Resources & Helpful Links
* Websites * Videos * Printed Materials * CONNECT Articles
Websites
Useful websites as you research and evaluate your congregation’s stewardship ministry.
Click here to download this page in pdf format
Recommended by Philip Reitz, EOCM Stewardship Specialist
- ELCA Stewardship Website, Connection to ELCA staff including deployed staff and resources and programs of the ELCA Stewardship Team. Includes a monthly stewardship newsletter that can be downloaded and connections to mission interpreters and other resources. http://www.elca.org/stewardship/
- Stewardship of Life Institute, is headquartered at the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, Gettysburg, Pa. The Institute's mission is to serve stewardship in the ELCA through its seminaries. Find great resources and a weekly stewardship reflection. Visit http://www.stewardshipoflife.org/index.htm
- Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minn., is the largest ELCA seminary. This site features helps for steward leaders, sermons and Bible studies and free e-mail newsletters. Visit http://www.luthersem.edu/stewardship/
- Augsburg Fortress Publishers stocks stewardship resources for your congregation in their on-line store. Just type "Stewardship" in the search box and click "Go". Visit http://www.augsburgfortress.org/store/
- Simply Giving, the electronic fund transfer program that enables members to deduct their offering automatically. Check it out: http://www.thrivent.com/fraternal/churchcommunity/simplygiving.html
- Ecumenical Stewardship Center is home to "Giving Magazine" with accompanying stewardship materials. Visit http://stewardshipresources.org/
- Design for Ministry features the on-line stewardship education newsletter "Depth Perception" written by Mark L. Vincent, whose mission is to help congregations work effectively for their intended purpose. Visit http://www.DesignForMinistry.com
- Good Sense Ministry a stewardship ministry developed by Willow Creek Association provides small group, Biblically based, budgeting ministry. Helps people develop and sustain healthy financial habits as part of full life of service to God. Very usable materials. http://www.goodsenseministry.com/
- Women of the ELCA offers its stewardship planning guide, information about designated gifts, stewardship reflections, and the current Thankoffering Service. Visit http://www.womenoftheelca.org/whatwedo/stewardship.html
- The Tithing Foundation offers a variety of pamphlets and studies on Tithing and Giving. One resource is titled “Why Tithe?” by Mark P. Gravrock (item #240) http://www.tithingfoundation.org
- Share Save Spend is a web site based on the work of Nathan Dungan author of “Prodigal Son, Material Girls: How Not to be Your Kids ATM.” He focuses on contemporary issues and money related to youth and families. http://www.sharesavespend.com/index.php
- ELCA Region 1 website, currently under construction due to change in web host. Does have contacts to local people resources in Region 1 and connections to other stewardship sites. http://elcaregion1.org/stewardship/index.html
Rev. Philip Reitz, D.Min.
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Evangelical Outreach and Congregational Mission
Stewardship Specialist
766 John Street STE B
Seattle, WA 98109
206.624.0093 ext.104 / 800.755.5831 ext.104
reitzpl@msn.com
Stewardship Videos
Click here to download this page in pdf format (pdf)
Spring 2006 List prepared by Philip Reitz, ELCA Deployed Stewardship Specialist 800.755.5831 ext 104 / email: reitzpl@msn.com
Faithful and Wise: Being a Good Steward (2004) (Paraclete)
V-1374 Presenter Mark Vincent helps us look at how we can expand our giving into every facet of our lives. To be a faithful and wise steward means to acknowledge that God owns all things -- our possessions, our time, our talents and skills, our physical environment, our spiritual environment and our money. (45 minutes) Also available in DVD format--D-13
Love the Earth and Be Healed (United Methodist Communications)
V-1387 A series of six videos proposing that the earth is in trouble because we stopped loving it in order to use it. The series is organized into “Facing Our Dilemmas,” In This Web Together,” How Much is Enough?”, “Loving Nature,” Not In Anybody’s Backyard!” and “Celebrating the Earth.”
Celebrate What’s Right with the World: Dewitt Jones (Star Thrower Distribution) V-1325 Dewit Jones has been a freelance photographer for National Geographic for more than 20 years. He asks in his production “Do we choose to see possibilities? Do we really believe they’re there?” Do you have a vision for your organization? Celebrating what’s right with the world enables us to recognize the options and opportunities before us. Also available in DVD.
Don’t Sit on Your Stuff (2002) (Mennonite Media)
V-1261 In this youth bible study about giving, Ted and Lee, as disciples Peter and Andrew, explore Jesus’ parable of the master and his three servants and figure out that they shouldn’t “sit on their stuff.” This leads to a discussion of what to do with our own stuff – our time, money and talents. (21 minutes)
Break Forth into Joy! (1995) (Alternatives)
V28 Break forth into joy. . . beyond a consumer lifestyle. See how our obsession with buying and owning affects the earth, other people and the human spirit. We are called toward a lifestyle that is more fulfilling and joyful. Region 1 EYTV Productions
Generosity! (1997) (Michael Meier/Evergreen Youth Television)
V753 Stewardship music video for youth, explores the theme of generosity in daily life from the perspective of junior and senior youth.
