Blogs and Articles
To encourage worshipful, generous-hearted living
For the most recent blog or to see articles by dates, look down the list on the right.
A major trend among our denominational leaders these days is to look for measurable outcomes for our life together. That’s easy to do for some quantitative measures – what some people call “bodies and bucks” – but how can we measure our ministries qualitatively – for example, in our stewardship and generosity as a congregation?…
Read MoreEssentials: Plan for Our Congregation: Who did or is doing this: Done/Date: 1. Vision – “God-Sized Goals” Compelling Vision Statement Notes: “Scope of Ministries” or “Narrative Budget” that focuses on changed lives Notes: 2. Ministry-Centered Budgeting Process Notes: 3. Vital Connection to Mission Notes: Opportunities for…
Read MoreBuilding a Generosity Plan for For Our Congregation Desired Outcomes or Results: For example: 1. Growing vibrant, faithful stewards (personal growth) 2. Maturing as a vital congregation of gospel stewards (congregational growth) 3. Building a local church of generous hearts and lives 4. Strengthening the stewardship of the church’s full ministry (mutual support with…
Read MoreMany church leaders think it is so difficult just dealing with the crises of the next six months, they can’t imagine planning ahead for three or more years! But the truth is it’s easier to plan when we look further out in time, for at least five reasons: 1. Taking a longer view helps us…
Read MoreCommittee or Work Area Planning Sheet Your response on this sheet will help our congregation set our sights for next year in terms of goals, financial support, time and effort. We’ll put these dreams together and turn them into plans for the church family during our church planning retreat on [date]. Please fill out this…
Read MoreGenerational Stewardship Chart
Read MoreCall to Worship Song: “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” UM Hymnal No. 400 Litany: Gracious, giving God, You have blessed us with every gift, and especially with the gift of Jesus, who came that we all might have abundant and eternal life. We give You our hearts and our lives! We…
Read MoreAll print resources are available from http://www.cokesbury.com Betsy Schwarzentraub A Disciple’s Path: Deepening Your Relationship With Christ and the Church Leader Guide with CD and Companion Reader, by James A. Harnish with Justin LaRosa A Spirituality of Fundraising by Henri Nouwen, edited by John Mogabgab Afire With God: Becoming Spirited Stewards, by Betsy Schwarzentraub Committed…
Read MoreGo and See – (Ecumenical Stewardship Center) Go and See is a Sunday morning mission fair inspired by the miracle of loaves and fishes. This festival approach encourages participants in a sense of discovery and wonder – discovering the gifts God has given us, and wondering at the joy and increase the Holy Spirit brings…
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