It has been said, “the last thing standing between Jesus and our hearts is our wallet.” We turn to Fortune magazine, E-Trade, Wal-mart, and Geico for advice about our money. But rarely do we turn to the Bible and to our faith. Faith and money are, somehow, separate. Why is that? Jesus said things like, “Sell your possessions, and give … Read More
Tell Them About the Dream | Inspiring Generosity
Seasoned fundraising guru Jerold Panas tells us that the number one reason people financially support an organization is, “a mission that changes lives.” In her article this week, Cesie Delve Scheuermann asks, “Does your congregation know and share its vision?” “People in your congregation want to be inspired to become the people God is calling them to be. They long … Read More
Environmental Justice meets Social Justice
A church in Kingston, NY, is partnering with a local solar installer to provide electricity to 250 homes. The project will cost $4 million, and is designed to help low- to moderate-income households fuel their house, particulary during the winter. Read more: Solar array at Kingston church could serve 250 homes
What is your church’s Purple Cow?
What is it that can make your church a Purple Cow and stand out from all the other churches that are on every other block? The title of Seth Godin’s book, Purple Cow: Transform Your Business by Being Remarkable, tells the book’s premise. Godin’s inspiration came from going to France and being “enchanted by the hundreds of storybook cows grazing … Read More
Why people donate – a story about community
Tom Ahern and Seth Godin – not names used in churches very often, but numerous are the things we can learn from them about generosity and financial stewardship! “Every time someone donates to a good cause,” Godin points out, “they’re buying a story, a story that’s worth more than the amount they donated.” There is more treasure hidden in that … Read More
Extreme Heat Stewardship
Stewardship, like much of ministry, quickly pushes congregations back to mission and vision. It causes us to ask questions like: What is the Spirit up to in this place? Where are hearts committed? What must we stop to make room to start a new ministry? And then, once a mission is discerned, how is that communicated to the congregation? A … Read More
Why cash remains sacred in American churches
“As of Tuesday, June 27, it has been 50 years since the first automated cash dispenser – which came to be known as an automated teller machine (ATM) – was inaugurated in London.” Every day of the week in contemporary America (and especially on Sundays) people raise money for their churches and religious enterprises. In his article, Dr. James Hudnut-Beumler … Read More
Thank-You Notes Will Inspire Faith and Generosity
When was the last time you received a personal thank-you note in your mailbox? I was reminded of the impact saying thank you can have during the Lake Institute on Faith and Giving’s 12th Annual Thomas H. Lake Lecture. Dr. Christian Smith of Notre Dame presented some of the findings of his Science of Generosity Initiative. During the panel discussion … Read More
A money sermon that actually worked!
Cesie Delve Scheuermann gives us a story of a “money sermon” that actually worked! Rev. Karen Puckett Hernandez, of Kuna United Methodist Church, in Kuna, Idaho, posted a Facebook recently: “People really liked a sermon that basically urged them to give more money!” Luckily, Cesie delved a little deeper, got a copy of the sermon, and gives us some clues … Read More
Stewardship Kaleidoscope
The PCUSA’s Stewardship Kaleidoscope is coming soon, are you going? Stewardship Kaleidoscope is an annual conference offering excellent plenary speakers, informative workshop leaders, provocative worship experiences, and incredible networking opportunities for all who are passionate about stewardship and generosity. Stewardship Kaleidoscope is designed to help participants explore stewardship, in its many colorful dimensions! Source: Stewardship Kaleidoscope