Episcopal Church Foundation Vital Practices

September 2018

Practical Stewardship

Because God Always Gives
By Rhonda Rogers
Why do we give? What drives our stewardship practices? In Because God Always Gives, Rhonda Rogers recalls powerful childhood memories of generosity and stewardship in action – memories that have shaped her giving habits as an adult. This article is available in English and Spanish.
Editor's Letter October 2018
By Charis Bhagianathan
What is your parish’s stewardship style? Is stewardship a word that elicits anxiety or excitement? How often do you hear it each year?
Editor's Letter September 2018
By Charis Bhagianathan
How do we approach stewardship? What are the ways we practice giving and speak it to others? In this issue, we bring you practical ideas around stewardship practice that focus on giving generously and joyously, while caring for and building up what God has abundantly given us to share.
Financial Transparency
By James Jordan
What does transparency mean and why is it so important for the healthy functioning of an organization? In Financial Transparency, James Jordan examines some inhibitors and enablers of transparency, and tells us why keeping parishioners informed and engaged is so critical.
Five Positive Ways to Ask for Money
By Arik Thormahlen
Fundraising is so much more than raising money; it is a way to invite others to participate in your mission and to build purposeful community around a cause. In Five Positive Ways to Ask for Money, Arik Thormahlen shares ways to prepare a well-planned appeal each time you ask for money.
La mayordomía es clave en América Latina y la República Dominicana
By Dr. Robert Stevens y el Rvdmo. Julio Holguín
La mayordomía personal es una parte importante de la autosostenibilidad de la Iglesia y de su propia dignidad en américa latina y la República Dominicana.
Mindful Stewardship
By Lisa Fischbeck
What does it mean to be attentive to the gifts we’ve been given and the ways we use them? In Mindful Stewardship, Lisa Fischbeck describes what this practice looks like and practical ways to apply it to our daily lives.
Porque Dios siempre da
By Rhonda Rogers
¿Cómo contestaría la pregunta por qué doy a la iglesia? Hay muchas menciones en la Biblia sobre la generosidad de nuestro Dios. Santiago 1:17 y el Salmo 145, especialmente los versículos 13c a 18, me vienen a la mente.
Stewardship Is Key in Latin America and the Dominican Republic
By Robert Stevens and Julio Holguín
Good stewardship and sustainability go hand in hand for most churches. In Stewardship Is Key in Latin America and the Dominican Republic, Robert Stevens and Julio Holguín share the Diocese of the Dominican Republic’s work toward economic independence and growth in mission and ministry.
Three Ways to Perk Up Year-round Stewardship
By Linda Buskirk
Are you struggling with trying to implement year-round stewardship practices at your parish? In Three ways to Perk Up Year-round Stewardship, Linda Buskirk shares practical and fun ideas to invigorate your congregation’s understanding of giving.
We’re Building a Mission Here
By Greg Syler
Focusing energies on new missions and transformative ministry instead of on simply raising funds can breathe life into your Christian community. In We’re Building A Mission Here, Greg Syler explains why it’s critical to focus on who God is calling us to be now, and not be shackled by past practices.
Why Would I Want To?
By Jerry Keucher
Telling people what they should do is much less effective than sharing why they should do it. In Why Would I Want To?, Jerry Keucher explains why it’s critical for the Church to make a shift from the language of obligation to the language of desire, especially when it comes to talking about money.