One of the aims with the Lausanne communication focus on a specific ministry area, is to provide information on resources. From today (23 July) till Tuesday the 31st of July I will reflect on various kinds of generosity resources taking a group of resources every day. This might give a better understanding of what is available to encourage Christian giving in general and mission giving in particular. These resources will then be featured in the discussion. Please visit the Conversation on a regular basis to access the resources. I just want to emphasise immediately that this is only a selection of resources. There are many more. In addition the resources are mainly in English because of my linguistic ability. There are many more resources in languages such as German. We hope to add these resources in a future generosity knowledge base and information system. Please contact me if you know about resources in other languages that we can add to the different categories.
This is the schedule I will use:
- Monday (23 July) – Introduction and focus on generosity networks and centres
- Tuesday (24 July) – Generosity focus in Christian networks and churches
- Wednesday (25 July) – Generosity ministries
- Thursday (26 July) – Generosity courses and training
- Friday(27 July) – Generosity DVDs, videos, and other electronic resources
- Monday (30 July) – Generosity books
- Tuesday (31 July) – Generosity campaigns and final reflection on the resources.
Today I want to mention briefly generosity networks and centres I know about. Please visit the websites for further information on these networks and centres.
1) Generosity networks
- The Global Generosity Network (http://generositymovement.org/about/) is a joint initiative of the World Evangelical Alliance and Lausanne Movement to encourage stewardship, generosity and mission focussed giving amongst Christians globally. The Network catalyses generosity collaboration globally, creates generosity awareness, encourages generosity commitment and facilitates generosity engagement amongst others through the Generosity Declarations. The Global Generosity Network works closely with Rob Martin as Lausanne Senior Associate for Resource Mobilization.
- The Christian Leadership Alliance (www.christianleadershipalliance.org) is an association that serves 8,000 members working in more than 4,000 organizations worldwide. The Alliance encourages, equips and empowers Christian leaders to think biblically and lead effectively as faithful stewards in the service of Jesus Christ. Financial resource development and generosity is an important aspect of their engagement.
- The Christian Stewardship Network (www.christianstewardshipnetwork.com) helps local churches apply biblical stewardship principles in their daily activities. The Network offers fellowship opportunities for stewardship leaders, encourages the sharing of biblically sound stewardship resources and practices, and networks with organizations to advance the interest of stewardship in the church. Sermons, a booklist and other resources are available from the website.
- The Gathering (http://thegathering.com/) is a community of high capacity Christian givers who support each other. The network serves as a conduit to information, perspective, teaching and practical help in expanding giving vision and effectiveness.
- The Anglican Stewardship Association (www.asa.u-net.com/index.html) is an independent organisation for promoting effective and faith-based Christian stewardship. The Association developed amongst others various policies on different aspects of stewardship
- Fundraisers in Christian Organisations (www.institute-of-fundraising.org.uk/groups/sig-fundraisers-in-christian-organisations) is a forum for fundraisers working in Christian organisations in the UK. Linked to the Institute of Fundraising, the network supports and provides advice to fundraisers in more than 600 Christian ministries.
- The Christian Stewardship Association Philippines (http://csaphils.wordpress.com) is an inter-denominational non-profit organization whose mission is to teach God’s people stewardship of resources. The ministry has produced and conducted seminars, conferences, and monthly discussions on stewardship and fundraising. It is one of the founders of the Fundraising Institute that provides a certificate program in professional Christian fundraising and has helped NGOs in resource development.
- Disciple Nations Alliance (www.disciplenations.org) is a global movement of individuals, churches and ministries with a passion to affect transformation in their communities. Local churches are encouraged to embrace a Biblical worldview that will demonstrate in practical ways using their own financial and other resources.
2) Christian generosity centres
- The Asia Theological Seminary Stewardship Center (http://atscbs.wordpress.com/about/) offers programs to enhance the Biblical understanding and practice of biblical stewardship.
- Stewardship of Life Institute (www.stewardshipoflife.org/) is headquartered at the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, USA. The Institute’s mission is to serve stewardship in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America through stewardship teaching, discussions, resources and information.
- The Center for Faith and Giving (www.centerforfaithandgiving.org) aims to create a culture of generosity across the life of the church. It encourages and promotes the understanding of stewardship as a faith discipline and life practice in response to a generous God. This is being done through teaching program, sermon notes and other resources for use in congregations.
- Baylor University Institute for the Study of Religion (ISR) Program on Faith and Generosity (www.baylorisr.org/programs-research/faith-generosity/) is a research institute that assesses the role of faith in motivating generosity. It also evaluates the results of faith-based generosity in terms of how well recipient groups and programs achieve their goals or can be made more effective.
- Acton Institute (www.acton.org/) does not engage with generosity specifically but their focus on wealth and poverty issues includes a Christian approach to stewardship, generosity and giving.
I hoped that this information is useful. Please contact me if you know about more generosity focussed networks or centres.
Dr Sas Conradie is the Global Generosity Network Coordinator
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