June 2011 – Ecumenical Stewardship Center

11Jun 2011 by Joe Tolton No Comments

Let the Children Give: Time, Talents, Love, and Money

by Delia Halverson, Discipleship Resources, 2007, ISBN-13: 978-0881775013 With a special emphasis on very young children through children in grade six, this ten chapter book begins with a biblical and historical background of stewardship. Halverson states that “our task today is to bring back the understanding of stewardship that was prevalent in the early church, the understanding that all that we have belongs to God, and as stewards we must recognize the mission of God as dominant in our lives.” To help a congregation’s educators evaluate the approach this resource uses with stewardship, Halverson supplies practical ideas for weaving stewardship into the lesson plans and specific methods for practicing a lifestyle of stewardship. Recognizing that we all learn through varying experiences (i.e. Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences), several chapters are devoted to…

11Jun 2011 by Joe Tolton No Comments

52 Ways to Ignite Your Congregation: Generous Giving

Biblical, Congregations, Resource Review

by William C. Green, The Pilgrim Press, 2010, ISBN-13: 978-0829818529 This book is a real help in promoting a generous discipleship that is at the core of what it is to be a Christian. Its biblically grounded advice tells how to promote a context in which generosity will grow. “Questions for Action” set the tone for the next set of questions, which are categorized under “Facing Obstacles and Moving Ahead.” Green’s Bible studies alone are worth the purchase of the book. I found the structure of the book thoughtful, and it’s very usable as a study book. I would recommend this book for use by church stewardship committees and ministers with stewardship responsibilities. Generosity is part of being a disciple. Some people learn generosity as they grow up, but for…

11Jun 2011 by Joe Tolton No Comments

Not Your Parents’ Offering Plate: A New Vision for Financial Stewardship

Congregations, Holistic, Resource Review, Stewardship

By J. Clif Christopher, Abingdon Press, 2008, ISBN-13: 9780687648535 What motivates twenty-first century people to be generous in supporting their congregations? How can congregations craft a stewardship ministry that both raises funds for the church’s mission and helps people grow spiritually? Not Your Parents’ Offering Plate offers insight into the answers to questions such as these. Christopher presents not another theology of stewardship but rather a practical guide for translating theology into action. Filled with engaging anecdotes and concrete suggestions, this book will be most useful for pastors who want to approach stewardship not as one more responsibility but as a key for helping people connect their faith and their material lives. Review by D. Michael Bennethum, director for evangelical mission/associate of the bishop for the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod of…

11Jun 2011 by Joe Tolton No Comments

Ministry and Money: A Practical Guide for Pastors

Biblical, Leadership, Resource Review

By Janet T. Jamieson and Philip D. Jamieson, Westminster John Knox Press, 2009, ISBN: 978-0-664-231 This book gave my seminary students the best basic orientation to stewardship leadership I have found. One student who recognized its value said, “I am putting this book at a convenient place on my shelf.” 98-9 The authors begin with a reflection on the problem of money, explore history and Scripture, and engage in the formation of a theology of money. They continue by giving tools to interpret and develop congregational and personal practices that are theologically congruent. The book ends by pointing toward pastoral practices that expand the conversation about money to all of life. Review by Jerry Hoffman, director of the Center for Stewardship Leaders at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota.