 Grateful and Generous Hearts, by The Rev. Dr. John H. Westerhoff. If you’re looking for an outstanding resource to begin using with your newly formed Stewardship Ministry Team, this is the one! Order from Morehouse 1-800-877-0012, or online.
Giving to God: The Bibles Good News about Living a Generous Life, by Mark Allan Powell. (2006, Wm. B. Erdmans Publishing.) From the book’s back cover: “We all know that everything we have is a gift from God. How much is enough? What does the Bible really say? What should giving look like in our everyday lives? Filled with good news for followers of Jesus, Mark Allan Powell’s Giving to God shows Christians the way to a better life and a better relationship with their money – and with God.” “You won’t be disappointed that you invested in this wonderful resource” – Tom Gossen. Order direct from www.amazon.com through the TENS website.
Thanks Giving: Growing Generosity Among God’s People, by Christopher Levan. (2005, Church Publishing House, Toronto, Canada.) A must read for all stewardship ministry teams as they begin formulating their plans for a year-round stewardship education emphasis. The author’s work is based on the belief that our banking records are a window into our soul and a spotlight on our work through the church. Grounded in the theology of gratitude, this practical guide has been distilled from two years of the author’s “Thanks Giving” seminars presented to churches and denominational groups in Canada and the US. The appendix includes: Template for a Thanks Giving Campaign, Glossary, Sample Case Statement, Checklist for Visitors, Applause – an Impromptu Training Game, and Resources. To order online, click here.
More Blessed to Give, by the Rt. Rev. John MacNaughton. Originally published as Stewardship: Myth and Methods in 1975, reprinted as Money Is Not a Four-Letter Word, revised and updated as More Blessed to Give in 1983, this wonderful book was reissued once again in 2002. Church Publishing, NY 1-800-242-1918 or online.
Praying Like Jesus: The Lord’s Prayer in a Culture of Prosperity, by James Mulholland. This little book will change the way you pray The Lord’s Prayer. It will help you see that everything we do after we say “I believe” is part of stewardship. (Harper, San Francisco)
A Christian View of Money – Celebrating God’s Generosity, by Mark Vincent. The author offers very clean insight into stewardship as a way of life and a way of being faithful to the gifts we have been given. Herald Press. Order online.
On the Pilgrim’s Way: Christian Stewardship and the Tithe, by The Rev. John K. Brackett. This book has a good, easy-to-read discussion of stewardship and tithing. Order from Morehouse 1-800-877-0012.
Contract or Covenant, by Brother Robert Hugh, a friar of the Society of St. Francis, to a stewardship conference. Explores our fundamental approach to life–anxious and defensive or trusting and grateful. Relates to the theme of stewardship as contract or covenant. Order from Episcopal Parish Services at 1-800-903-5544 or www.episcopalparishservices.org
Faith and Money: Understanding Annual Giving in the Church, by Michael D. Reeves and Jennifer Tyler (Discipleship Resources, 2003). Grounded in the gospel, Faith and Money identifies the challenges of fund development in local congregations; and guides congregations in building worthy expectations and attitudes on how to fund ministry. To order online...click here.
Full Disclosure: Everything the Bible Says About Financial Giving, by Herb Miller (Discipleship Resources, 2003). 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? (3) How should we give? To order online, click here.
That’s What My Mother Taught Me – And Other Ways Generous Givers Develop, by Herb Mather (Discipleship Resources, 2001). Interviews with more than 100 people identifies as generous givers resulted in a wealth of giving stories. The experiences of these people from a variety of backgrounds, congregations, ethnic groups, ages, and locations are woven together to describe how giving patterns develop in real congregations among real people. http://www.gbod.org/stewardship/books.asp
The Steward: A Biblical Symbol Come of Age (revised), Douglas Hall. In this extensive revision of the much-in-demand first edition of The Steward (1982), Douglas Hall recaptures the most basic meaning of the biblical metaphor of steward and applies that meaning to our social context, one in which human beings are confused and ambivalent about their place and vocation in a threatened world. (Eerdmans, Friendship Press, 1990) Out of print: order from Ecumenical Stewardship Center, 1100 West 42nd Street, Suite 255 - Indianapolis, Indiana 46208-3383. Telephone: 800-835-5671 or Fax: 317-926-3521 or Email.
