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3/15/2010
159. Paying Caesar and Giving to God
"Enter the figure from line 23 on line 28, unless it is larger than line 22, and then divide by whichever is the smallest number from lines 17a or 17b, and place the resulting figure on line 32."
After two evenings of reading instructions similar to those, I’m proud to announce that
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10/13/2009
143. Pruning
Recently while teaching in a congregation, I recounted many of the scriptures about fruitfulness. Vines, branches, seedtime, harvest, soils, vineyards, trees, fruits—the Bible is replete with stories that lift high the notion that God expects us to use what we have received to make a positive
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12/17/2008
101. Christmas Gifts and Christmas Offerings
As the ushers moved forward with their plates in hand during a crowded Christmas Eve service, the pastor said, “We’ll now receive the offering, which will support the apportionments our church owes.” There was no further explanation, no description of ministries, no connectio
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10/13/2008
92. Don't Let Worry Win
When serving as a pastor, I learned that I usually make my biggest mistakes when I’m tired. When I don’t attend to patterns of rest, sleep, exercise, and time away, and just keep grinding away at work day after day, I become more likely to say things I wish I could take back, make
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9/24/2008
89. Why Do People Give?
Why do people give to the church? What motivations and factors make it more likely for people to contribute generously, and what inhibits giving?
Recently I read an article by Clif Christopher in the Lewis Center for Church Leadership Leading Ideas newsletter. Clif’s ministry focuses on
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8/7/2008
80. The Fall Stewardship Emphasis and the Five Practices?
Another common question I receive is about using the Focus on the Five Practices: A Congregation-Wide Initiative materials during the lead-up and preparation for the congregation’s fall stewardship emphasis or consecration pledge Sunday.
First, numerous churches have already done this by
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