Church members 'are giving more'
Donations to the Church of Scotland have doubled in real terms over the last two decades, according to a report prepared for its general assembly. » READ ON

Starting somewhere: 5 views on giving
As a stewardship speaker and financial counselor for many years, I have discovered that a person's willingness to give to God FIRST and FOREMOST is a primary indicator of his or her trust and faith in God. » READ ON

US Presbyterians invest $1 million in church 'bank' to help poor
The Presbyterian Church (USA) has invested US$1 million in Oikocredit, an organization established by the World Council of Churches that assists people in poor countries start small businesses. » READ ON

Time to do more for charity than just give
"It's about us understanding each other, learning about each other, and connecting with each other - and that's where generosity begins." » READ ON

Sweet charity
You don't have to be a millionaire to make financial sense of donating to the less fortunate. » READ ON

Prayer with the emerging church
Oh Lord, We move to a time where the sermon illustration is no longer from literature, but from film and media.» READ ON

Simply strategic growth
What I like best about Simply Strategic Growth is that they're willing to consider anything and they don't get hung up on the distractions. » READ ON

Christians more generous if taught about giving by their churches
Church leaders who regularly teach their congregations about giving can expect to find more money in their collection plates, according to a new survey.» READ ON

Global rich list
As people consider how much they will give to God's work in the world, it is important that they have a sense of their own abundance. Visit Global Rich List for perspective.» READ ON

Congregational resource guide
The financial resources available here cover topics from the philosophy of money to sample checklists and contracts.» READ ON

Task force explores future of giving in global church
Young adults want to be part of something that makes a difference in the world, a religion professor told a United Methodist task force on giving. » READ ON

We must use our property responsibly
"Many congregations might agree that they are stewards of God's property. But just what is the difference between ownership and stewardship? » READ ON

The business of filling pews
"I think churches need to step back from the immediate and get some kind of perspective, for instance, on the demographics of an area and the population trends and also the financial trends." » READ ON

High hopes
God spoke to my heart: "I want you never again to think about the word success. I want you to die to your dream of being a success and live to the dream of being a blessing." » READ ON

Effect change through shareholder gatherings
“We want to focus corporate management’s attention on issues such as HIV/AIDS, climate risk, global warming, workers’ rights on an international level and issues of diversity at home.” » READ ON

Stewardship resources
From the Presbyterian Church USA. » READ ON

Vitality resources
From the United Church of Christ USA. » READ ON

Why people give ... and why some do not
People give because they want to participate in an act of transformation. They give to the church because they want to transform lives, transform systems, transform the world. They don’t give, however, to maintain institutions. » READ ON

Why church mission budgets are in trouble
A blast from the past on American pluralism and consensus. » READ ON

Church spruiks cafe society to spread the word
The Anglican Diocese of Sydney wants to raise $500 million to convert Sydney. » READ ON

Salvation had better start meaning something
Unless we become practised at observing and surrendering our petty and daily fears, there is no way we will be able to recognise the really big ones (and really disguised ones) that control our politics, our denominations, our bank account the world’s future. » READ ON

The other difficult conversation parents need to have
In a consumer society, as ATMs bloom on every corner and wallets bulge with credit cards, parents often find it hard to teach responsible money management. » READ ON

How much sustainability is enough?
Investors can certainly find big, established companies with good potential for seizing new energy opportunities. But will multinational corporations advance your progressive cause - or compromise it? » READ ON

Pennies for heaven
"You can get people to give for specific causes - send the kids on a mission trip, buy a new church van, fund a homeless shelter - but giving for the annual budget that takes care of the church structure is increasingly difficult to secure." » READ ON

Can churches pass the charity test?
Religious bodies in England face the prospect of having to prove that they are of public benefit. The presumption that religious groups do good until it is proved otherwise is to be removed. » READ ON

Buyers show faith in conversion
The Uniting Church Synod of Victoria and Tasmania sells about six churches a year on average, and has produced a Property and Grief booklet to help people deal with the loss of a building. » READ ON

The do-it-yourself ethical investor
Investors who feel socially responsible mutual funds don't fully reflect their values can build a portfolio of their own. » READ ON

One million reasons to give
"The church is probably the greatest source of hope there is, and I want my giving to make a difference long after I'm not around." » READ ON

Property sales proceeds
New South Wales Council of Synod in March clarified regulations to specify that sales proceeds could be used for new mission initiatives, including ministry and leadership, only if those funds were likely to retain capital value by producing an effective missional outcome that added lasting value to the Uniting Church’s core business. READ ON

Significant changes at new-look NCLS website
The revamped National Church Life Survey (NCLS) website — www.ncls.org.au — online from May 12, contains an extraordinary library of thousands of resources. READ ON

Churches teach money management to aid parishioners
Many places of worship now conduct financial workshops, tout faith-based mutual funds, bring in budget counselors, mentor small-business owners and otherwise deal with a matter long considered taboo. » READ ON