Today’s newsletter marks the launch of a series on Preaching and Stewardship in partnership with Working Preacher from Luther Seminary. For the next three weeks the email newsletter will also contain a short video, followed by some reflections. Today, the preaching moment video features Adam Hamilton, Senior Pastor of the 20,000 member Church of the…
“Stewardship” is a very difficult word to define. Most of us have a good enough, general idea what it means. It has to do with managing resources, right? It’s theological too. Reading today’s article by Deborah Rexrode reminded me of a particular definition. Kerry Alys Robinson says that stewardship is, “both the proper care of…
Last week we completed the successful launch of the center’s new website! The revamped page hosts all the resources of the older site, but in a more easy-to-navigate format. Users will find several categories on the right side of the site, and clicking on these reveals other posts under that category. Also, several years of…
Last week I wrote about several historic forms of funding the church. This week, we shift to considering electronic giving—automatic debits, buttons on websites, text-to-give options, and more. Speaking of technology, I’m thrilled to announce the Center for Stewardship Leaders is launching a vastly new and improved website. If all goes according to plan, by…
Growing up active in the church, I often heard a version of the following joke. It was usually told in Presbyterian circles, but I have a feeling it’d work in other denominations as well. Question: How many church leaders does it take to change a light bulb? Answer: Change! What’s that? Or, an alternative punchline…
Last week Chick Lane introduced the new book, Embracing Stewardship. This week, his co-author, Grace Duddy Pomroy continues the conversation. As Grace wisely notes, though many church leaders are hungry for resources beyond our congregation, sometimes our best resources come from within, if only we have ears to hear. Wherever you are on your stewardship…
Longtime readers of this newsletter will recognize an old friend today, Chick Lane, former director the Center for Stewardship Leaders. He and Grace Duddy Pomroy have recently published a fine new book, Embracing Stewardship. In next week’s newsletter, Grace will share her insight. This week, Chick highlights three first steps for the church to embrace. Yours…
There’s many ways to respond when faced with planning an annual stewardship campaign. Many leaders try avoidance. Others tepidly move forward. But there’s another way. As you will read below, pastor Christopher Henry embraces the moment. And for good reason because God is working in his congregation, and his ministry welcomes the opportunity to celebrate…
I recently attended a superb four-day workshop on religious fundraising. While the leaders did well to include thoughtful theology and emphasize the power of relationships over monetary transaction, some sessions could not avoid focusing on the nuts and bolts of asking for money. Surely the Spirit can work through a Case Statement, but it’s also…
Last week, we considered Andrew Carnegie’s 1889 essay, “The Gospel of Wealth.” This week we hear from Mike Slaughter, author of a book that came out last week. Slaughter’s book emerged from his popular sermon series, “The Christian Wallet,” given at Ginghamsburg Church, one of the largest Methodist congregations in the country. I’m drawn to…
In stewardship circles, among the historical writings referenced from time to time is Andrew Carnegie’s essay, “The Gospel of Wealth.” In today’s post, I highlight the paradoxes in the text, a piece that is at the same time vexing, brilliant, beautiful, and dangerous. What might “The Gospel of Wealth,” written over 125 years ago, teach…
We continue our new year romp through stewardship resources — books and beyond — with a word from Bob Sitze. His brand new book, Stewardshift is among those I’m eagerly waiting for my postal carrier to deliver. I especially appreciate how Bob pushes those of us serving in theological institutions (like me) to think beyond…
Over the next few weeks, the newsletter will explore some resources — books and beyond — that consider stewardship from a variety of perspectives. I’m starting things off with a book that may not be on many church leaders’ lists, but that certainly has something to teach us about artistry, giving, and a spirit of…
This week’s newsletter explores connections between Advent and stewardship by way of a surprising hymn text. We’ll be taking a two-week break for Christmas (and grading papers) and return in the new year. Happy Advent and Merry Christmas! Yours truly,Adam J. Copeland, DirectorCenter for Stewardship LeadersLuther Seminary Connections between Advent and Stewardshipby Adam J. Copeland …
This week we conclude our gratitude series with, well, gratitude to our fine contributors. As the series has gone on, I’ve been working a side project studying the simplicity movement. Some connections between simplicity and gratitude seem worth sharing in this week’s post. Yours truly,Adam J. Copeland, DirectorCenter for Stewardship LeadersLuther Seminary Gratitude and the…
