Why church history matters for the missional church
Here’s a very brief overview of church history, engagingly presented by Dr. Patrick Keifert, that focuses on missional church issues.
Blog Posts
M is for missio dei
By Mary Sue Dreier Missio Dei (Latin for “mission of God”) has become one of the catchphrases of the missional church conversation. The phrase itself has a story to tell which illustrates the insights, importance, and implications it has for our future as a church in mission. Missio Dei was coined to express the essence…
M is for missional church
From Craig Van Gelder’s book The Ministry of the Missional Church: A Community Led by the Spirit: The church is. The church does what it is. The church organizes what it does. The interrelationship of all three aspects is important to understand. The church is. The church’s nature provides the framework and foundation for understanding…
Devotion: They Gave Themselves First to the Lord
Text: 2 Corinthians 8:1-6 What does it mean to “give yourself first to the Lord”? What form does that take in your life? When is it easier to give yourself first to the Lord, during times of plenty or times of less-than-plenty? Devotion: They Gave Themselves First to the Lord Feb. 2004 2 Corinthians 8:1-6 “We…
Pennies for God
Mark 12: 41-44 This lesson uses pennies, the story of the Widow’s Mite or Offering and the Story about Stone Soup to show how even a small gift when added to the gifts of others can provide abundantly for all. Participants will be asked to bring canned food for the local food shelf and…
Calculating the Cost
Luke 19: 1-10 This lesson uses the story of Zacchaeus to look at giving a percentage of income to the poor. It will encourage participants to pledge giving a percentage of their allowance or income to the poor. It also teaches briefly about the terms, “tithe” and “benevolence.” The main idea of this lesson is…
Stewardship Lesson Overview
This is an overview and guide for a series of three lessons on generosity of about 50-60 minutes. Each is created for mixed age groups containing adults, children and youth. LEADER’S GUIDE AND OVERVIEW Financial Stewardship Lesson Plans for Mixed Age Groups Created by Dr. Diane E. Shallue December 2008 INTRODUCTION This is a series…
Stewardship Lesson #2: Trusting the Promises of God
Pastor Paul Stjernholm speaks of the potential that is within a seed and the bounty that we receive from God.
Stewardship Lesson # 1: Give in Proportion to What God has Given You
A stewardship sermon on 2 Corinthians 8 and Matthew 25.
Stewardship Lesson #3: Giving First Fruits
Pastor Rolf Svanoe delivers a sermon that reminds us of giving the first fruits from God, for all that comes to us is what God has given to us.
Temple Talks
Powerful temple talks occur when a respected member of the congregation speaks during a worship service conveying a spiritual message on how God has been present in their lives and how that has led to generosity. Â Temple talks of this nature have literally been the key to significant changes in attitudes and behavior for…
A Theology for Christian Stewardship
“From the doctrine of creation we derive the concepts of God’s sovereignty and our trusteeship and responsibility. From the doctrine of redemption we derive our insight into the grace which restores sinners into fellowship with God and awakens the gratitude, joy and love which motivates us to give our lives to our Redeemer. From the…
Living in Abundance: Faith Working through Love (Session 3 of 3)
A three-part series of Bible lessons about stewardship. The second session looks at the distinction between faith and works as they relate to stewardship. Living in Abundance: Faith Working through Love Opening prayer Blessed Lord God, you have caused the Holy Scriptures to be written for the nourishment of your people. Grant that we may…
Living in Abundance: Jesus, Money and Faith (Session 2 of 3)
A three-part series of Bible lessons about stewardship. The second session looks at how Jesus talks about money and faith. Living in Abundance: “Jesus, Money and Faith” Opening Prayer: O God of power and might, your Son shows us the way of service, and in him we inherit the riches of your grace. Give us…
Living in Abundance: Perspectives from Classic Texts in Scripture (Session 1 of 3)
A three-part series of Bible lessons about stewardship. The first session looks at how Genesis uses words like “image of God” and “dominion” to talk about stewardship. Living in God’s Abundance: Perspectives from Classic Texts in Scripture Opening prayer God Almighty, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ: Grant us, we pray, to be grounded and…