• growing the 7 principles of giving.
• developing the 6 possibilities for giving.
• advancing the 5 motivations for giving.
• building an understanding of stewardship.

Fritjof Capra, Brother David Steindl-Rast, and Thomas Matus. Belonging to the Universe: Explorations on the Frontiers of Science and Spirituality, San Francisco: Harper ASIN: 006250195X

A remarkably compatible new view of the universe offered by the trailblazer of new science and a contemporary of Thomas Merton. "An entertaining, thought-provoking book filled with conversations, quotations, and colorful stories that make science and theology come alive."--San Francisco Chronicle. Winner of the American Book Award.

Chaves, Mark and Sharon L. Miller, eds. Financing American Religion. Walnut Creek, CA: Alta Mira Press, 1999.

Financing American Religion brings together short, readable essays representing the best, most up-to-date research and thinking on the intersections of money and religion. Sociologists, historians, economists, and theologians ask who gives, how much, and why. They investigate how money moves and how it affects religious organizational behavior. And throughout they explore how attitudes toward money have altered over time. Religious leaders and scholars of American religion will welcome this much-needed volume.

Chewning, Ronald J. Becoming Money Wise. St Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1998.
Scripture tells us that everything in our world is a gift from God. "Becoming Money Wise" is a simple, straightforward guide to incorporating Christian stewardship practices into every area of your financial life. It includes practical, Christ-centered advice on financial planning, money management, investing, debt, retirement planning, insurance, estate planning, and more.

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

The Rochester NY Diocese's Chronicle
Book Illuminates Meaning of Stewardship, says one magazine: "...provides scores of different ways for clergy and lay leaders to offer the members of the congregation a short teaching or reflection about stewardship. It has been said 'stewardship is the main work of the church.' It has also been said stewardship is 'everything we do after we say I believe.' This book will help folks to begin to see stewardship in this light."

Cowen, Cynthia E.  Christians, Christians, Everywhere, How Do Your Gardens Grow? A Stewardship Service for Youth.  Lima, Ohio: CSS Publishing. This dynamic worship service is centered on a gardening theme that emphasizes sowing and reaping in the Kingdom of God. With songs, a clever skit, and an inspiring meditation, the service celebrates the process of growth in the giving of our talents and offerings to the work of the church. This is an ideal Sunday school program that youth can present to get congregations focused on stewardship.  

Dick, Dan R. Choices and Challenges: Stewardship Strategies for Youth. Discipleship Resources , 1994.
In 4 down-to-earth, idea-filled chapters, youth discover how stewardship impacts their hopes, dreams, and even their problems. Each chapter features real-life dilemmas, biblical reflections, group discussion questions, and practical applications. Designed to help youth with issues that are important to them, such as balancing priorities (school, home, sports, relationships). This book appears to be out of print. I suggest you check used books at Barnes and Noble or Amazon

Dick, Dan R. Revolutionizing Christian Stewardship for the 21st Century - Lessons from Copernicus Discipleship Resources, 1997.
In 5 lively chapters full of wit, wisdom, and quotations from many United Methodist clergy and laity, Dan Dick presents a persuasive case for a whole new way of thinking about Christian stewardship. The central message is that Christian stewardship begins with God at the center.

Fetty, Maurice A. Money and the Kingdom of God: Can the Rich Be Righteous; Can the Righteous Be Rich?  Lima, Ohio: CSS Publishing.

Conventional wisdom holds that money and religion are mutually exclusive entities. It’s easy to understand why: there’s the popular maxim about money being the “root of all evil,” as well as Jesus’ admonitions about our inability to serve both God and Mammon or how difficult it is for a rich man to enter heaven. But Maurice Fetty disagrees — he notes that in Jesus’ view, money and the kingdom of God are intertwined. Fetty stresses the importance of good stewardship of God’s creation, and he points out that what we do with our money is indelibly linked with faithful living.

From Every Angle: A Compendium of Stewardship Resources. Lima, Ohio: CSS Publishing.

Planning and executing a successful stewardship campaign is made simple with this complete package of innovative resources: sermons, children’s object lessons, insightful dramatic sketches, monthly committee agendas, a detailed advance planning guide, and much, much more. It all comes conveniently shrink-wrapped and hole-punched — just insert it into a ring binder with the handy divider tabs and you’re on your way to an energizing stewardship experience!