The Stewardship of Life in the Kingdom of Death, by Douglas Hall. Is the Christian message one that enhances life, heals creation, and brings into being justice and the love of God? In this groundbreaking book, Hall clearly and states the mission of the church in our time. Because entrusted to our stewardship is the life of creation itself, to be a steward in the world today is a more critical task than at any time in the church's past. (Eerdmans, 1988) Out of print: order from Ecumenical Stewardship Center, 1100 West 42nd Street, Suite 255 - Indianapolis, Indiana 46208-3383. Telephone: 800-835-5671 or Fax: 317-926-3521 or Email.
Stewardship & the Economy of God, by John Reumann. Reumann offers a broad and encompassing look at the meaning of stewardship, or more specifically, oikonomia. By 1970 the word "stewardship" was thought to have had its day. Now, it is being rediscovered by the church and by society in general. (Eerdmans, 1992) Out of print: order from Ecumenical Stewardship Center, 1100 West 42nd Street, Suite 255 - Indianapolis, Indiana 46208-3383. Telephone: 800-835-5671 or Fax: 317-926-3521 or Email.
Let the Rivers Run, by Eugene F. Roop. Roop raises important issues in stewardship from a solidly biblical base. Taking stories from the Bible that we may have heard many times before, he uses them as lenses to help us see new dimensions of Christian stewardship. This process is facilitated by a set of questions for study and reflection and by the excellent bibliography. (Eerdmans, 1991) Out of print: order from Ecumenical Stewardship Center, 1100 West 42nd Street, Suite 255 - Indianapolis, Indiana 46208-3383. Telephone: 800-835-5671 or Fax: 317-926-3521 or Email.
Wealth as Peril and Obligation – The New Testament on Possessions, by Sondra Ely Wheeler, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. (May 1996). ASIN: 080280733X. Do you ever sit in church just before the collection plate is passed and listen to the minister try to tell you why to give? Often, a brief piece of scripture is quoted telling you how much God loves cheerful givers. You will be anything but cheerful after reading this thorough account of what the Bible actually says about wealth and possessions. This book is for people who really want to wrestle with what it means to be Christian. Read this book, and you will give up the idea entirely, or you will be haunted by its inescapable truth for the rest of your life.
The Steward Living in Covenant – A New Perspective on Old Testament Stories, by Ronald E. Vallet; Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. This 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 the Ecumenical Stewardship Center 1-800-835-5671 or stewardshipcenter@ameritech.net $15.95 plus shipping and handling, 250 pages.
Stepping Stones of the Steward, by Ronald E. Vallet. Through the metaphor of a faith journey and using parables of Jesus and other stories, Vallet explores dimensions of Christian stewardship. The steward's journey described in the book encompasses 14 stepping stones. Questions and suggestions for individual reflection and action at the end of each chapter and two study guides for small groups make the book usable in a variety of situations. (Eerdmans, 1989) Out of print: order from Ecumenical Stewardship Center, 1100 West 42nd Street, Suite 255 - Indianapolis, Indiana 46208-3383 - Telephone: 800-835-5671 - Fax: 317-926-3521 - Email: esc@stewardshipresources.org
How Much is Enough? Harness the Power of Your Money Story - And Change Your Life, by 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. ISBN 0-465-03748-8, $26.00 (US)/$39.50 (CN). Order from www.amazon.com.
The Price of Faith Exploring Our Choices About Money and Wealth, by Marie T. Cross (2002). Marie Cross speaks to the silence surrounding money in light of faith. It joins daily decisions to congregational worship and Christian mission. One area of particular interest is the attention to the theology and practice surrounding 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 Ecumenical Stewardship Center 1-800-835-5671 or www.stewardshipresources.org
Graceful Living: Your Faith, Values and Money in Changing Times, by The Rev. Laura Dunham (2001). 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. Available from the Ecumenical Stewardship Center 1-800-835-5671 or www.stewardshipresources.org
Afire with God: A Spirit-ed Stewardship for a New Century, by Betsy Schwarzentraub. 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. Designed for clergy, lay leaders, groups concerned with stewardship, church councils, administrative boards/councils, nominations and personnel committees, and conference and district offices, Afire with God helps church leaders apply the biblical foundation for stewardship in their personal lives as well as in the life of the congregation. "Afire with God is written in a manner that is easy to read and the ideas easy to grasp for stewardship 'scholars' at all levels. Seldom do we see a resource that will truly profit both pastors and lay stewardship and finance committees. This book will help leadership teams come to a practical as well as a theological understanding of stewardship and then employ the material for the benefit of their congregations." - Rev. Rick Moore, Baptist Convention of Ontario and Quebec. ISBN 0-88177-273-9.
