Stewardship Books - Page 4

Half-Price Living: Secrets to Living Well on One Income

Ellie Kay

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

I learned a WEALTH of information-literally 5 out of 5 stars.
18 of 22 people found this review helpful.

As I read this book, I was highlighting like a mad woman! As a mom with a home-based business, I learned new ways to save money on clothing, groceries, and even vacations. The book was fun to read, with lots of practical info and excellent resources. It was informative and inspiring!

Editorial Review:

A recent online survey found that 86%

of working moms said they would stay

at home if they were fi nancially able

to do so. Ellie Kay, “America’s Family

Financial Expert™,” has written

Price Living

her fi nancial expertise and experience

as a mom to write this step-by-step plan

on how to downsize from two incomes

to one. Featuring Kay’s trademark wry

humor,

Half-in response. Kay combinesHalf-Price Living also gives readers real life stories, comprehensive

charts, worksheets, and a plan to make

it work. Far from being a book about

deprivation, these tips will make living

on one income a pleasure.

To Give or Not to Give: Rethinking Dependency, Restoring Generosity, and Redefining Sustainability

John Rowell

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

A Marshall Plan for Giving 3 out of 5 stars.
14 of 15 people found this review helpful.

Modern missions have some disturbing features, such as the wide disparity between the rich (in traditionally sending nations) and the poor (in traditionally receiving nations), and the lack of enthusiasm in mission giving by wealthy Christians. John Rowell believes he knows why these things exist and what can be done about them. He says that by stressing the three-self formula and trying to avoid creating dependency, missiologists have provided an excuse to wealthy American Christians that persuades them not to give. In addition, Americans are heavily influenced by the history of the welfare system as it has evolved and are now opposed to handouts.
Rowell believes that generosity in mission giving must not only be restored, but should be on the order of the Marshall Plan that helped rebuild Europe after World War II. This will necessitate the removal of the obstacle of the three-self formula and worries about creating dependency, since the biblical mandate to help the poor must override those outdated concerns. Rowell generally sees the poor as both Christians in developing countries who need assistance in church work and in their everyday lives, and as non-Christians who need better health care, food, education, jobs, and so on. He emphasizes that most unreached people are poor.
Rowell's mission experience is through long-term assistance to some churches in Bosnia. After his arrival during the devastation of the 1990s war in Bosnia, Rowell became the leader of a consortium of American churches that funded Bosnian evangelical churches. He cites the generous giving of these Americans as a model of what he proposes. Some principles that they used in giving included forming covenant relationships with the Bosnians and supplying funds with "no-strings-attached."
In support of his proposals, Rowell relies heavily on the works of Ron Sider and Jonathan Bonk. He also tries to use Henry Venn, John Nevius, and Roland Allen to support his position, but this is not convincing. For example, he says that Venn used the three-self formula only to prevent western domination of indigenous people but was not so worried about creating dependency. In fact, western domination and indigenous dependency are just two sides of the same coin. Modern missionaries have twisted Venn's meaning, Rowell asserts, to include a concern about dependency that precludes generosity from the wealthy. This particular accusation, however, is never really proved.
Although Rowell clearly understands the pitfalls that could accompany his proposals, and cites all the relevant authorities, in the end he decides that overcoming poverty overrides all other concerns. He redefines sustainability to mean that as long as poor or sick people are being helped, funds should continue to pour in from wealthy American Christians. This method of missions would position the United States as the "War Chest for World Missions" (p. 252). While the issues Rowell addresses of global poverty and lack of generosity are worthy topics that need good answers, his final proposals would likely exacerbate the very problems he hopes to solve.

Editorial Review:

Modern mission theory is guided largely by the "three self paradigm" that suggests indigenous churches can only be healthy if they are "selfgoverning, selfpropagating, and selfsupporting." Consequently, Western missionaries, their churches, and their agencies have been increasingly indisposed to giving generously. We must rethink the interplay of dollars dependency and what it means to "do the right thing" with our money as we pursue twentyfirst century missions. 

This book answers the questions whether Westerners ought "to give or not to give" in support of global evangelism and encourages maximum generosity as the path most reflective of God's heart on the matter.

How to Increase Giving in Your Church : A Practical Guide to the

George Barna

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Chocked full of excellent advice and counsel 5 out of 5 stars.
11 of 13 people found this review helpful.

I was looking for advice on how to improve a stewardship program, but what I found was book that paves a path for building a dynamic congregation joyously returning time, treasures, and talents on which God's work is resourced to spread the Good News and change lives. CAUTION:If you don't want to get excited about stewardship -- stay away from this book.