The Money Dream (2000) (Philip Reitz/Evergreen Youth Television)
V998 Explore attitudes and values about spending through this energetic youth oriented video. As in life,there are no right and wrong. Clarifying and strengthening financial life skills is what this video is about. Jr and Sr High youth will enjoy where this video takes them. (Copies of these videos are available at a minimal charge through the Region 1 Stewardship office)
Managing God’s Good Gifts (1999) (Mennonite Foundation of Canada)
V945 Nine lesson outlines for group discussion or individual study on a variety of stewardship themes. Excellent workbook. 1. Good News 2. Contentment 3. Generosity 4. Money 5. Accumulation 6. Estate Planning 7. Skills and Abilities 8. Time 9. Creation.
Living with Money (2003) (Episcopal Media Center)
V-1332 This course examines money in the context of the Christian faith. A diverse panel of experts encourages open dialog about money, power, decisions, values and more in four 20-minute video segments. A Leader’s Guide provides ideas for leading study groups and a sample Participants Journal provides additional commentary, Bible studies and questions designed to provoke lively conversation.
Beyond the News: Money (1999) (Mennonite Media Productions)
V965 Ten lessons: The choices we make about money. 1. Money: How is our thinking about money influenced by society and family? 2. To be Blessed: Is having a lot of material things a sign of God’s blessing? 3. The Call: In what ways does following Jesus change my life? 4. To be a Steward: Does stewardship mean careful spending or taking risks? 5. Security/Idolatry: Where do we find security? Do investments deny our security in God? 6. Wealth: Enough Is. . . Do we need everything we can afford? 7. Production/Consumption: How does following Jesus affect our choices about what we eat, what we wear, what we do for recreation? 8. Poverty: What excuses do we use to protect ourselves from the suffering in the world? 9. First Fruits/Giving: Why limit tithing to 10 percent? 10. Teaching children: How do we teach children to understand the difference between needs and desires?
Curing Affluenza: Featuring Tony Campolo (1998) (UMCom Productions)
V895 Abundant Life Set of six videos–25 minutes each: “Abundant Life: What is it?”, “Money: How poor does Jesus want us to be?”, “Time: How much do I have to give away?”, “Stuff: How much can I have?”, “Support: What will help?” and “Next: What do I do come Monday morning?”
Leading Edge: How to Increase Giving in Your Church.
V709 How to Increase Awareness and Encourage Good Stewardship (1996) (Gospel Light) From the George Barna series.
Carpe Diem (1997) (Word Publishing)
V755 Features Tony Campolo with wise insights into how to reach out and rediscover a zest for life.Challenges viewers to invest in people rather than possessions. For Adults or Youth.
Leadership for the Congregation: Growing Stewards in the Parish (1997)(Produced by Trinity Lutheran Seminary) V761 Eight topics presented briefly (3-7 minutes each). Suitable for devotions and adult forums.
The Merchants of Cool (1999) (PBS Video–Distributed by Alternatives)
V1189 Teenagers today have more money and independence than ever before. Their lives have become the object of obsessive focus by corporate America. FRONTLINE explores the culture in which today’s American teenager is growing up and how they have come to view themselves and their parents. (60 minutes)
Other Videos for Youth
Edge TV 28: Haves and Have Nots (1998) (NavPress)
V901 (Designed for use with youth): Have$ and Have Not$, Your Best/Worst Childhood Memory, Drama: The Last Person on Earth, Making a Difference: Enrique Lives!
Ever-Expanding Circles (1996) (PC-USA)
V678 A stewardship video curriculum for youth in five parts. Focuses on different issues of concern to young people as they grow into adolescence. These topics include self esteem, the stewardship of relationships, money, power and social status, the environment and mission.
Whole People, Whole Earth (1996) (Mennonite Media)
V705 Curriculum contains 15 sessions. Help your youth tackle today’s tough issues-- explores peace, service and the environment. Topics including: Shalom in the Old Testament, Violence on TV, Choosing an Occupation, Risk-taking for Peace, Personal Spirituality, People We’d Like to Ignore, Positive Images of Self, Date Rape, Youth and Service and Are there Limits to our Commitment?
Please call Janet Nelson, 1-800-755-5831 Ext 103 or 206-624-0093 Ext 103, at Region 1 ELCA to inquire about videos on this list.
