The Ecumenical Stewardship Center offers a number of resources for congregational and personal stewardship. Additional items are written or developed by persons who have been associated with ESC. Order information is also provided for these items.
Available from Ecumenical Stewardship Center
This 2002 resource was originally developed by Clark Hargus in 1991. Formatting and references have been updated as it continues to be a popular tool for small membership congregations.
Available from the Ecumenical Stewardship Center 1-800-835-5671 or email. / $6.00 plus shipping and handling, 68 pp.
The Woman's Book of Money & Spiritual Vision (2001)
Rosemary Wlliams with Joanne Kabak
The Reluctant Steward Revisited (2002)
Daniel Conway, Project Director
This report and commentary is the result of a study conducted by St. Meinrad School of Theology with grant support by Lilly Endowment Inc. It is subtitled Preparing Pastors for Administrative and Financial Duties. It follows an earlier study conducted by the St. Meinrad School of Theology and Christian Theological Seminary.
This report provides valuable insights for pastors as well as those in leadership in seminaries and denominational offices where "stewardship education" and "leadership formation" are key responsibilities.
"Once you have read the Reluctant Steward Revisited, I am sure that you will agree with the importance and timeliness of its findings - and with the need for even more work in this vitally important area for the life and mission of the church." - Mark O'Keefe, President-Rector of Saint Meinrad School of Theology
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Available from St. Meinard and the Ecumenical Stewardship Center 1-800-835-5671 or email
Graceful Living: Your Faith, Values and Money in Changing Times (2001)
The Rev. Laura Dunham
The Steward Living in Covenant (2001)
Ronald E. Vallet
The Steward Living in Covenant: New Perspectives on Old Testament Stories is the sixth book in the Faith's Horizons series edited by Dr. Vallet. It is a companion to the earlier popular study Stepping Stones of the Steward. This resource combines powerful story telling with creative dramas and choral readings to enliven worship and Christian Education. Each chapter includes questions for reflection and suggestions for action.
"The reader will discover in the chapters of this book a treatment of biblical stories that provides rich material for preaching and teaching in the life of the church. The result...should be a new sense of being part of a great cloud of witnesses, stewards living in covenant with God and neighbor." - Bruce C. Birch, Dean and Professor of Old Testament, Wesley Theological Seminary (2001)
Available from REV/ROSE Ministries
The Price of Faith (2002)
Marie T. Cross
In The Price of Faith: Exploring Our Choices about Money and Wealth Marie Cross speaks to the silence surrounding money in light of faith. It joins daily decisoons to congregational worship and Christian mission. One area of particular interest is the atention to the theology and practice surounding the offering plate. "Ten session plans that deal with personal finances, church funds, charity, and attitudes about money are included to help adults gain a new understanding of stewardship." A great resource for an adult Christian education class or Stewardship Committee.
Available from the Geneva Press
R
esponsible Purchasing for Faith Communities (2002)
Center for a New American Dream
Individuals and small groups have the power to make positive changes that benefit our neighbors, ourselves and our planet. Communities of faith have an important leadership role to play on issues of environmental and social justice.
This Responsible Purchasing program guide, which lists eight concrete actions as well as many tips and resources, is a tool to help communities of faith make wise choices and contribute to a healthier environment and a more equitable world. Taking even a few of these actions can make a difference in the lives of others. And, by joining with thousands of people of faith taking steps together, you'll see that you are not alone. - Betsy Taylor, Executive Director, Center for a New American Dream
Available at 877-68-DREAM $5.00 (34 pp.)
Who in the World... - Quien en el Mundo...
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
This is a trwenty-four page coloring and activity book created for use in congregations and households across the church. Who in the world would think about using this book designed for children in grades 3 - 6? Parents who want to talk with their children about the present and future assests they and their children possess, gifts with which to do God's work in the world. Adults who hope children will consider how their present lives prepare them for adult vocations that will also serve God's will. Children who want to imagine how their lives mean something in the greater scheme of things. Congregation Leaders who see in their children a great and lasting hope.
