Publications

In this issue from LCMS Stewardship Ministry, the “why” and “how” of an LCMS congregation’s support of its district and of Synod are discussed. The decision of the amount of a congregation’s Mission Partnership Gift to District is something that every congregation faces in their annual budget process. Prayer and open communication are encouraged by all those involved. What better way can there be to teach members about prayerful individual stewardship than to model it at the congregational level?

In this issue from LCMS Stewardship Ministry, the questions of to WHOM the steward should give and WHERE should a steward’s gift be given are addressed. When affirming one’s desire to become a member of a congregation, a person promises to support that congregation with his/her prayers and the gifts God has given to him/her. These promises need to be considered when answering these two questions.

In this issue from LCMS’ Stewardship Ministry, the importance of seeing stewardship within congregations as not only a financial matter, but also as pastoral care for the souls of members is discussed. When stewardship is viewed in this holistic manner, great things can happen with the Church.

In this issue from LCMS’ Stewardship Ministry, the role of storytelling in the area of stewardship is discussed. Using this very powerful communication tool must be done with caution because the story itself can be idolized. This does not mean, however, that story should be avoided. It can actually be a rich blessing in a congregation’s stewardship life. To achieve this, the pastor must seek out and strategically use stories of faithful stewardship to help alter the congregation’s stewardship culture.