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Is
there an alternative to the endless cycle of capital
campaigns and budget shortfalls in churches? Can a
church adequately fund its vision, remain true to
its values and empower its people to experience the
joy of generosity? Can pastors lead their congregations
to experience the joy of giving, and at the same time
fund compelling ministry opportunities?
Leadership Network asked Byron Van Kley to recommend
some books that can help church leaders see the paradigm
for what's next, beyond the pressure to make budget
or launch other stewardship pushes. Byron has been
researching churches that have developed an exceptional
culture of generosity. He also serves as director
of the Generous
Churches Leadership Community, which is made possible
through a joint venture with Generous Giving.*
The following are Byron's top reading recommendations
on the subject. They include both book description
and Byron's commentary on why he selected each book.
| The
Treasure Principle, Randy Alcorn
This book is a quick, enjoyable read in language
that is easy for anyone to understand and
apply. Award-winning writer Randy Alcorn unpacks
the central biblical truth that "everything
belongs to God, and we are just his money
managers." Many churches have found it
compelling as a congregation-wide handout
to accompany a teaching series on stewardship
and generosity. |
|
Money,
Possessions and Eternity, Randy Alcorn
This book offers in-depth treatment, including
extensive biblical study and theological analysis,
of the topic of stewardship. It serves as
a very helpful guide in preparation for a
teaching series. |
|
Fields
of Gold, Andy Stanley
The author is a very articulate pastor leading
a church known for its generous culture. His
book offers a practical and readable treatment
of how believers can overcome the fears often
associated with giving. It's perfect both
for laypeople as well as for pastors preparing
to address the topic of giving in the context
of trusting God.
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Free
and Clear: God's Road Map to Debt-Free Living,
Howard Dayton
This material is clear, practical teaching
for people who need help getting their individual
financial world in order, so they can be free
to participate generously in Kingdom giving.
A very good resource for church leaders as
well, helping them to understand the pressing
financial issues faced daily by many in our
churches. |
|
Secrets
of the Generous Life: Reflections to Open
the Spirit and Enrich the Soul,
Gordon MacDonald
The devotional approach MacDonald uses pushes
to the core of generosity: It isn't about
money, but rather it's a matter of the heart.
God's desire for each of us is to discover
the joy of living with open hands and giving
hearts--not just with our money, but also
with our time, energy, influence and talents.
MacDonald served for many years as a pastor
and is a widely read leader. |
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When
Not to Build: An Architect's Unconventional
Wisdom for the Growing Church,
Ray Bowman and Eddie Hall
These experienced architects offer practical
advice and thought-provoking questions for growing
churches facing facility constraints. They help
church leaders consider how to get the most
ministry use out of their buildings while minimizing
the debt issues that can often cripple mission-critical
ministries. |
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In addition to reading insightful books, it's not
too late to register for Exponential
06: Unleashing Generosity in Your Church,
a one-day gathering on September 19 in Dallas, where
some 700 pastors and church leaders will explore a
journey to authentic generosity.
It features great teaching and personal testimonies
from other pastors who are attempting to create cultures
of financial faithfulness and generosity in their
lives and in their churches. Speakers include Randy
Alcorn, Joseph Stowell, Robert Morris, Dave Cox, Jimmy
Seibert, and Bryan Clark. It is co-hosted by Generous
Giving and Crown Financial Ministries.
*Generous Giving is a privately funded ministry
that seeks to encourage givers of all income levels
to experience the joy of giving and embrace a lifestyle
of generosity. Through its partnership with Leadership
Network, Generous Giving aims to serve the leaders
of innovative churches as they guide their congregations
into greater generosity.
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