Browsing Links

Efficiency Saves Energy and Money

By spend$16,000 on energy efficiency, First Unitarian Church in Minneapolis saved $17,000 in just the first year! How much money could your congregation divert from utility costs to mission! First Unitarian shares its story in this article, which includes links to resources. (Photo by TheLatin10 via Bigstockphoto.com)

Too Much, Too Fast, Too Unhealthy

Yep, new Barna Group research shows that Americans are concerned about their weight and unhealthy eating habits. Check out this article and ponder Paul’s words in Romans 7:15-17. How can we be better stewards of health and self? (Photo: Doc Searls, Creative Commons)

‘Dos’ and ‘Don’ts’ of Benevolence Programs

Churches often maintain benevolence funds to assist needy individuals in times of financial crisis. However, these churches may not have enough structure in place to provide essential direction and documentation. Here, from ChurchExecutive.com, are some helpful dos and don’ts.

Bishops Support Carbon Limits

The presiding bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and The Episcopal Church called a proposed federal rule on carbon emissions a “critical step toward safeguarding the lives and livelihood of future generations.”  From ELCA News. (Photo © Jan Will – Fotolia.com)

Preaching on Money

Most pastors would rather preach on almost anything other than finances and stewardship. But as the preaching pastor, you are the chief development officer for your church. This is part of the job. From Ministry Matters. (Photo by Fallonyates, used by Creative Commons license)

Church Finances: Three Questions

When it comes to financial administration, churches generally struggle with the same few issues, over and over again. They play out in different ways, but they concern compensation, reimbursements, and restricted giving practices. FromChurchLawandTax.com. (Photo (c) Monkey Business, via Fotolia)

How Giving Transformed Grief

We all have something to give in every stage of our lives. Here’s a story by Cindy del Rosario about how one dad transformed the grief of losing his son to cancer into a way to help other children facing the disease. (Photo: Emilio Nares Foundation)

The Human Face of Climate Change

Check out this excellent article by Ben Lowe in the current issue or Relevant Magazine. To read the entire article, you’ll need to register, but it’s well worth it. (Photo: William Warby, Creative Commons)

Book Review: Six Steps to a Generous Life

To be “Committed to Christ” involves more than just a two- to four-week financial emphasis each November.  In his book Bob Crossman has designed a holistic approach to Christian discipleship that includes financial giving, but also looks at the other elements involved as well. Reviewed by Ken Sloane of the United Methodist Church, Board of General Discipleship. (Photo […]

Giving? What kind?

Three kinds of financial giving are mentioned in the Bible: offerings, tithes and alms. Do you know the difference? Most people don’t. This document helps us understand what is meant by each. From ELCA Stewardship Resources. (Photo by Lisafx, via Bigstock.com)