Browsing by Rob Blezard
Bible Study on Fossil-Fuel Divestment
With the effects of climate growing more severe all the time, some churches are ridding their investment portofolios of fossil fuel stocks. This study guide looks at two Gospel parables and what they may say about divestment. From the Pacific Northwest Conference of the United Methodist Church. (Photo: Trocaire, Creative Commons)
People, Passion, and Possibilities
What does it mean to lead a Stewardship Ministry? I have come to understand ithe varied cultures in which we serve. What meets the needs of one church may not meet the needs of another congregation. What works in the culture of a large congregation may not fit into the culture of a smaller congregation. I find three steps to be an effective way for us to design a stewardship ministry.
Pastors, Don’t Ignore Social Media!
Church leaders have lots of reasons for NOT using social media in their ministries — bad ones, says this article from Leadership Journal. It’s the 21st century, after all, and more and more people connect and learn through social media. Karl Vaters takes eight of the common reasons and explains why they are not valid.
Dedicating Gifts
It takes only about a minute every Sunday, and it helps the congregation understand why their offerings matter. It’s the Dedication of Gifts, and this blog post from Horizons Stewardship says it makes a big difference changing the attitudes and habits of members.
Why Online Giving is a Must for Your Church
Though fewer and fewer people carry cash or checks these days, most church collections still rely on passing the plate every Sunday or asking people to mail checks to the congregation. That’s why online and electronic giving options are a necessity for congregations, says this article from Worship Facilities. (Photo: Jhaymesisviphotography, Creative Commons)
‘Meet the Stewards’ Emphasis
Here’s a stewardship series for this fall! “Meet the Stewards” introduces your congregation to the four members of the Steward family, each of whom exemplifies a different area of stewardship. Sabbatha pays attention to Sunday worship and rest, Christian Ed, learning; Holly (who goes by “Vollyâ€), serving; and Buck, giving. Lift up one of these characters per Sunday as a way to teach lifte stewardship values.(Photo: Jarrod Doll, Creative Commons)
7 Habits of a Highly Effective Steward
Much has been written about the habits it takes to be a highly effective person, or a highly effective family or a highly effective teen. This series of seven brief reflections — which your congregation can reprint in a bulletin or newsletter — explores the habits of a highly effective steward. Since stewardship is a part of discipleship, and discipleship is a journey for each of us, we hope that these habits will help us reflect on this area of our Christian life. (Photo: Fit Approach, Creative Commons)
Tithing Flows from Prayer
Ten years ago First United Methodist church in Enderlin, North Dakota, began a process of spiritual renewal that began with prayer but also included a challenge for members to participate in an experiment involving tithing. The result was a renewed spirit and better finances. From the UMC Communications. (Photo © thitimontoyai22 – Fotolia.com)
God’s Five Investment Funds
“Your congregation can invest in eternity by using their money for God’s purposes. It is secure. It is risk free. It comes with guaranteed interest. It yields dividends forever,” writes Rick Warren in this column on Pastors.com. What are they? What do you think? (Photo © rangizzz – Fotolia.com)
‘The Church is Always Asking for Money …’
You hear the complaint time and again, “The church is always asking for money,” but that’s flat wrong! This brief essay convincingly debunks the comment as a total myth. Good reading, posted by the Anglican Diocese of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. (Photo by iqoncept, via bigstockphoto.com)