Grimm, Eugene. Generous People: How to Encourage Vital Stewardship. Abingdon Press: Effective Church Series, Herb Miller, ed. 1992.  For a fuller description and order  information for my book, click here. 

Golv, John L. Our Stewardship: Managing Our Assets. Minneapolis: Augsburg-Fortress, 2002.

Our Stewardship looks at how to identify, manage, and build up the assets needed for your congregation’s mission and ministry (such as a building, grounds, equipment, information, and finances). God gives assets to each person and every congregation and calls us to grow in faith as we serve as stewards of these gifts. The book also talks about what to look for when selecting materials for a financial stewardship program.

Hall, Douglas John. Imaging God: Dominion as Stewardship. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans Publishing Comapany, 1986. To order, click here

Hall carefully examines the biblical, historical, and theological meaning that human beings are created in the image of God.  Hall argues that the image of God is not an endowment, but pertains to our relationship with God.  We should think of "image" as a verb, not a noun.

Hall, Douglas John. The Steward: A Biblical Symbol Come of Age. 1990. Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.

Hall, Douglas John. The Stewardship of Life in the Kingdom of Death. Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1985. To order, click here.

This study forcefully sets forth the church's crucial mission of stewardship in our world today. Hall outlines a biblical view of what it means to be partners in God's covenant of life in the context of a darkening kingdom of death.

Hinze, Donald W. To Give and Give Again: A Christian Imperative for Generosity. New York, New York: Pilgrim Press1990. ISBN 0-8298-0830-2.
From the cover: "Don Hinze argues that for America to be serious about its spiritual awakening, it must come to terms with its abundance and prosperity. Generosity, he says, is our spiritual burden, particularly in relation to the deprivation and poverty suffered by many. Generosity is both a key to spiritual discovery and our proper response as Christians.

Hoge, Dean, ed. Money Matters : Personal Giving in American. Westminster John Knox Press, 1996.

Hoge, Dean with Patrick H. McNamara and Charles Zech. Plain Talk about Church and Money. The Alban Institute.

The authors tackle resistance, fears, and difficulties concerning money issues. Based on extensive research for their earlier book (Money Matters, WJL, 1996), this volume offers insight and help on the key topics confronting church leaders and congregations today, including: * Why is the church so uneasy with the topic of money? * Is there a difference between stewardship and fundraising? * How can we motivate giving? * Should we invest church funds?

Jeavons, Thomas H. and Rebekah Burch Basinger. Growing Givers’ Hearts. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass Publishers, 2000.

From the Jacket: Based on a three year, nationwide study of Christian organizations whose efforts are successful both in raising needed financial or material resources and in encouraging the spiritual development of their donors, this groundbreaking book identifies key characteristics that enable fundraising to function on both levels at once.

Joiner, Donald and Norma Wimberly. The Abingdon Guide to Funding Ministry. 3 Volumes. Nashville: Abingdon Press.

When I was asked to review the Abingdon Guide to Funding Ministry, the line that came to mind was, "This book is worth its weight in gold." This is a must for every church library. Not only is the content excellent, you'll also love the layout. Don and Norma have used icons to enable quick referencing.

Joiner, Donald W. Creating a Climate for Giving Nashville: Discipleship Resources, 2001.

Church leaders are often heard to say that old ways aren't working any longer. "Creating a Climate for Giving" brings a vision for a fresh way of creating a climate for giving in local churches. Joiner explores the subsystems through which a church leads its members to give or not to give. We must refine "fund-raising" to "funding ministry." In the interim between being a "fund-raising church" and becoming a "funding ministry church," finance leaders will continue to need models demonstrating how to operate the short-term finance ministries of their church. This is where Joiner can help. (A financial campaign for developing Christian philanthropists is included.) For a look at his multilevel approaches to Financial Enlistment, click here BUY IT! READ IT! USE IT! DON'T GO ANOTHER DAY WITHOUT IT!.

Joseph, Kurt. Thanksful Stewards: Dramas for Stewardship Education. Chicago: Division for Congregational Ministries.

This resource was a part of the 1997 ELCA stewardship emphasis, "Every Time I Think Of You, I Thank my God." It contains6 short dramas suitable for use on Sunday mornings.

Lane, Charles R. Ask, Thank, Tell--Improving Stewardship in Your Congregation. Minneapolis: Augsburg-Fortress, 2006.

