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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…
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…
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…
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 —…
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…
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…
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 did we build Faith+Lead–and where do we believe God is calling?
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…
Do you have to fire someone to fix a toxic team culture?
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…
There are many ways to minster. This week, we hear from the Reverend Lisle Gwynn Garrity, who uses art as a tool for spiritual formation. In the piece below, she reflects on stewardship and the story of the prodigal son. Plus, as a bonus for church leaders planning for Lent, Lisle links these themes to…
No greater theme has led stewardship talk in the past generation than that of “abundance vs. scarcity.” In today’s piece, David Loleng acknowledges the popularity of the trope while seeking to add complexity. How does abundance language implicate cultural themes of conspicuous consumption or prosperity gospel? As an alternative, David suggests a humbler frame for…
Stewardship is an act of practical theology. Accordingly, context matters deeply. In today’s post, pastor Larissa Kwong Abazia engages the contextual challenges of contemporary culture and the call to stewardship. Additionally, I invite you to check out the “Invitation for Groundbreaking Research Project Participation with Fundraisers of Color” announcement at the bottom of this post….
The end of the month is always a good time to reflect on the past. This time we are looking way back, to the culture of the second century Christian Church, as described in the Book of Acts. Fellowship can be spontaneous, but stewardship of community requires dedication. I trust we all seek to improve…
