Is generosity wise? How many of us, if asked to describe the behavior of the widow who dropped her last two copper coins into the temple treasury (Mark 12:41-44), would call her “wise”? What if we removed the story fromRead more…
The Risks of Generosity
Almost every time we engage a broader group of leaders from the church around the topic of generosity, we get this question: “What is the tipping point of generosity where you move from being a good steward of God’s resourcesRead more…
10 Habits of Remarkably Giving People
Think about people you truly respect. Think about people you truly admire. Think about people you love to be around. They may not be rich. They may not be highly accomplished. They may not be household names. Yet you love toRead more…
A Steward’s Relationship With the Owner
Most definitions of stewardship include in one way or another the concept “to manage resources that belong to another.” But what most definitions miss is a critical aspect of a steward’s role: that stewards manage those resources in order to achieveRead more…
We’ve Seen the Future and It Is…Collaborative!
This is a very interesting blog on leadership skills in the social sector. Since social engagement is an integrated part of the life of a spiritual leader, it is important to Christian leaders as well. A social sector leader needs toRead more…
Can We Talk About Money at Church?
Over the next few weeks, folks who attend churches following the Revised Common Lectionary (a pattern of readings following the church year) will be treated to a number of parables in Luke’s Gospel that have to do with money. Luke,Read more…
Is Church the Place for Financial Education?
EE has been replaced by FPU. The church specialty classes that are most widely attended are now focused on money. That’s interesting isn’t it? It wasn’t too long ago that the money conversation was taboo in church circles. PeopleRead more…
Ministries Don’t Need Money!
Now that I have your attention, allow me to explain my statement. The New Testament presents at least three things ministries (groups of Christ-followers working together on mission) need, and money is not one of them. 1. Ministries need leaders whoRead more…
What Does a Ministry-Fueling Alliance Look Like?
The video tells Lisa and Kenn Dirrim’s story. After lengthy careers, Lisa in banking and Kenn as a firefighter, the Dirrims sensed a call to missions and followed Jesus to Athens, Greece. “Today is Friday,” the video begins, with LisaRead more…
THE BIAS OF GENEROSITY
There seems to be a trend these days concerning the need to be generous. I do hope it is more than a trend. However, it seems to create a greater schism at times between the haves and have nots, betweenRead more…