Fall into Stewardship Season: Resources for Churches and Clergy

In the Fall, the pastor is caught in the changing of seasons.  The leaves are changing outside, yet the well prepared minister knows that Fall is just as much about the ministry at hand (i.e. Trunk or Treat events, Youth Group apple picking or other uniquely Fall events) as well as the need to get ready for Advent and Christmas as well as stewardship and pledge season (and the big questions that inevitably await about preparing a 2015 budget.)

Next week's blog will share some thoughts on "Advent prep", however, in the meantime, let's talk about money and note that we may feel angst or pause for some awkward silence that usually accompanies the conversation some pastors and congregants have within themselves, let alone with each other. 

And then, let these resources below help you be more at ease in talking about part of God's abundance, the ministry and mission made possible by our tithes of time, talent and yes, treasure.  I wish you good reflection and then good preaching and presentations about "money and ministry" throughout this lead-up to Stewardship emphases as well as the rest of the year.  We cannot escape planning ahead to be effective in ministry, yet it's great to know that we're joined by many others willing to share the journey through their offerings of the following books and resources:

Christopher, J. Clif.  Not Your Parents’ Offering Plate: A New Vision for Financial Stewardship. 
Abingdon, 2008.

Cloughen, Charles, Jr.  One Minute Stewardship Sermons.  Morehouse, 1997.

Durall, Michael.  Beyond the Collection Plate:  Overcoming Obstacles to Faithful Giving.  Abingdon,

2003.

Durall, Michael.  Creating Congregations of Generous People.  Alban/Rowman & Littlefield, 1999.

Hall, Douglas John.  The Steward: Biblical Symbol Come of Age.  Wipf & Stock, 2004.

Hamilton, Adam.  Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity.  Abingdon, 2009.

Hicks, Douglas  A.  Money Enough:  Everyday Practices for Living Faithfully in the Global Economy.  Jossey-Bass, 2009.

Jameison, Janet T. and Phillip D. Jamieson.  Money and Money:  A Practical Guide for Pastors.

Westminster/John Knox, 2009.

Jones, Clifford A., Sr., The Star Book for Stewardship.  Judson Press, 2012.

Lane, Charles R.  Ask, Thank, Tell:  Improving Stewardship Ministry in Your Congregation. 

Fortress, 2006.

Lake Institute on Faith and Giving.  “2013 Congregational Economic Impact Study”. PDF report

available via:  http://www.philanthropy.iupui.edu/congregational-economic-impact-study

Marcuson, Margaret J.  Money and Your Ministry:  Balance the Books While Keeping Your Balance.

Marcuson Leadership Circle, 2014.

Mosser, David N.  Stewardship Services.  Abingdon, 2007.

Mosser, David N.  The Stewardship Companion: Lectionary Resources for Preaching.  Westminster/John Knox Press, 2007.

Satterlee, Craig A.  Preaching and Stewardship: Proclaiming God’s Invitation to Grow.  Alban/Rowman & Littlefield, 2011.

Tennant, Matthew.  Preaching in Plenty and in Want. Judson Press, 2011.

Robinson, Anthony B.   Stewardship for Vital Congregations.  Pilgrim Press, 2011.

Watley, William D.  Bring the Full Tithe:  Sermons on the Grace of Giving.  Judson Press, 1995.