Browsing Culture
Streamline your Life with Good Stewardship Habits
Good stewardship habits are good for both your life and your wallet, according to Consumer Psychologist Kit Yarrow, who includes sharing, gratitude, and contentment among her twelve tips to streamline one’s life and budget. Dr. Yarrow’s suggestions are particularly timely for this season of Advent when we are bombarded with messages to overspend and overbuy. (Photo: Rubbermaid Products, Creative Commons)
Never Underestimate the Power of Giving
Here’s a story of how one singer-songwriter/actress found a way to make a difference, giving of herself to help others–and help others continue the chain of giving–all through discarded keys. (Photo: pitterpatterart, Creative Commons)
Want to Be Missional in the Way of Jesus?—Avoid These 5 Mistakes
The term “missional†describes the activity of God’s people in the world for God’s mission. But now the word has taken on broad meanings by such diverse and often contradictory voices that, to some, “missional†has become virtually meaningless, argues ChristianityToday blogger Ed Stetzer. (Photo by Randy OHC, used by Creative Commons license)
Pope Calls for Compasion, Care for Poor
Market speculation and pursuit of profits are hindering the global fight against hunger and poverty, Pope Francis told a U.N. conference in Rome on nutrition. He urged the world’s wealthiest nations to do more to help those in need, says this Religion News Service report. (Photo by Alan Light, used by Creative Commons license)
Easy Ways to Share Gratitude this Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving comes every fourth Thursday in November, but thanking God for our blessings is a spiritual discipline that should not be limited to a single day. Giving thanks is as essential to our spiritual growth as prayer. Here are some creative ideas not only to develop an attitude of thankfulness but also to reach out to our neighbors.
A Faith-Based Guide on Poverty & Hunger
Hand it to Catholic Rural Life for putting together a comprehensive study guide that explores gripping issues of economic justice from a solidly biblical point of view. The information will challenge your mind, tug at your heart and grow your faith. Great reading. (Check out the website for other good resources!) (Photo by Alex Eflon, […]
Leadership in Scarcity
When I speak with mainline ministers, we wonder if our entire career has been spent in a time of institutional scarcity and decline. Clearly, leadership in a situation of abundance and growth is very different than leadership in a situation of scarcity and decrease. If there is “a time for every season under heaven,†then this is a time for “Leadership in Scarcity,†indeed. Let me try to describe some challenges and gifts and offer a few proposals. (Photo © James Steidl – Fotolia.com)
Can Fighting Poverty Make You Happy?
This was a question filmmaker Daniel Karslake asked after learning that a person dies every three seconds as a result of living in extreme poverty. The film he made as a result, Every Three Seconds, tells the story of five ordinary people who are making a real difference–and how everyone can do something. (Photo: Creativist Collective/Claire Evans, Creative Commons. Thanks!)
New Report Explores Decline in Church Giving
“The State of Church Giving through 2012: What are Christian Seminaries and Intellectuals Thinking — or Are They?†issued by Empty Tomb, an Illinois-based nonprofit that tracks church giving, suggests a different kind of pastor is needed to address giving in an age of affluence. Despite increased stewardship education in seminaries, the situation is complex and requires […]
Microcosm of American Faith in a Map
When Religion News Service columnist Tobin Grant took a map of Carbondale, Ill., and plotted out the houses of worship, he gained insight into the trends of faith that shaped and are still shaping the town. What could you learn by studying a map of your community? (Photo by Mimi_K, used by Creative Commons license)