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. To order send $5 (per copy) to: Saint Meinrad School of Theology, Attn: Barbara Balka, Development Office, 200 Hill Drive, St. Meinrad, IN 47577
The Price of Faith (2002, Geneva Press) by 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 decisions to congregational worship and Christian mission. One area of particular interest is the attention to the theology and practice surrounding 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. Order from Presbyterian Publishing online.
Graceful Living: Your Faith, Values and Money in Changing Times (2001), The Rev. Laura Dunham. 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. Available from www.stewardshipresources.org
Responsible 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 online or call 877-68-DREAM.
Creating a Climate for Giving, by Donald W. Joiner (Cokesbury). 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. Order online.
Holy Smoke! - What Ever Happened to Tithing, by J. Clif Christopher and Herb Mather (Cokesbury). 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. Order online.
Basic Trek: Venture into a World of Enough, by 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 by calling 800-759-4447, or order from www.amazon.com.
Growing Givers’ Hearts – Treating Fundrasing as Ministry, by Thomas H. Jeavons and Rebekah Burch Basinger; Jossey-Bass Publishers.
At Ease Discussing Money and Values in Small Groups, by John and Sylvia Ronsvalle with U. Milo Kaufmann. A very helpful book that may give you some excellent ideas about ways in which to facilitate discussions with others about money and values. (Alban Institute (800) 486-1318) Order online.
Generous Saints: Congregations Rethinking Ethics and Money, by James Hudnet-Beumler. (Alban Institute (800) 486-1318) Order online.
More than Money: Portraits of Transformative Stewardship: Money, Faith and Lifestyle Series, by Patrick H. McNamara. This book tells the stories of several congregations that have made stewardship a priority. (Alban Institute (800) 486-1318) Order online.
Plain Talk about Churches and Money, by Dean Hoge, Patrick McNamara, and Charles Zech. (Alban Institute (800) 486-1318) Order online.
The Challenge of the Disciplined Life -- Money, Sex and Power by Richard Foster (Harper Collins). Order online.
God the Economist, The Doctrine of God and Political Economy, by M. Douglas Meeks. Although Meeks is a Methodist, he understands the Eucharist as well as any Episcopalian. Although academic in tone, it is well worth reading. (Fortress Press, Minneapolis). Order from www.amazon.com.
Behind the Stained Glass Windows, by John and Sylvia Ronsvalle. This book contains an analysis of giving behavior. Now out of print – shop for used copies. (Baker Books, Grand Rapids, Michigan)
Generous People – How to Encourage Vital Stewardship, by Eugene Grimm (Edited by Herb Miller). "Stewardship is a Biblical imperative for all Christians. . . Grimm cuts through the clouds of confusion that surround this subject. His down-to-earth prescriptions (1) move us beyond the myths so prevalent in stewardship, (2) help us know how to organize, energize, and equip local stewardship leaders, and (3) enable us to see how we can effectively execute stewardship programs in churches of every size". (Herb Miller, from the Foreword). (Abingdon Press). Order from www.amazon.com.
Abingdon Guide to Funding Ministry, An innovative sourcebook for Pastors and Lay Leaders. Vol 1-3 now available on CD ROM. (Abingdon Press)
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Compiled by Bruce Rockwell and Tom Gossen
This extensive bibliography has been developed over several years and is offered for your use. We welcome your suggestions on items that you think should be added to future editions of this resource.
Click on the titles below to go to the individual sections of this bibliography.
1. “How To” Resources For The Congregation
2. Booklet Resources for Every Member of the Parish
3. Stewardship Curricula
4. Theology and Practice of Stewardship
5. Faithful Management of Personal Finances
6. Will Our Children Be Stewards? Books to Read With Children
7. Videos
8. Other Useful Resources
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