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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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Dec. 11, 2018

Compost Bin Stewardship

I love a good metaphor, and today’s post by James Dontje really delivers. Metaphors, when they work well, alert us to new discoveries, sometimes even concerning topics we thought we had all figured out. So, in today’s post, enjoy James’ piece engaging stewardship and a theology of…rot! Yours truly, Adam Copeland, Center for Stewardship Leaders  Compost Bin Stewardship James Dontje
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Dec. 04, 2018

Stewardship at Heart: Children

In today’s post, my friend and colleague Justin Lind-Ayers shares a story connecting stewardship and parenthood. He expands on the episode, as well as other parenting adventures, in his new book, Is That Poop on My Arm?: Parenting While Christian. Justin would be bashful for me to say it, but his book would sure make a great stocking stuffer for
Featured image for “A Holy Process toward Stewardship Speaking: Part 2”
Nov. 20, 2018

A Holy Process toward Stewardship Speaking: Part 2

Last week, Rev. Anna Ostenso Moore described her journey to “yes…and stewardship.” This week, Anna describes her wise, winding path toward claiming stewardship’s implications for Christian community. I’m grateful to Anna for inviting us, as readers, along for this journey. Yours truly, Adam Copeland, Center for Stewardship Leaders  A Holy Process towards Stewardship Speaking: Part 2 Anna V. Ostenso Moore As I
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Nov. 13, 2018

A Holy Process towards Stewardship Speaking: Part 1

In this week’s post, Rev. Anna Ostenso Moore describes her recent journey to “yes” and stewardship. Even for those of us who love preaching, addressing money in the pulpit can be provoke anxiety, doubt, and shame. In this week’s post, Anna calls out what helped her find her stewardship grounding. In next week’s post she’ll share the fruits of the
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Nov. 06, 2018

The Ministry of Stewarding Stories

What is it, exactly, that pastors do? The pastoral vocation might be described in specific tasks: preaching, visiting, presiding, leading meetings, praying. Stepping back, though, I’m drawn to pastor Andrew Hermodson-Olsen’s proposal in today’s article below. He suggests that pastors—and others, as well—have the beautiful role of attending to the stories of others. It’s a holy calling indeed. Yours truly,
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Oct. 30, 2018

Squeezed

I recently read — get this — a non-churchy book! Before I got too impressed with myself, though, I soon realized the book has everything to do with stewardship in Christian communities. Below you’ll find my review of Alissa Quart’s new book, Squeezed: Why Our Families Can’t Afford America. As you’ll see, in many ways it’s a tough read, but
Featured image for “Who is Giving? Part 2”
Oct. 23, 2018

Who is Giving? Part 2

Last week, Erin Weber-Johnson called us to be mindful of the particular people who we’re inviting to give. This week, Erin shares how such an approach can face challenges given the brokenness of our institutions. She also suggests ways we might counteract these gaps by asking better questions. Intrigued? Read on. Yours truly,Adam Copeland, Center for Stewardship Leaders Who is
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Oct. 16, 2018

Who is Giving? Part 1

When I was newly ordained, I had an unexpected opportunity to preach at a large youth conference. As part of my preparation for the event I asked a mentor — a frequent speaker and marvelous preacher himself — for advice. He said, whenever he speaks at a youth conference, he picks out a particular youth sitting in the back row
Featured image for “Cultivating Generosity in Small Town and Rural Settings – Part 2”
Oct. 09, 2018

Cultivating Generosity in Small Town and Rural Settings – Part 2

In this week’s post, Larry Strenge suggests some practical ways pastors and other stewardship leaders might engage in conversations concerning money. Very helpfully, Larry shifts the focus from the problematic side of money and the church—shame, guilt, obligation—to the freedom, grace, and gifts we have from God. Stewardship, then, becomes a grateful response to God’s generosity. Yours truly, Adam Copeland,
Featured image for “Cultivating Generosity in Small Town and Rural Settings – Part 1”
Oct. 02, 2018

Cultivating Generosity in Small Town and Rural Settings – Part 1

In today’s post, pastor Larry Strenge considers stewardship leadership and rural ministry settings. His wise words, though, are relevant to all of us, urban, suburban, and rural Christians alike. I particularly appreciate how Larry’s story starts with an early memory around money and giving. What are your early memories around finances? How do they still shape you today? Larry takes