Browsing Lead
A Beloved Community: Christian Mission in an Ecological Age
The planet is facing major ecological problems: global warming, loss of species diversity, loss of forests and arable land, disposal of garbage and toxic waste, pollution of air, land, and water, over-population, depletion of non-replaceable natural resources, diminution of food sources, ocean acidification and collapse of fisheries, among others. And the survival of creation as we humans have known it is at stake. Here are five principles for a Christian response. (Photo by NASA)
Should Pastors Know How Much Members Give?
Is it helpful or harmful if a pastor knows how much every member gives? On the one hand, it can help a pastor diagnose problems in the congregation. On the other hand, the pastor may start playing favorites. What do you think? Experts are divided, as this discussion by ChristianityToday.com reveals. (Photo © Michael Nivelet […]
How to Write a Winning Grant Proposal
Foundations and other funders are eager to give grants to organizations that send in applications that meet their criteria and their mission. Listen to this podcast on how to maximize the chances that your church’s application will come out on top.
8 Ways Stewardship Will Transform Your Leadership
Good leadership begins and ends around the issue of stewardship. The whole idea of stewardship relates back to the concept of watching over something for someone else, taking care of something you don’t own. Good tips from ChurchLeader.com.
10 Deadly Mistakes in Church Grantwriting
OK, your church wants to apply for grant funding? Great! While doing so, be sure to avoid these common grantwriting mistakes. An informative article from the ChristanPost. (Photo © gunnar3000 – Fotolia.com)
The Hows and Whys of Money Leadership
Here’s a free, seven-part curriculum for leaders who want to plumb the depths of their congregation’s financial soul.
Year-End Accounting Checklist for Churches
Here’s a year-end checklist for churches of common tax and administrative responsibilities that should be addressed as the year draws to a close. Pass the information along to finance committees and treasurers to make sure all loose ends are wrapped up. (Photo by 401kcalculator.org. Thanks!)
Characteristics of an Excellent Stewardship Program
The Rev. Terry Parsons served as the Stewardship Director for the Episcopal Church from 1996-2008. She died in October 2012.
Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations
Congregations spend a lot of energy on a lot of different efforts, but here are five concepts to focus what your church does in order to make it more productive and faithful. The Five Practices website contains lots of supporting information and ideas to get your congregation moving. It’s the creation of Robert Schnase, Bishop of the Missouri Conference of the United Methodist Church. (Photo by AlicePopkorn, used by Creative Commons License. Thanks!)
Building a Narrative Budget
This year while putting together your church’s budget, take a pass on the old “line item” approach. That old spreadsheet may tell your people about the numbers, but it doesn’t say much about the ministries. Take instead a “narrative budget” approach. This pdf from the Missouri United Methodist Foundation will get you started.