Available from ELCA Division for Congregation Ministry or at ELCA Division for Ministry / 8765 West Higgins Road / Chicago, IL 60631 - $4.00 per copy (1-5), $3.50 per copy (6-19), $3.00 per copy (20 or more)
Don't Sit on Your Stuff - A Bible Study for Youth
Mennonite Media Video featuring Ted & Lee, Tangled Blue, and a Youth Group
In twenty-one minutes the viewer is escorted through a three-part unique approach to Bible study. "Ted and Lee" explore the parable of the master and three servants with a brief skit titled Don't Sit of Your Stuff. A second feature includes a performance of the song Gift of Grace by singer / musicians Tangled Blue. In the last segment a Cloverdale, Virginia youth group shares what happens when giving means reaching out to a member of the group who has cancer. A study guide is included.
Available by contacting Mennonite Media or contacting Third Way Cafe
Living with Money
The Episcopal Media Center
This is an "ecumenical adult education course for congregations that examines the subject of money in the context of Christian faith... Course includes four 20-minute videos; a leader's guide; participant journals with Bible studies; twelve essays, bibliography and discussion starters.
"Therapeutic to the soul, Living with Money offers the comfort of sound and sustaining guidance to all who wrestle with the proper use of human resources." - Phyllis Tickle
"This is a quality piece of work and will serve as an outstanding tool to aid in the important conversations about the role of money in our lives." - Tom Gossen
Visit the "Living with Money" site. Go
Available from Episcopal Media Center at 800-229-3788; $125 per set.
Good $ense - A Curriculum for Year Round Stewardship
Good Sense Ministries - Willow Creek Association - Dick Towner
This kit contains an Implementation Guide which provides a detailed step-by-step roadmap for putting into place a year-round stewardship ministry. In addition to the detailed implementation steps, the guide contains an appendix of over 100 pages of practical tools on how to "make it happen" in your church.
The Implementation Guide is organized into four distinct phases: Commitment - Obtain ministry support from senior leadership, commission a Ministry Champion, form and educate a core Good Sense team, cast a ministry vision, prepare a ministry proposal and secure final commitment from leadership; Development - Recruit and train volunteers, set up a ministry office and begin counseling team meetings. Launch - Cast the Good Sense Ministry vision to the congregation, promote and teach the Good Sense Budget Course, offer counseling services, evaluate the Budget and Counseling Courses and implement improvements; Expansion - Select and train additional financial counselors, increase the number and variety of Good Sense courses and seek to partner with other ministries regarding stewardship.
Available from Good Sense Ministries - Willow Creek Association Members $279.99 / Non-Members $349.99
Creating a Climate for Giving
Donald W. Joiner
Giving through the church is more than about money. It is about lives being changed. It is about never feeling loney or unloved. It is about helping others. It is about children and youth. It is about our personal salvation. It is about what God has done for us in Jesus Christ.
"Church leaders say that the old ways of funding the work of the church no longer work. Perhaps the answer is to change from the task of raising funds to the challenge of funding ministry. Donald Joiner brings a vision for a fresh, comprehensive strategy for helping chruches recognize stewardship as an exciting spiritual journey in response to God's call." - publisher
Available from Discipleship Resources (800-685-4370) or Cokesbury (800-972-0433)
Holy Smoke! - What Ever Happened to Tithing
J. Clif Christopher and Herb Mather
The church's spiritual health and effectiveness in ministry in the next century hinge on a recovery of basic spiritual disciplines, including the discipline of tithing. / Just as the sacrifices of ancient Israel caused "holy smoke" to rise to God as a pleasing odor, so the practice of tithing can be a sacrificial offering for Christians today. When practiced faithfully over time, tithing can be an important benchmark in the Christian's journey toward the stewardship of all of life. - publisher
"One of the most biblical and practical workbooks on the need of the giver to give I've read in a long time. The authors provide a benchmark for the Christians to use in their spiritual journey." - William M. Easum
Available from Discipleship Resources (800-685-4370) or Cokesbury (800-972-0433)
That's What My Mother Taught Me
Herb Mather
Interviews with over a hundred people identified as generous givers resulted in a wealth of giving stories. The xperiences of these people from a variety of backgrounds, congregations, ethnic groups, ages and locations are woven together to describe ways giving patterns develop in real congregations among real people. - publisher
Herb Mather invites us to enter into and explore a house of ideas and feelings with many hallways and doorways of self-discovery. Herb has provided an invaluable service for all of us as we find that our own childhood and adult experiences connect us to the greater truths of the faith. - John and Sylvia Ronsvalle
Available from Discipleship Resources (800-685-4370) or Cokesbury (800-972-0433)
Basic Trek: Venture into a World of Enough
Dave Schrock-Shenk
What is enough? Basic Trek invites us to explore that question. In thought. And in experience. A different theme is featured for each of the four weeks of this twenty-eight day journey - awaken to the journey - step out - lighten the pack - stay the course.
