Stewardship

■ Competencies of a Well-formed Steward

This is an outgrowth of the ELCA Blue Ribbon Committee Recommendations and the work of the Stewardship of Life Institute. These documents provide a biblical and practical foundation for growing rostered and lay people into well-formed stewards. The How-to Guide provides ways to engage leaders in conversations about perspectives, practices and skills. This enables individuals and congregations to discern and shape their role as steward leaders in their faith community and beyond. For more information, go to www.elca.org/stewardship/competencies.

■ Ventures in Growing Stewards

This workshop series which has equipped more than 500 ELCA congregations over the past ten years is being updated. While the focus continues to be on developing a healthy and holistic stewardship culture in congregations through year round stewardship and an effective annual response, current approaches to fundraising will be included. Specially trained Ventures Steward Leaders will be identified in each synod. For more information go to www.elca.org/stewardship/ventures

■ Glocal Mission Gatherings

Since the fall of 2009, more than a dozen synods have held these events. Eight more synods will have events in 2011. These events provided a spirit-filled look a global and local ministry across the church. The theme for 2011 is Migration and Immigration with a focus on acculturation, accompaniment and application in specific contexts. Each event includes a four-hour track on stewardship. For more information go to www.elca.org/globalmission and click on Glocal Mission Gatherings

■ Biblical Stewardship: Our Duty and Delight

This seven part DVD series presents a promising and encouraging biblical message of financial stewardship. Presented by Dr. Mark Allan Powell this series makes the connection between stewardship and spirituality: generous giving as a spiritual discipline helps us to grow in Christ. To order this DVD go to www.selectlearning.org

■ Rethinking Stewardship: Our Culture, Our Theology, Our Practices

This book was published after the event of the same name in 2010 and includes articles by each of the twelve keynote speakers. This collection of current stewardship thinking challenges cultural assumptions, explores theological possibilities and clarifies leadership practices for the 21st century. Be on the lookout for Rethinking Stewardship II in 2012. For more information go to www.luthersem.edu/rethinking

■ Mission Interpretation Ministry

This ministry continues to grow across the country. With a goal of growing faith in Jesus Christ and increasing awareness of our ministries together, Mission Interpretation tells stories of how we make a difference through our giving of time, talents and financial resources. A primary resource is the ELCA publication Stories of Faith in Action. Look for training events coming up in your synod. For more information contact keith.mundy@elca.org

■ Awakening to God’s Call to Earthkeeping

Caring for creation is an essential component of religious faith and witness. Faithful earthkeeping can deepen our relationship with God and embolden our role as God’s steward. This resource is a leader guide to four sessions on earthkeeping with additional resources in the appendix. To download a copy go to www.elca.org/stewardship and click on Year Round Or, you can order four-color copies on recycled paper at www.elca.org/resources

■ Lutherans Restoring Creation

This grassroots movement is dedicated to bringing care for creation into the full life and mission of the ELCA. Through experienced leaders this group offers web-based networking, material resources, on-site training and grants to support synods and congregations in becoming green. For more information go to

www.lutheransrestoringcreation.org

■ ESC Leadership Conference

This annual conference for denominational and congregational leaders continues to offer leading presenters and workshops on stewardship for the 21st century. Usually held in Florida the week after Thanksgiving each year, more information is available at www.stewardshipresources.org

■ Money Leadership for Thriving Congregations

This resource offers an effective way to talk about giving, saving, spending, debt management and financial life planning. The focus on money within the congregational system and the role of pastor as steward leader are unique features of what is available in retreat or small group format. For more information go to www.elca.org/stewardship and click on Teaching

■ Year Round Stewardship Calendar

Have you discovered that stewardship is not a 6-8 week ministry? This calendar provides monthly themes and six areas of focus for a holistic approach to stewardship ministry in the congregation. For a downloadable version go to www.elca.org/stewardship and click on Year Round

For questions about the above, contact Rev. Len Dale, Director for Evangelical Mission in Central States Synod at ldale@css-elca.org, or contact ELCA Program Director for Stewardship at keith.mundy@elca.org.