Editorial Review:

One of the most difficult tasks facing any church leader is the issue of raising funds. It's not that we don't realize that tithing and giving are biblical issues: God's Word is full of strong statements about the stewardship of money. But how does a pastor convey God's heart for stewardship? Literally, what's the best way to raise the money your church needs to survive? Obviously, God is the one who builds the church--He is the ultimate provider. But what's the best process of shepherding the funds He has for your church? This step-by-step guide will give you tools you need to raise funds in your church--scripturally and successfully--without compromising biblical integrity. After all, it's God's church and His money--but our responsibility to manage it.

The Giving Myths: Giving Then Getting the Life You've Always Wanted

Dr. Steve McSwain

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Living the Good Life 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

Stephen B. McSwain makes a bold statement - that giving will lead to the life you've always wanted. Although many of us have been raised with the idea that we should be generous, most of us aren't giving nearly as much as we could. This book explores the giving myths many of us believe. Basing his opinions on years of working in church fundraising, McSwain explains why these myths persist, and why they're false beliefs.

Quoting several passages from the Bible, he shows how churches have misinterpreted the words of Jesus and the prophets in order to coerce their congregations into giving more. When guilt tactics fail, the churches turn to encouraging members to become involved to motivate them to generosity. Other topics include the standard of tithing, and equal and fair share giving. And some folks believe they simply can't afford to give.

But once McSwain debunks all of these myths, he reassures us that if we can look past the myths and give generously - to our church or spiritual center, and also to our favorite charities - God will grant us the life we've always wanted. While we may not be showered with material things, we will be given all we need, plus the peace of mind in knowing that we will always be provided for. And isn't that all we really need, anyway?

Reviewer: Alice Berger
Bergers Book Reviews

The World's Easiest Guide to Finances

Larry Burkett, Randy Southern

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Solid book, but not quite everything I hoped 3 out of 5 stars.
7 of 12 people found this review helpful.

This book is filled with sound pratical financial advice!!

I was a little dissapointed that some of the sections were a little to broad. There is so many topics covered that I am sure that it was hard to put in all the information that they wanted to.

My second complaint is that it is not christian enough. There are not as many references to the bible of wanted. Larry burkett has another book, How to manage your money that is more along that line.

Overall, this is a solid book, and provided me with lots of great info ranging from budgeting, buying a car, investing, retiring, and more.

Solid book, but not quite everything I hoped 3 out of 5 stars.
2 of 6 people found this review helpful.

This book is filled with sound pratical financial advice!!

I was a little dissapointed that some of the sections were a little to broad. There is so many topics covered that I am sure that it was hard to put in all the information that they wanted to.

My second complaint is that it is not christian enough. There are not as many references to the bible of wanted. Larry burkett has another book, How to manage your money that is more along that line.

Overall, this is a solid book, and provided me with lots of great info ranging from budgeting, buying a car, investing, retiring, and more.

The ABC's of Handling Money God's Way

Howard Dayton, Beverly Dayton

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Subjects -> Business & Investing -> Personal Finance -> Money Management for Young People
Subjects -> Children's Books -> Religions -> Christianity -> General

Editorial Review:

12-week curriculum for teaching children about Godís plan for money. This world teaches kids that money and possessions are a source of pride and self-worth. Nothing could be farther from biblical truth. The ABCís of Handling Money Godís Way is an excellent tool to combat these fallacies and teach children basic principles of working, giving, saving, and spending. This colorful, story-based workbook will engage children ages 5-7 and keep them interested as they learn that Godís plan for handling our finances is so much better than the worldís way. This 12-week curriculum is perfect for Sunday school, home-schooled children, family teaching times, and more! Large, full-color illustrations capture young childrenís attention as they learn about this important, but sometimes difficult subject. Accompanying teacherís guide is an easy-to-use resource for parents and caregivers.

Should the Church Teach Tithing? A Theologian's Conclusions about a Taboo Doctrine

Russell Earl Kelly

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 20 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

The Standard for books concerning the tithing issue 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 4 people found this review helpful.

This is easily the best book on the topic of tithing out there. It is professionally done and well-written. Not only will the reader learn truths about tithing that are not revealed in church, there is a great deal of quality teaching concerning priesthoods and the new covenant.

