Why Jesus?
Share stories of faith and listen deeply to others.
Clergy
I’m here to find resources that can help me innovate faithfully and renew Christian communities.
Gratitude & Grace
There are many G-words in the English-speaking church world; God, Good, Glory, Giving. But in the work of stewardship and congregation maintenance, peering closely at budgets and the results of giving campaigns, squinting at the numbers can obscure the big “G”s of Grace and Gratitude. This week, Sean Mitchell explains the importance of gratitude strategies…
Unwrapping the Annual Campaign
The annual stewardship appeal ripples through many congregations in the fall, but the planning should begin much earlier. In today’s post, my colleague Catherine Malotky shares some of her congregation’s takeaways from last year’s campaign. It’s not too early — in fact, it’s the perfect time now — to start thinking about your approach to…
No More Junk Mail
Stewardship ministry is about big, conceptual, theological challenges. And, it’s also be about smaller, tactical, practical choices. In today’s newsletter I consider how quarterly giving statements might function as inspiration, and not just another piece of junk mail. Yours truly, Adam J. Copeland, Center for Stewardship Leaders It took a few months, but I finally…
Together For Good
As we tumble into the Easter season, we remember stories about how the disciples first banded together to relish and share news of the Resurrection, and can examine room for collaboration in our own ministry contexts. Individualism and even social media can reinforce the idea that we’re telling stories independently from each other, but sharing the Gospel…
Seeds of Generosity
The assumption goes that congregation members can support the salaries of their leaders. But that’s not necessarily the case with prison ministries, college ministries, and ministries focused on people experiencing homelessness. In today’s post, campus ministry leader Rev. Sarah Hooker explains her approach to inviting members to support college ministry. As Sarah explains, the invitation…
Pounding on the Pulpit
What if people were inspired by love at the thought of stewardship, instead of sighing with exasperation? After all, isn’t stewardship ultimately about God’s love for us and the ways we might respond in the world God loves? This week, Megan Torgerson reveals the concrete nature of that connection, saying love grounds our vocation —…
Capital Success
One of the assignments I give students in our Money & the Mission of the Church class invites them to imagine stewardship from scratch. I invite them — using the power of imagination — to consider what the “ideal” form of stewardship would be in a church they could invent in their mind’s eye. Where…
Tithed & Tired vs “Storied & Inspired”
For many Christians, the word “stewardship” seems like a gilded demand for “tithing,” giving 10% of one’s income to a local congregation. It may surprise you, but I’m not really a fan of tithing. In addition to being biblically suspect, tithing lacks thoughtful practicality, given what we know about people’s varying giving levels. At last…
Strategic Giving for Retirees
I’ve always found it fascinating that the season of Lent includes “tax season” as well. Might we use the liturgical time of self-reflection, penitence, and realignment to consider our relationship with money and giving? In today’s post, Dana Holt explores how a particular demographic — retirees over 70 ½ — may give from their retirement…
Why Faith+Lead?
Why did we build Faith+Lead–and where do we believe God is calling?
A Fresh Vision in Stewarding
Don’t talk to me about stewardship as if it is this thing I do. Talk to me about how I am a steward.
Millenials! Am I right?
A healthy stewardship approach is taught by example, recognition, and constructive feedback – not shame and stereotypes. Yet even in the church, young people are often the punchline of jokes and complaints. So, this week, Rev. Anders Peterson does some myth-busting on what it means to be a Millenial. Being a Millienial church leader, myself — one who…
Fixing a Toxic Team Culture
Do you have to fire someone to fix a toxic team culture?
Engaging Millennials & More Cashless Giving
The rate of change for many of our congregations doesn’t quite keep up with shifts in the broader culture. Oftentimes, that serves as a blessing. At other times — especially when engaging financial stewardship — this rate of change can stall our ministry. This week, mission developer Anders Peterson reflects on digital giving. If your…