Each day starts with a story and a Scripture passage followed by reflection questions to consider and actions to try. Also check out the key concepts and references in the appendix. All these invite us to live, reflect, and walk into a world of enough for all. - from preface
Also available - Parent Trek
Available at 800-759-4447
Graceful Living helps readers reflect on their attitudes toward money, clarify their values, and develop a comprehensive financial plan with strategies for implementation. Commissioned by the Ecumenical Stewardship Center
"Dr. Dunham develops a biblical base for the faithful use of financial resources and invites readers to make lifestyle choices based on their faith and values. The book is sound, readable, and aimed at the broad middle." -Stanley Kropf, interim director, Ecumenical Stewardship Center (2001)
"Laura Dunham has brought together her love for the church and her knowledge of the disciplines of financial planning. The result is an important book for families of any age and experience." -David McCreath
Available from the author Laura Dunham
How Much is Enough? Harness the Power of Your Money Story - And Change Your Life
Pamela York Klainer
Whether we are middle managers or the CEO's of our own start-ups, senior executives with stock options or the keepers of modest 401(K) accounts, our relationship to money and work defines our daily lives. Yet, most of us don't really have an honest handle on what we want from work, what we expect from money, or how the time we devote to making money relates to the rest of our lives. In How Much is Enough?, the consultant dubbed the "money shrink" by Money magazine gives us tools for improving what is often our most troubled relationship: money.
"We may know that money can't buy us love, or happiness, yet many of us still can't give up the relentless - and sometimes destructive - chase. In How Much is Enough?, Pam Klainer provides us with the tools for unraveling our often complicated relationships with money so that we can move ahead, unfettered, to achieve our most important dreams."
-Carrie Schwab Pomerantz, Vice-President, Consumer Education, Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
Available online through amazon.com and Barnes and Noble $26.00 (US)/$39.50 (CN) or with ESC.
Available from other sources.
This journey "involves identifying the often confusing messages you received in childhood about money. As you travel through the pages, you will begin to understand your feelings about such issues as abundance, scarcity, earning, investing, spending and giving. You will compare these messages and feelings about money with your spiritual belief. By the end of the trip, you will be ready tomap out a plan to align your actions with your values."
Available from the Ecumenical Stewardship Center 1-800-835-5671 or email /
$12.00 plus shipping and handling, 211 pp.
Let the Rivers Run (1991)
by Eugene F. Roop
STEWARDSHIP - the meaning of this work has varied greatly in different historical contexts, ye the BIble has remianed a central resource for the church's stewardship work.
The Steward: A Biblical Symbol Come of Age (1990)
by Douglas John Hall
Scripture portrays the steward as a caretaker, a servant. Hall compares scriptural teaching on stewardship-concentrated in Jesus' parables-with the role of stewardship in the church's history, maintaining that ever since the fourth centruy, the church's understanding and practice of stewardship have been distorted by its alliance with institutional power. The church around the world urgently needs to live as
steward-it's a matter of death and life.
Stewardship in the Small Membership Congregation: Urban 2002 - Clark Hargus