The only questions I might have are that the author believes that in the old covenant there were three distinct and separate tithes taken. It is my opinion that there was only one annual tithe, spent in three different ways according to the tithe cycle, with every 7th and 50th year having no tithe requirements at all (sabbath rest for the land... the tithe, after all, was food and never money!)

This is a book you can dive into and get something new in multiple readings of the same chapters. Kelly even discusses in-depth the secular history of tithing, as well as how the practice crept into Christian circles well after the early church (Which, of course, never mandated a 10-percent temple-tax to build churches, pay pastors, or influence politics.)

Your pastor will hate it, but God loves it.

The truth will set you free; this book will help loosen the bonds of finacial voo-doo that the mainstream church preaches today.

Editorial Review:

This 288 page book began as a Ph.D. dissertation. It is an easy to read reference commentary which also contains many Greek and Hebrew word studies, and an extensive bibliography. Every tithing text is covered, plus every possible extension of it in the New Testament. The author demonstrates how the Church must replace this last taboo remnant of the Old Covenant Law and enter fully into must better New Covenant provisions for accomplishing God's work. No stone is left uncovered. A thorough historical survey of the first 300 years of church history and verse by verse studies of key chapters adds compelling evidence. Russell Earl Kelly can be reached at russkellyphd@earthlink.net, www.home.earthlink.net/~russkellyphd, 6610 Skyview Drive, Acworth, Ga 30101, or 770-974-4756.

My Heart - Christ's Home Retold for Children

Robert Boyd Munger, Carolyn Nystrom

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 5 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

The book is an excellent adaptation of the adult version. 5 out of 5 stars.
24 of 24 people found this review helpful.

The book is an excellent adaptation of the adult version. As a Christian educator, I have read this book to 3rd-8th graders. Each time the book has held their attention. Its analogy of our heart being like a house and how Jesus wants to transform each room in our house is done in a way children can understand. The book communicates some deep, complex Christian spiritual beliefs in an entertaining and simple manner for young readers.

Good for students 3 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

This little booklet says for children, but the content is more for teens who might be offended by the "for children" in the title.

Great tool for teaching children! 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I purchased this 5-pack of little booklets to give out to my clubbers in AWANA. We were studying the different Bible verses about the heart and how Christ needs to be "on the throne" in our hearts. The kids were having trouble understanding this concept, and I think that this book really helped them. They all seemed to enjoy the story and relate to the little boy who is the main character. This children's version is very good as a 'stand-alone' teaching tool for kids. I especially liked the notes for parents in the back of the book that help explain to kids all the different biblical concepts from the story -- and I was pleasantly surprised at how many concepts are taught!

Editorial Review:

This is Peter's amazing story of a week spent with Jesus. He enjoys being with Jesus and learns wht Jesus wants. But then Peter is faced with a decision. Should he show Jesus the secret thing he has hidden in his closet?.

God's Plan for Your Money

Derek Prince

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

God and Finances 4 out of 5 stars.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.

Derek made this plain and simple. It is not God's desire to see those who love Him poor. God conscious people are always rich in spirit and THROUGH that spirit the physical manifestations come.

I purhcased multiple copies to put them into the hands of others that they may find some of the same value i found...

this work is appreciated....

Great book for Couples!!!!!!! 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

I loved the book. It just reinforced principles that I have been taught and brought principles had missed or had not honestly adhered to. Great book for couples!!!

Sound advice! 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Sound scripture-based advice regarding our monetary stewardship...the principles discussed and followed are so important, especially in this day and age of financial uncertainity... you will be enlightened and encouraged through this study.

Our Father's World: Mobilizing the Church to Care for Creation

Edward R. Brown

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Subjects -> Outdoors & Nature -> Environment -> Conservation

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Excellent book on the topic 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

I am an environmentalist and a Christian who has read most of what is out there on the topic. This is BY FAR the best book written piece on the subject (of the 10 or books I have read). It is clear, concise, and Biblical. If you are planning to read one book on the topic - put this in your cart, now.

Editorial Review:

Secular environmentalists have pleaded with Christian leaders to take up the challenge of caring for the environment. How should Christians respond to the environmental crisis? What does the Bible have to say about creation care and the responsibility of Christians?

Edward Brown offers a biblical framework for creation care as well as practical steps that ordinary Christians can take to exercise good ecological stewardship. As a pioneering leader of the evangelical creation care movement, Brown provides a new model for "environmental missions," in which Christian organizations respond to ecological crises in ways that transform both the people and the land that sustains them.

This book is filled with ideas that students, churches, mission agencies and all concerned Christians can implement at home and around the world.