is going well, gratitude allows us to celebrate and magnify the goodness. But what about when life goes badly? In the midst of the economic maelstrom that has gripped our country, can people — or even should they — feel grateful? Not only will a grateful attitude help — it is essential. In fact, it is precisely under crisis conditions when we have the most to gain by a grateful perspective on life. (Photo by Tiger Girl, used by Creative Commons license. Thanks!)
Give Away Your Money, Feel Happier?
Having pots of money doesn’t necessarily make you happy, study after study has found. But giving away money — even if you’re not rich — is likely to make you feel wealthier, and thus happier, new research contends. (Photo by OpenSourceWay, used by Creative Commons license. Thanks!)
Making a Tangible Difference
Why bother making personal choices that seek justice and a better world? How big of an impact can one person really have? Big changes start with small changes. That’s why I am for any attempt (large or small) that help people start where they are at. The truth of the matter is that even the small changes and personal commitments do make a difference. (Photo by Sun Dazed, used by Creative Commons license.)
The Problem of Wealth: Pentecost 18C
in this lectionary reflection from Lutherans Restoring Creation, Tom Mundahl handily tackles this week’s parable of the rich man and the dishonest manager, seeing it as a means of exploring the problem of wealth and embracing the gift economy. An interesting take on a hard passage.
Testimony of a Generosity Jedi
Most things take desire, time and practice to do well, and even more desire, more time and more practice to master. The same holds true for living with generosity. Good stewardship starts with desire and requires discipline and practice. But how can we cultivate the desire for people to live generously, when the whole proposition is counter-cultural? (Photo by Phillip West (who specializes in paper folding), used by Creative Commons license. Thanks!)
Spend Less, Give More
Like many Americans, you may be bruised by the nation’s economic problems and less inclined to stick with a giving plan. It can be tough to give when you’re struggling to pay monthly bills. But regardless of your situation, here are some tips that can help jump-start your giving plan, says a writer for Lifeway.com. […]
