It’s that time of year. The leaves are turning, the air is cooling, and we’re talking about financial stewardship in our churches. I’ve been a part of many debates about that word: stewardship. What does it mean? How do we respond to it? Is “generosity” an acceptable replacement? Why did God make us His stewards? …
It’s MMFA’s joy to shine light on the ways our communities of faith are living as faithful and generous stewards. This month we’re featuring New Hope Moravian Church in Newton, NC, and their service with Ashure Ministries. Members Tom and Margaret Schultz share, “Ashure Ministries serves Catawba County, NC, by providing crisis assistance…
As fall rapidly approaches, many communities of faith are making plans for “a stewardship campaign” (CRINGE!). If you’re one of them, here are four important areas to consider before you go any further: Current trends Be aware of inflation’s impact on everyone. If the current rate holds, giving will need to increase by 9% for…
“For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life.” Ephesians 2:10 Stewardship is about much more than money, and it’s more than what we do through our church. It’s a way of life; it’s our identity. God created us…
Summer has arrived. Typically our communities of faith make changes to their schedules this time of year: some committees don’t meet in July, certain programming is suspended until the fall, and many alter their Sunday morning routines by combining services or having fewer Sunday School offerings. But this has certainly not been a typical year,…
Isaiah 43:19 begins with “See, I am doing a new thing!” It is safe to say we are all doing new things this year, whether it’s having groceries delivered, worshiping online, or teaching our children from home. How has your stewardship changed during this pandemic? What new things are you doing to give of your…
Last month we began a new “Spotlight on Stewardship” series as part of our regular communications. The series offers best practices for a holistic and sustainable stewardship ministry, as well as shares “stewardship success stories” from Moravian churches, emerging ministries, agencies, and more in North America. What story does your budget tell? Once upon a…