A Reading / Resource List on Financial Stewardship
Click here to download this list. (pdf)
Spring 2006 List prepared by Philip Reitz, ELCA Deployed Stewardship Specialist 800.755.5831 ext 104 / email: reitzpl@msn.com
Vincent, Mark L.; adapted by Michael Meier. The Whys and Hows of Money Leadership: A Workbook for Pastors and Lay Leaders. ELCA, 2003. This seven lesson workbook starts by helping leaders understand their own money story and concludes by helping leaders lead more effectively in congregation stewardship ministry. This is not a stewardship commitment program, but will provide insights and encouragement to those who teach stewardship at any level in the church.
Lane, Charles. Ask, Thank, Tell: Improving Stewardship Ministry in Your Congregation. Augsburg Fortress, 2006. A refreshing and new look at congregation stewardship ministry. Grounded in the Biblical call to discipleship, the author combines theological depth with practical ideas. The writing is easy to understand but not simplistic. This may be the only book on stewardship you’ll need.
Powell, Mark Allan. Giving to God: The Bible’s Good News about Living a Generous Life.Wm. B. Eerdmans, 2006, ISBN 10:0-8028-2926-0. Widely known for his work in spiritual formation and congregational ministries, Powell tackles the ministry of stewardship in this very readable book full of stories and reflections that are practical and candid with the realities of today’s congregation. Biblically grounded and theologically shaped Powell explores the “duty’ and “delight” of a generous response in giving to God.
Miller, Herb. Full Disclosure: Everything the Bible Says About Financial Giving. Discipleship Resources, 1992, ISBN 0-88177-411-1. Why a book first written in 1989? Herb Miller claims to report every Old and New Testament theme that relates to giving to God. A well-known speaker and leader in the areas of evangelism and stewardship, Miller provides a timeless resource that outlines Biblical stewardship themes and compiles a listing of Biblical passages that relate to stewardship. This book is a valuable resource for anyone looking for practical and Biblical information for preaching or teaching financial giving.
Pamela York Klainer. How Much is Enough?: Harness the Power of Your Money Story – And Change Your Life Basic Books, 2002, ISBN 0-465-03748-8: “This is not another work/life balance book. It . . .invites honesty in reference to money and which does not impose a set of value judgments on the reader’s personal choices…at the same time exceedingly compelling and challenging.”
John L Golv. Our Stewardship: Managing Our Assets. Augsburg Fortress ‘Congregational Leader Series’, 2002, ISBN 0-8066-4406-0. A good introductory book for stewardship leaders that covers a vide range of topics from management of property and facilities to year around stewardship teaching to endowment planning. Why does your congregation have the gifts it has and how are these gifts used? Reproducible tools included with the book add to its value. A good resource for strategic planning, management, finance, stewardship and property teams.
Dan Hotchkiss. Ministry and Money: A guide for Clergy and their Friends. 2002. An Alban Institute Publication ISBN: 1-56699-261-3. The book gives simple, direct, practical information and tools to help congregations manage dollars and make sense. He opens up both personal and congregational issues – money in the life of clergy and congregations.
Michael Meier. Step by Step: Fostering financial stewardship in your congregation. 2001. A publication of the ELCA Division for Congregational Ministries available through Augsburg Fortress: “Stewardship is about money, but it is not only about money.” Written originally for mission developer pastors and lay leaders of newly formed congregations this booklet provides an overview of stewardship through 17 practical steps that build solid commitment among members to financially support their church with great joy and purpose. The best part of the booklet is the bonus section - “The Theology of Stewardship”. A great resource for pastors and lay leaders.
Donald W. Joiner. Creating a Climate for Giving. 2001 ISBN 0-88177-318-2. This book can help you develop a theology for funding ministry, managing annual campaigns, developing year-round strategies for stewardship growth, moving people from being bill payers to being Christian philanthropists.
Michael O’Hurley-Pitts. The Passionate Steward: Recovering Christian Stewardship from Secular Fundraising. 2001. St Brigid Press. ISBN 0-9731378-0-0. This book is a forthright and critical review of the assumptions and practices of secular philanthropy as these have been adopted and applied by the Christian Church. It advocates a reengagement with a Christian theological and biblical agenda.
J. Clif Christopher and Herb Mather. Holy Smoke! Whatever Happened to Tithing? 1999. ISBN 0-88177-284-4. In six chapters the authors present a survey of literature on tithing, a look at the practice in scripture, practical answers to frequently asked questions about tithing, a comprehensive process for helping congregations develop a long-term plan for nurturing this spiritual discipline, a discussion of the relationship between tithing and planned giving.
Duval, Michael. Creating Congregations of Generous People. An Alban Institute Publication, 1999, ISBN 1-56699-220-6 What kind of people does our churches challenge us to become? Traditional pledge drives reinforce low-level giving. Can generosity be taught? Will Lutherans ever give as much as Pentecostals? What can churches ask people to give? The average budget provides no reason for generous giving and countless excuses for token giving. Will members of your congregation flourish? Questions, insights, research, critique and common sense suggestions for congregation steward leaders.
