The terrorists who struck U.S. soil on September 1 divided our lives into the “before” and “after.” The days that followed were full of terrifying images, incredible human loss, and stunning stories of courage. And as those images, losses, and…
Read MoreA Theology of Money: The Apostle Paul’s Advice on Long-Term Dividends
At 8:45 A.M. on Tuesday, September 11, John and Michael were having their daily phone conversation about derivatives and investments. Michael was speaking from the World Trade Center where he worked as a bond trader, and John was speaking from…
Read MoreAsk Alban: Capital Campaign: Six Keys to Success
Q: My church is about to embark on its first capital giving campaign in many years. We want to renovate and expand our facility. What advice do you have for us before we start? A: Our congregation, which was established…
Read MoreThe Leading Edge: Leadership for the Time "After"
The terrorists who struck U.S. soil on September 1 divided our lives into the “before” and “after.” The days that followed were full of terrifying images, incredible human loss, and stunning stories of courage. And as those images, losses, and…
Read MoreMoney Type and Giving: A Financial Counselor Discusses Stewardship
How do we, as Christians, bring the concepts of faith and money into harmony? And do we need to? For me the answer is yes. Absolutely. Let me share how I created more comfort for myself regarding money. Because most…
Read MoreGoing Global: Moving Beyond Local Missions
The prevailing notion of ecclesiastical mission is “hands-on mission in my backyard,” which combines the popular desire to do something locally with our wish for hands-on involvement. This type of high-tough localism may have been a good idea before globalization…
Read MoreRethinking Abundance: How Three Congregations Rediscovered It for Themselves
A crucial consideration in issues of faith and money is to know when we have “enough” of the latter. This is especially true since our culture tends to suggest that there is never enough. Both the Hebrew Bible and the…
Read MoreMoney and Spiritual Life: A Jewish Approach to Obligatory Giving
The rabbi squirms in his seat when a leader suggests that he engage in fundraising. Perennially vocal board members grow silent when it is time to follow up with congregants about their financial obligations. The topic of money makes us…
Read MoreA Theology of Money: The Apostle Paul's Advice on Long-Term Dividends
At 8:45 A.M. on Tuesday, September 11, John and Michael were having their daily phone conversation about derivatives and investments. Michael was speaking from the World Trade Center where he worked as a bond trader, and John was speaking from…
Read MoreA Soul Decision
I received a lesson in the relationship of faith and money the morning my oldest child was born. I was 29 and serving a small church in Florida; my wife was teaching at the nearby state university. For the first time…
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