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The world is changing. 

Stay up to date on the latest research, resources, and reflections exploring how to cultivate Christian faith in the 21st century. 

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Aug. 29, 2017

Stewardship of the Body

I recently attended a large worship conference hosted by a mainline denomination. The liturgy and music was creative, though also on the “traditional” side of the worship spectrum. On the final night of the conference, we sang the hymn, “How Great Thou Art” with 800+ other worshippers. My seat was in the back, so I could hear the gorgeous harmony
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Aug. 22, 2017

The Gift of Mind

Our series exploring the new book, Beyond the Offering Plate: A Holisitic Approach to Stewardship continues this week with the stewardship of mind. I don’t know about you, but I don’t usually think of my mind as something to steward. But our writer, Neal Presa, makes a compelling case that for Christians, stewarding our mind must be part and parcel
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Aug. 15, 2017

Can the Church Steward Work?

Just like the word “stewardship,” “vocation” is one of those words we often throw around the church without stopping to consider its implications. Sure, our work can be holy, but what does that mean for those in positions the church mostly ignores? Plus, what if my work doesn’t seem Christian at all? This week, as part of our Beyond the
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Aug. 08, 2017

Stewardship of Time

Our newsletter series on my new book, Beyond the Offering Plate: A Holistic Approach to Stewardship, launches today. First up is writer and pastor, MaryAnn McKibben Dana on the topic, “Stewardship of Time.” In our culture of busyness and endless to-do lists, what does a Christian approach to stewarding time look like? MaryAnn suggests a Christian view invites us to
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Aug. 01, 2017

Introducing: “Beyond the Offering Plate”

Today marks the official release date of a new stewardship book edited by yours truly! Titled, Beyond the Offering Plate: A Holistic Approach to Stewardship, in ten approachable chapters written by seminary professors, engaged pastors, and church leaders, the book aims to expand our notion of — and approaches to — holistic stewardship. For the next several weeks, this newsletter
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May. 16, 2017

More Than Enough

The phrase, “more than enough,” has begun to take root in church stewardship circles. Perhaps it’s a helpful reframing of “abundance” language. Additionally, it’s the title of a new book by Lee Hull Moses reviewed this week by the Center for Stewardship Leaders’ own Alex Benson.  I commend it to the church. Yours truly, Adam Copeland, Center for Stewardship Leaders
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Jan. 17, 2017

New Stewardship Book by Walter Brueggemann

The church leader looking for books on stewardship faces a rich supply of options. Recent publications tend to emphasize themes of year-round stewardship, embracing the virtue of generosity, and issuing calls to re-examine our relationship with money. With only a few exceptions, though, the field often lacks much sophistical biblical study. Late last year, scholar Walter Brueggemann filled the gap
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Jul. 19, 2016

Generosity For You, Not From You

A lot of stewardship books find their way to my desk and then, if I’m honest, to an ever-growing stack beside it. In this week’s newsletter, I reflect on one of those books that rose to the top, Contagious Generosity, which serves as a fine example of a particular aspect of stewardship teaching these days. Next week, we’ll hear from
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Jul. 16, 2008

A Theology for Christian Stewardship

“From the doctrine of creation we derive the concepts of God’s sovereignty and our trusteeship and responsibility. From the doctrine of redemption we derive our insight into the grace which restores sinners into fellowship with God and awakens the gratitude, joy and love which motivates us to give our lives to our Redeemer. From the doctrine of sanctification we derive