Stewardship Resources 2012
Check out the stewardship resources below. If you would like more information on any of these resources, call Lisa at the WND Synod Office, 701-223-5312.
SHARE YOUR EXPERTISE! If you have especially liked a particular stewardship resource (whether or not it’s listed here), please pass along your feedback to the synod office. Others would be happy to gain from your experience. Testimonials welcome! Call 701-223-5312, or email Lisa at lisaahlness@hotmail.com.
Websites:
There are several websites with excellent stewardship resources and descriptions of them. Two of the best are:
Be sure to sign up for the e-newsletter on the luthersem site! Also, check with the synod office before you order from the ELCA site; sometimes we have the resource here.
See also:
If you are looking into allowing offerings via online giving, please see:
Periodicals:
- GIVING magazine, published annually by the Ecumenical Stewardship Center
- Stories of Faith in Action, published annually by the Evangleical Lutheran Church in America
Workshops:
Contact Rev. Lisa Ahlness if you are interested in scheduling one of these workshops with your congregation.
- “Money Leadership for Thriving Congregations” Can be done as an overnight retreat or in six sessions. Lays a scriptural foundation for money management and allows you to address money issues in your context.
- “Asset Mapping” A 90 minute workshop which can be a great jump-start if you’re stuck in a rut and not seeing any options, or if you’re beginning something new. Can also be done in conjunction with the book “The Great Permission: An Asset-based Field Guide for Congregations.” (available from ELCA)
- “Stewardshops” is a series of skill-based workshops for stewardship leaders in congregations. Through these workshops leaders become prepared to introduce and implement basic practices within the congregation. Each workshop addresses a specific stewardship skill from thanking people to asking for contributions to fostering accountability. Free online materials linked to ELCA stewardship website.
- “Ventures in Growing Stewards”is a four-part workshop series that develops a vision and plan for growing stewards through a year round stewardship ministry. The process is organic in that each congregation develops an approach to fit their context and culture. With a trained leader provided by the synod, a cluster of six to eight congregations journey together for ten months. Each congregation has a team of four to six people. Eight different annual financial response alternatives are provided. The results have included spiritual renewal, developing a team-based approach to ministry, increases in regular giving, and growth in mission interpretation and support.
Books & DVDs Available From the WND Synod Office:
E-mail wnd.synod@midconetwork.com to request these resources:
Books:
- “Giving to God: The Bible’s Good News about Living a Generous Life” by Mark Allan Powell. Eerdman’s, 2006.
- “Generous People: How to Encourage Vital Stewardship” by Eugene Grimm. Abingdon Press, 1992.
- “The Great Permission: An Asset-Based Field Guide for Congregations” by Bob Sitze. ELCA, 2002.
- “Ask, Thank, Tell: Improving Stewardship Ministry in Your Congregation” by Charles Lane. Augsburg Fortress, 2006.
- “Whose Offering Plate Is It? New Strategies For Financial Stewardship” by Clif Christopher. Abingdon, 2010.
- “Passing the Plate: Why American Christians Don’t Give Away More Money” by Christian Smith and Michael Emerson,et al. Oxford University Press, 2008.
- “New Consecration Sunday” (stewardship program) by Herb Miller. Abingdon, 2007.
- “Rethinking Stewardship: Our Culture, Our Theology, Our Practices.” Special Issue: Word and World Supplement Series 6. Ed. Fred Gaiser. Luther Seminary, 2010.
- “Not Your Parents’ Offering Plate: A New Vision for Financial Stewardship” by Clif Christopher. Abingdon, 2008.
- “Our Stewardship: Managing Our Assets” by John Golv. Congregational LEADER series. Augsburg Fortress, 2002.
DVDs available:
- “Biblical Stewardship: Our Duty and Delight” with Dr. Mark Allan Powell. (6 sessions)
- “10-10-80” The goal of this easy-to-use program is to introduce youth to a life of balanced financial stewardship by sharing 10%, saving 10%, and spending wisely 80% of their income. For more information, check out an exciting resource for confirmation class or a youth retreat at http://www2.elca.org/stewardship/101080 (including free downloadable resources).
- “Make It Simple” a resource for Stewardship education and annual response.
- “Stories to Tell and Gifts to Share” also full of education and annual response resources.