CHICAGO, March 24 /PRNewswire/ -- A new resource intended to engage people in conversation and self-assessment about their feelings, knowledge, experiences and practices related to money is being introduced this month to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Produced by the ELCA, "Money Leadership for Thriving Congregations" is a biblically based stewardship education resource.
"Conversations about money are out of the closet," said Ed Kruse, director for stewardship, ELCA Evangelical Outreach and Congregational Mission (EOCM). "People are really interested in hearing about money and finances, and money management." "Money Leadership" addresses people's eagerness to learn about and discuss a variety of financial topics, Kruse said. Course participants discuss their money "autobiographies," plus giving, saving, spending, debt reduction, financial life planning, personal financial profiles, and developing personal action plans for themselves and action plans for their congregations.
The idea is to help course participants strengthen their personal and congregational stewardship, Kruse said.
Information about "Money Leadership for Thriving Congregations," including ordering information, is at http://www.elca.org/stewardship/teaching/ on the ELCA Web site.
The Rev. David B. Zellmer, bishop, ELCA South Dakota Synod, said he frequently gets questions about stewardship. "Part of what I like about it ('Money Leadership') is that it wasn't just about money or how I need to give; it's about how I live my life." Zellmer said "whole-life stewarding" is how congregations grow.
"Money Leadership" is intended for use by congregations in small-group settings, Kruse said. Group leaders for the resource can teach the program in six two-hour workshops or schedule an overnight retreat for participants, he said. The "Money Leadership" resource offers content specifically for professional church leaders, and for members. Available materials include a participant book, a leader guide and daily devotions. The resource was written by EOCM's stewardship team, and is available through Augsburg Fortress, the publishing ministry of the ELCA.
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans provided initial grant funds that led to development of "10-10-80" and "Money Leadership." Thrivent is a Minneapolis-based nonprofit financial services organization. DATASOURCE: Evangelical Lutheran Church in America CONTACT: John R. Brooks of Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, +1-773-380-2958, Web site: http://www.elca.org/
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