McNamara, Patrick H. More Than Money: Portraits of Transformative Stewardship. An Alban Institute Publication, 1999, ISBN 1-56699-215-X
A wondrous journey to 11 congregations (Congregational, UCC, Disciples of Christ, Episcopal, Lutheran, Presbyterian) across the United States that have been transformed by living out stewardship that is more than fund-raising. Common themes for these congregations include: a working theology of stewardship, pastoral leadership, an emphasis on the actual experience of God’s grace, a commitment to service, and people bold in calling each other to give. Be forewarned, however, stewardship must be contextualized in the differences and particularities of each congregation.
Carter,William G., editor. Speaking of Stewardship: model sermons on money and possessions. Geneva Press, Louisville, Kentucky, 1998, Reprinted 1999, ISBN 0-664-50031-5: Compare your preaching to 23 model sermons including, ‘The Top Five Reasons Why I Don’t Tithe Yet.’ and ‘Don’t Touch the Chicken Until We See If They Are Hungry.’ Worth it for the introduction alone. Also includes a bibliography.
Reumann, John. Stewardship and the Economy of God. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1992, ISBN 0-8028-0653-8 “For many Christians the term stewardship means fund-raising. Paradoxically, with the advent of the environmental movement, it has acquired another sense: stewardship as care for the earth. ... (the author) constructs a theology of stewardship that is at once faithful to the Scriptures and applicable to the lives of Christians today.”
Wheeler, Sonda Ely. Wealth as Peril and Obligation: The New Testament on Possessions. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1995, ISBN 0-8028-0733-X. This timely study of the New Testament helps bring clarity to one of the great ethical dilemmas of the modern church - the moral status of wealth and the ownership of property and possessions in relation to Christian faith.
Vincent, Mark L. A Christian View of Money: Celebrating God’s Generosity (Herald Press, 1997 ISBN 0-8361-9451-9) and Speaking About Money: Reducing the Tension (Herald Press, 2001, ISBN 0-8361-9147-1) Living a financially faithful life means accepting complex decisions. Vincent outlines the role and power of money in our culture and invites a Biblical context in which to face the everyday ethical decisions that Christian persons live with. Congregations seeking to foster purposeful and spiritual teaching today will talk about money!
Grimm, Eugene. Generous People: How to Encourage Vital Stewardship. 1992. Abingdon Press. IBSN 0-687-14045-5. The book provides down-to-earth prescriptions to move us beyond myths, help us know how to organize, energize, and equip local stewardship leaders, and how to effectively execute stewardship programs in churches of
every size.
Dungan, Nathan. Prodigal Sons & Material Girls: How Not to Be Your Child’s ATM. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2003, ISBN 0-471-25069-4. Madison Avenue has our kids in their cross hairs. Our culture of spending victimizes not only our children but the families they grow up in. What role does the church have in reordering this consumer society gone awry? Dungan’s critique of the church and parental leadership is right on the mark. He also offers a straightforward call to help kids build their lives on more satisfying values and behavior. He uses the ‘Share-Save-Spend’ formula as a basis for his appeal to churches to be a trusting, skilled community in which kids and families can reclaim spiritual and relationship values for their financial habits.
CONNECT Articles and Titles:
CONNECT Spring 2007: 'Three Promises'
CONNECT Winter 2006: 'Creating More with Less' & 'The Tale of Two Churches'
CONNECT Summer 2006: 'Stewardship Toolkit'
CONNECT Spring 2006: 'Money'
CONNECT Winter 2005: 'Stewardship Stories'
CONNECT Spring 2005: 'Be Generous'
CONNECT Summer 2005: ' 'Give Away' Native American Generosity' & 'Stewards 2025'
CONNECT Fall 2005: 'Living from the Front'
CONNECT Winter 2004: 'Small Member Congregation Thrives on Giving ' &
'Choice + Progress = Unhappiness'
CONNECT Spring 2004: 'Are You Tending the Tree?'
CONNECT Summer 2004: 'With Joy and Thanksgiving'
CONNECT Fall 2004: 'Stewardship Buzz Sessions -- A time to share giving stories' by John Aakre & 'HANDS-ON' Stewardship by Philip Reitz
CONNECT Winter 2003: 'Thanking Six Times' & 'Knowing When to Tear Up Your Pledge Card'
CONNECT Spring 2003: 'Looking at our Response' & 'Hold the Phone'
CONNECT Summer 2003: 'The Right Decision...The Right Reasons...The Right Time!' & Connecting with Your Stories'
CONNECT Fall 2003: 'Receive...Reflect...Rejoice...Respond!'
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