Gratitude is the heart’s memory.
— French Proverb

Resources for Pastors

These resources are especially for pastors:

The Center for Christian Stewardship offers many resources for integrating the stewardship ministry into worship.  Offering prayers and sermon starters, geared to the lectionary, are available as well as children’s messages.  The site has a resource list of annual campaign resources and information about capital campaigns, book reviews, and links to other sites with information about planned giving and stewardship.

Read “Things a Pastor Can Do” (PDF) to learn about the pastor’s unique role in planned giving programs.

2009 presents unique challenges for church fundraising.  J. Clif Christopher offers stewardship strategies for pastors and church leaders in "What Do I Do Now?"

"Pastor Do You Know What Your People Give" by Luther Seminary professor Gary Langness discusses theological, spiritual and practical considerations for pastors.

"Asking: The Minister Has to Do It"  The article explains how donors make significant charitable gifts and why the church is often left out.

"Things to Think About" When thinking of the church and money, here are 20 ideas, some truthful and some myths that leaders should consider.

Be highly knowledgeable about the apportionments of the general church, conference and district.  Interpret to the congregation the mission and ministry enabled through the apportionment system.  Visit http://www.umcgiving.org/ for comprehensive information on apportionments and to order several free resources.

To assess the potential of an annual stewardship campaign, begin by analyzing the giving history during the last several years.  With an Analysis of Giving (PDF) completed, the Stewardship Committee will understand its starting point as it plans the annual campaign.  Creating Congregations of Generous People, by Michael Durall recommends a twelve-month stewardship program that begins with this analysis.

Use our biblical references (PDF) to stewardship themes to find texts and theological grounding for faithful stewardship practices.

A bibliography of recent stewardship books provides 21st century perspectives to the church and money.

Baird presentation is for NAUMF meeting.