Generosity header
Generous Thinking 
"Do all the good you can,
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
In all the places you can,
At all the times you can,
To all the people you can,
As long as ever you can."
~John Wesley, Letters of John Wesley

In This Issue
Stewardship Survey
Stewardship in Scripture Online Course
Living Generously Begins with Trust
Leaders Who Last Ministry Growth Series
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July 2017
 
Re-framing the Conversation 
In our churches, we tend to have very particular kinds of conversations around stewardship. Often, it's only mentioned one season of the year-budget season. And then we tend to focus on what we don't have. We don't have enough money. We don't have enough volunteers. We don't have enough members. And our stewardship campaign becomes a desperate cry for help. How can we begin to re-frame this conversation? How can we turn the tide from desperation to celebration? Stewardship is about belief-believing in God's abundant provision, believing in God's call for us to care for each other and the earth, believing God is generous and has created us so in his image. Stewardship is about behavior and practice-how we respond to God's blessing, how we answer God's call, and how we can share in generosity as God has shared with us. Re-framing the conversation starts with shifting the focus from us-our wants, our needs, our lacking-to God-the source of life, abundance, and love. May the Spirit of our abundant God be with you as nurture generosity in your life, your family, your congregation, and community! 

Grace and peace to you,
 
~Rev. Stacy Emerson
Stewardship Facilitator, Mission Resource Development
American Baptist Churches USA
 
Stewardship Survey


As part of our pilot program, The Generosity  Project, we are seeking input from pastors, congregations, and lay people about our perspectives on stewardship.  You are invited to 
tell us more about how your congregation talks about stewardship-what are your challenges and what do you celebrate?  We'd love to hear from you!



Online Course: Stewardship in Scripture

ABCUSA is a partner with the Ecumenical Stewardship Center which offers an array of resources to pastors and congregations.  This September, the Ecumenical Stewardship Center is offering an online course on Stewardship in Scripture led by Bruce Barkhauer.   With the understanding that stewardship encompasses more than money, students enrolled in the Stewardship in Scripture course gain a rich and diverse understanding of biblical stewardship principles. Topics include theology of abundance, the importance of generosity, stewardship as transformation, stewardship of the Gospel, and more.

Blog post: Living Generously Begins with Trust
Marcia Shetler is the Executive Director/CEO of the Ecumenical Stewardship Center and writes about trust as a key aspect of generosity.  

Leaders Who Last Ministry Growth Series
Are you ready...
To learn new strategies to grow and expand into your leadership?
To finally feel confident with money and stewardship?
To strengthen your relationships?
To finally get a handle on your productivity?
To balance work and life, so you can grow personally and professionally?

Margaret Marcuson's brand-new
Leaders Who Last Ministry Growth Series is designed for you.

Each series includes 8 specific lessons that are time-tested with leaders just like you. You'll receive one lesson a week to implement, so you can steadily grow stronger and more effective in that area. Plus you can get coaching to support you as you put these ideas to work in your own setting. Get support from an experienced pastor who can help you sustain yourself in your ministry.


Margaret J. Marcuson is a leader of leaders, ordained ABC minister, and teacher and student of human systems. She speaks and writes on leadership and works with faith leaders nationally as a consultant/coach.


   
Peace,

Rev. Stacy Emerson, Stewardship Facilitator
Mission Resource Development
American Baptist Churches USA

American Baptists serving as the hands and feet of Christ


© 2014 Mission Resource Development, American Baptist Churches USA 
This resource is provided to you as a ministry of American Baptist Churches USA
 because American Baptists are united in mission through United Mission. 
Thank you for your gifts to United Mission!