The goal of this book, says author Charles Lane, is to perform a dramatic rescue of stewardship, freeing it from any connection whatsoever to "paying the bills." When the Bible talks about stewardship it almost always talks about the intimate connection between how a person handles financial matters and that person's relationship with God. Stewardship is an intensely spiritual matter that lies close to a disciple's relationship with Jesus. The book is designed especially for use in congregational planning and study.

Levan, Christopher, Living in the Maybe: A Steward Confronts the Spirit of Fundamentalism. Grand Rapids: Wm B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1998.
Through an examination of the themes of faithfulness, wealth, and happiness, Levan shows that the idea of stewardship contains a foundational dialectic that offers an antidote to our culture’s hunger for eternal fundamentals. He argues that the biblical notion of stewardship does indeed provide a locus and a pattern for shaping an appropriate Christian response to the apprehensions of our postmodern world. In this book, Christopher Levan provides a breathtaking view of the horizons of faith.

In the Appendix, Levan also provides three skits related to the parables of the Talents, the Vineyard, and Paying Taxes.

McNamara, Patrick H. More than Money: Portraits of Transformative Stewardship Money, Faith and Lifestyle Series. The Alban Institute.

Is stewardship past its prime as a motivating vision for ministry? A social scientist, McNamara tells the stories of 11 mainline congregations where stewardship is the animating force that has transformed them into vital centers for mission. Church leaders who question whether stewardship education is worthwhile will be encouraged and inspired by these accounts of promising practices.

Mather, Herb. Don’t Shoot the Horse (‘til You Know How to Drive the Tractor). Nashville: Discipleship Resources, 1994.

In many congregations today, methods used for financial campaigns are like a farmer who keeps on plowing with a horse, though tractors are readily available. In practical and systemic ways, Herb Mather uses wit and humor to show how congregations can move from a "dying" system to one that thrives in stewardship and mission. Rediscover the biblical vision of stewardship of all things in all seasons--and within that, the meaning of giving as a way of life.

Mather, Herbert and J. Clif Christopher. Holy Smoke! Whatever Happened to Tithing? Discipleship Resources, 2000.

Christopher and Mather offer a renewed look at a subject discussed very little in congregations today: tithing. They propose the discipline of tithing as a way for Christians to symbolize and renew their relationship with God. The key to achieving this is to present the tithe, not as a legal obligation, but as a benchmark in a spiritual relationship that is generous and giving. In 6 provocative chapters, the authors present: (1) a comprehensive survey of the current literature on tithing and giving, followed by a close look at the practice of tithing in Scripture and church history; (2) Questions and answers related to tithing; (3) A step-by-step process to help congregations develop a long-term plan for nurturing individuals in the spiritual discipline of tithing. Key issues addressed in the appendices: the relationship between tithing and planned giving and between tithing and the capital campaign.

Miller, Herb. Full Disclosure

Financial giving is an important element of our spiritual relationship with God. There are twenty financial stewardship themes that recur and evolve in the Old and New Testaments. Full Disclosure identifies these themes, lists their historical importance, and illustrates contemporary applications for each theme. The themes fall into three categories: (1) Why should we give? (2) How does giving benefit us? and (3) How should we give? Full Disclosure is a valuable resource for anyone looking for practical information and help in planning for preaching or teaching about financial giving.

Miller, Herb. Money Isn’t/IS Everything. Nashville: Discipleship Resources, 1994.

The way we use or misuse money is a spiritual matter that affects both the quality of our lives and our relationship with God. Written for laypersons, each chapter includes a mixture of biblical concepts, humor, illustrative stories, spiritual insights, and reflection/discussion questions. For groups to use prior to the annual stewardship campaign and for pastors preparing sermons on this topic.

Powell, Mark Allen.  Giving to God.  Grand Rapids: Eerdman's Publishing House, 2006.

