This morning at Advent Lutheran Church (ELCA) we continued a summer sermon series: Stories That Shape Us: How Jesus’ Parables Transform the Way We See God, Ourselves, and the World. Sermon My message, “Courageous Stewardship" is based on Matthew 25:14-30 You can watch below or read the manuscript. Excerpt Happy New Year! Since we last gathered for worship, Advent Lutheran Church has started a new year of mission and ministry. It is a joy to begin again Read More …
stewardship
Growing for the Future (#2222)
This morning at Advent Lutheran Church (ELCA) we continued the Easter Hope series and celebrated Stewardship Sunday. Sermon My message, “Growing for the Future” is based on the stewardship theme passage: 2 Corinthians 9:1-15, You can watch below or read the manuscript. Excerpt I’ve been blessed to learn from many mentors in and beyond the church. This morning I’m especially thankful for the Rev. Dr. Robert Bohl. Pastor Bob held many titles over Read More …
Lenten Challenge: Beginning Today (#2213)
This morning at Advent Lutheran Church (ELCA) we continued the Lenten Challenges series. Sermon My message, “Beginning Today” is based on the narrative lectionary passage: Luke 19:1-10. You can watch below or read the manuscript. Excerpt April has arrived. And, it always begins with a light hearted holiday: April Fool’s Day. A day many of us appreciated more than usual this year. And, now we are getting ready for another holiday that comes later this Read More …
Latest Church Trends: Membership & Giving (#1943)
The decline of American Christianity has long been the most popular topic at So What Faith. As the pandemic continues, the significance of the decline becomes more apparent both at the macro level and in the lives of individual congregations. Trend 1: Declining Membership in Congregations One data point has received greater consideration this year than any year since I've been a part of the conversation about the decline of American Christianity: church membership. A Gallup article Read More …
Church Giving – The 55/45 Rule (#1650)
Leadership Network recently published an insightful article by Chris Willard and Warren Bird focused on giving metrics in the context of congregational ministry. This piece mentions something I think should be called the 55/45 rule. This rule comes from research conducted by David Thoroughman, CEO of the donor analytics firm MortarStone. Thoroughman found that, on average, 99% of a congregation's funding comes from giving units that give $200 or more a year but only Read More …
Sermon: Responsible Earthkeeping (#1558)
Sermon Text: Genesis 1:26 Sermon Excerpt Dominion is one of those words that makes me cringe. I cannot hear the word in any context without having some kind of reaction. There are many reasons for it, including a very troubling experience with a rather unconventional church. This church practiced Dominion Theology and took this task so seriously that it shaped every aspect of their identity. They understood that it was their role – along with other churches that held Read More …
Sermon: Going All In (#1518)
Sermon Text: Mark 12:41-44 Sermon Excerpt I think it is about time we return to the little stewardship booklet I mentioned earlier so that I can ask a second quiz question. This one allows you to play the role of subject matter expert. A new church member wants to know how much he or she should give to the church. You say: “That’s a very important decision. So important that I could not possibly advise you on it.” “Pick a number—any number.” “What I do is take a Read More …
Sermon: A Community of Risk Takers (#1516)
Sermon Text: I Corinthians 12:1, 4-12, 25-27 (The Message) Sermon Excerpt: Thank you. Thanks Jim, Barb, and David. I appreciate not only that you said “yes” when presented an opportunity to speak, but also the many ways you have given generously of your time and talent. Together we are inviting you to join with us for the year ahead by committing to risk-taking mission and service. This is one of the five practices of fruitful congregations. The author of the book Read More …
Going Trash Free (#1426)
Justin Vrany has operated his restaurant - Sandwich Me In (Chicago, IL) - for the last two years without creating any trash. More specifically while the average restaurant produces 8 gallons of waste an hour, he produced that amount over two years but then watched it disappear when an artist fashioned it into a sculpture. So What? Every congregation I have ever served has encouraged members to live more green lifestyles. Ideally, congregations not only educate about Read More …
Sermon: All In (#1301)
Sermon Text: Mark 12:41-44 Sermon Excerpt Presbyterian minister Scott Hauser recently shared a list of things that many American Christians often love more than God. His list includes items many may dismiss, but perhaps should not: football, beauty, and technology. It also contains items that some may be more willing to admit often become like gods – at least for a season: the American way, attention, and safety. Whether or not your complete list would look similar to Read More …