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“Created to Give, Tempted to Keep”

Adam Hamilton, pastor and author, reflects on how we are hardwired by God to be generous but fall prey to the voices of fear and self-gratification. Click here for more. Click here to learn about Hamilton’s book Enough. (Photo: Liz West, Creative Commons)

Beyond the Blind Spot

Stewardship program in a slump? Congregational enthusiasm flagging? Leaders feeling tired and battle-weary? If so, click here to read C. Otto Scharmer’s article on uncovering the blind spot(s) in leadership. While not aimed at faith communities, the principles are readily applied to congregational settings. (Photo: Nimish Gogri, Creative Commons)

Second-hand Wise

Click here to read Leah Wise’s reflection on how shopping in thrift stores–made popular by Mackelmore and Ryan Lewis–can actually be a way to practice better stewardship and do justice. While you’re there, take a look at the other articles on the RELEVANT website. (Photo: adiything, Creative Commons license. Thanks!)

Developing a Planned Giving Program

Click here to explore “Elements of a Successful Planned Giving Program” on the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations website. This guide covers the basics and provides solid resources to begin a conversation in your context about gift planning. (Photo: David Morris, Creative Commons License. Thanks!)

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.

Creating a Final File

Do you have an “In Case of Death” file? If not, check out this short article about how to create one. Putting your affairs in order is part of good stewardship. (Photo: © Maxim_Kazmin – Fotolia.com)

A Gift of God

Here’s a complete four session stewardship curriculum for children in grades one through three produced by the Greek Orthodox Church. The 18 page downloadable PDF document provides teacher resources, handouts for children, and a craft idea. (Photo © Jose Manuel Gelpi – Fotolia.com)

Going Green at the Office…

…includes the church office, too! Here’s a handy infographic that makes offers easy ways to make your church or faith-based non-profit a little greener. (Photo by © kromkrathog – Fotolia.com)

Chilling Weather, Indeed

You can call me the Weather Grinch if you like, or maybe the Scrooge of Climate. But I find it hard to face so many people positively gleeful because the temperature in February has soared into the 50s, or even 60s. (Photo © Jan Will – Fotolia.com)

Host a Final Affairs Fair

Check out how one St. Philip’s Cathedral (ECUSA) in Atlanta, educated its members about wills, planned gifts, and getting one’s final affairs in order–in a lighthearted and informative format. Click here to learn more. (Photo by Ken_Mayer. Thanks!)