Author and Bible scholar Mark Allan Powell presents stewardship as an act of worship, an expression of faith, and a discipline for spiritual growth. Faithful use of our time, talents, and treasures starts with a deep, satisfying relationship with the God to whom we belong. We can then learn, says Powell, to give gladly and generously out of our heartfelt connection with God. The second part of the book applies these principles to today’s complicated world. After providing answers to practical questions about living and giving, Powell lays out a specific plan for a generous life that Christians can embrace as both a duty and a delight.  (Publisher's comments)

Salamon, Julie. Rambam's Ladder: A Meditation on Generosity and Why It is Necessary to Give. New York: Workman Publishing, 2003

How do we become better people? Through helping others. Nearly a thousand years ago the Jewish philosopher and physician Rabbi Moses ben Maimon, known to the Greeks as Maimonides and to Hebrew scholars as Rambam, gave much thought to righteousness. Out of his philosophical exploration came what is known as the Ladder of Charity, an elegantly simple half-page of wisdom spelling out the eight steps of giving. Written with compassion and common sense, the rules are as vital today as they were in the 12th century.

Reumann, John. Stewardship and the Economy of God. Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1992.
Currently out of print, but by clicking on the publisher above, you may be able to get a used copy from Amazon.com

Roehlkepartain, Eugene C., Elanah Delyah Naftali, and Laura Musegades. Growing Up Generous: Engaging Youth in Giving and Serving,The Alban Institute.
The authors create a mosaic of what is happening‹and what could happen in American Jewish and Christian congregations to cultivate in young people a deep and lasting commitment to giving and serving. Based on a two-year project by Search Institute, a nonprofit research and education organization that specializes in the healthy development of children and adolescents, the book recognizes and highlights the roles of various congregational leaders (not only youth leaders) in shaping the attitudes of young people.


Roop, Eugene F. Let the Rivers Run: Stewardship and the Biblical Story. Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1985.
Currently out of print, but you can get a copy from Amazon by clicking on the publisher above.

Ronsvalle, John and Sylvia. Behind the Stained Glass Windows. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books House, 1996.
I had trouble locating this book from the publisher's website, but you can order from amazon.com by clicking here.

Ronsvalle, John and Sylvia. The Poor Have Faces. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1992.
This title is currently out of print, but you can click here for a used copy from amazon.com.

Schaller, Lyle. 44 Ways to Expand the Financial Base of Your Congregation. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1989.
From the book cover: "When all is said and done," says Lyle E. Schaller, "there are only two good reasons why anyone should be asked to contribute money to the church. The first is to help promote spiritual growth.... The second reason is even simpler. Christian discipleship is Christian stewardship. This is not a why book on stewardship. This is a how book on encouraging people to be more generous in underwriting the costs of ministry for your congregation."

Schwarzentraub, Betsy. Afire with God Spirit-ed Stewardship for a New Century Discipleship Resources, 2001.
Schwarzentraub calls congregations to see themselves as communities of stewards called to a dynamic, Spirit-ed stewardship of the gospel that overturns institution-oriented fundraising methods and assumptions. Afire with God helps church leaders apply the biblical foundation for stewardship in their personal lives and in the life of the congregation.

Seitz, Bob.  Not Trying Too Hard, The Alban Institute. 2001 
Bob Sitze, an evocative and sometimes whimsical writer and workshop leader, offers a new vision for congregations and their leaders—a vision that releases us from the growing burden of trying harder to invent and implement “better” worship, evangelism, stewardship, small groups, long-range planning, mission statements, and the like. Sitze argues instead that as congregations apply the insights of “simpler lifestyles” to their life together, they will find joy and fulfillment by more closely matching their expectations for ministry with personal and corporate assets.

Recognizing that most congregations will not be able to carry out a complete transformation of their communities, Sitze advocates a “small-step approach” to change and provides readers with the necessary tools to engage what is possible without trying too hard. He points readers toward the congregation of the future and assures them that they have the capacity to reimagine their own congregation. A design for a simple, experiential workshop that can also be used in other adult education settings provides a method for sharing Sitze’s vision with an array of members.

Slaughter, Michael with Kim Miller. Money Matters: Financial Freedom for all God's Children. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2006.
Imagine feeling free from financial worry, free from debt, and free from the never-ending pressures of juggling all those financial demands. Imagine…feeling in control of your finances. Money Matters: Financial Freedom for all God’s Children shows you how to do God's math, which is based on spiritual principles found in Scripture. God's math results in:

Debt-Free Living
Focus & Planning
A Disciplined Lifestyle
Easy Simplicity
Surrender & Trust
Creating versus Consuming
Stewardship Versus Ownership
Generosity

This book also has a Leader's Guide (with DVD) and a Participant's Guide available.

Steindl-Rast Brother David, Gratefulness, the Heart of Prayer: An Approach to Life in Fullness. N.J. Paulist Press; 1984. ISBN 0-8091-2628-1
It makes me happy that, after almost two decades, this book still finds a steady stream of new readers. Now and then, I hear people who made Gratefulness their daily reading in a time of crisis, in sickness, or on their deathbed. This fills me with awe. So does that fact that groups who read and discuss books together have found this one helpful. What do I myself like about it? That it treats the main aspects of gratefulness in a systematic way, without – I hope – being dry. And I specially like the list of key words arranged from A to Z . - Br. David

Vallet, Ronald E. The Steward Living in Covenant: A New Perspective on Old Testament Stories. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2001.

The Steward Living in Covenant explores the theme of stewardship from a fruitful new perspective. Ronald Vallet explores Old Testament stories from creation to Isaiah and links the life of the steward to the theme of covenant—a first for books in this area.

Written as an Old Testament parallel to Vallet’s acclaimed Stepping Stones of the Steward, this new volume reclaims the Old Testament foundations of a fully biblical theology of stewardship. Vallet looks especially at the promise and command aspects of God’s covenant with his people as a vital dimension of what it means to be a steward. A special feature of the volume is the inclusion of two choral readings and three dramas by dramatist Wanda Vassallo specifically designed to enliven worship and education programs.

Webb, Michael L., Mitchell T. Webb, Sharon Y. Brown (Editor) Beyond Tithes & Offerings On Time Publishing, 1998.

Wedge, Jeff.   Mrs. Johnson’s Rummage Sale And Other Stewardship Dramas. Lima, Ohio. CSS Publishing.  Here’s a flexible collection of seven brief, easy-to-stage dramatic sketches, each highlighting a different aspect of stewardship. They provide a fresh and creative way to stimulate discussion and help congregations understand that “stewardship” is much more than just a pitch for money. Sprinkled with a light touch of humor, these scenes are a great springboard for a sermon series as well as an excellent supplement to other stewardship programs. 

Weenink, Allan J.  Proven Resources for Stewardship Promotion.  Lima, Ohio: CSS PublishingStewardship can be an uncomfortable topic — but cultivating the grace of generosity is vital for Christian ministry. Allan Weenink shares a wealth of proven “hands-on” material drawn from his workshops and seminars that will help any congregation develop an effective stewardship model. This is a practical ministry resource that will yield bountiful dividends!

Werning, Waldo. Christian Stewards: Confronted and Committed. St. Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House, 1982.

Wuthnow, Robert. God and Mammon in America. New York: The Free Press., 1994.

Books That May Surprise You:

Hill, Napoleon. Think and Grow Rich. New York: Fawcett Columbine, 1937, 1960. Napoleon Hill wrote in 1937, "The day of the go-getter has passed; the day of the go-giver has come."  Notice that the title suggests that one should "think".  In his twelve principles of enduring riches, number one is a positive mental attitude (good advice for every congregation and pastor.) Six is the capacity for applied faith.  Seven is the willingness to share one's blessings with others.  Eight is to be engaged in a labor of love. Ten is complete and total self-discipline. Eleven is wisdom to understand people. Not until number twelve, does Hill suggest that financial security is involved.  Don't read it just to get rich; read it for the  positive self-image it can help you discover.

Kersey, Cynthia. Unstoppable. Naperville, IL.: Sourcebooks. 1998. Forty-five powerful stories of perseverance and triumph from people just like you.  Ever notice?  Many  congregations have a "can't-do" attitude rather than a "can-do" outlook?  These congregations have what we might  call a poor corporate self-image.  Christ died to bring us a victorious faith, and we should take an example from all the positive examples, not only in scripture, but wherever we can find them.  This book is a great place to start.

Kiyosaki, Robert.  Rich Dad, Poor Dad. Warner Business Books. 1998. Last Christmas, my son Dave, included this book on his wish list.  When I read the subtitle, "What the Rich Teach Their Kids about Money--that the Poor and Middle Class Do Not," I bought two copies.  I would add that it's not only what every dad should know, but also every pastor should know. Understanding money is an important part of the pastor's responsibility.  Kiyosaki has a whole series of "Rich Dad's Advisor" books available.  You can likely find them among best-sellers in your favorite bookstore.