The Center for Faith and Giving was createdTo create a culture of Generosity across the

Life of the whole church.

We celebrate a theology of abundance.

What is a theology of abundance?

It is a belief that God is the Creator of the worldAnd that God has provided all that is necessary

For the world to thrive, not merely survive.

These all look to you to give them their food in due season;when you give to them, they gather it up; when you open your hand, they are filled with good things.

--- Psalm 104:27-28 (NRSV)

The Center for Faith and Giving provides support for stewardship education.

We are currently offering workshops in several formats including:

Half dayFull dayWeekend (including Sunday School

and Worship)Individual congregations, cluster groups, or Regions can receive these resources, made possible by Disciples Mission Fund

Workshops emphasize two major components:

Thinking biblically/theologicallyabout stewardship

Best practices – those tools that enable people to better practice

generosity

We currently are developing a websiteWhich will give you access to a variety of Tools and resources for talking about Stewardship in your congregation or Region.

It will launch earlyIn 2011

www.centerforfaithandgiving.org

The site will feature:Bible StudiesBook ReviewsWorship ResourcesSample SermonsSmall Group Study Materials (in video format)“Seed Thoughts” (in short video format) A “Blog Spot” for you to engage one another in conversation about what works and to ask questionsAnd links to other sites and tools www.clickhereformore

The Center for Faith and Giving will be a “virtual” Center connecting you to the best ideas and materials for teaching stewardship as a faith practice and a Faith discipline that marks spiritual maturity and personal/institutional transformation.

The Center for Faith and Giving is interested in leader development and has created the Faith and Giving Academy

We want to equip and train leaders across the life of the churchwho can then help others learn the joy of generosity

You can become a member of the Center for Faith and Giving Academy!

The Faith and Giving Academy will be taught viawebinar in six sessions over the course of one year

It employs some of our best Disciple scholars, teachers,pastors, and leaders from across the whole church

Completion of the Academy program certifies you tobe an extension of the Center for Faith of Giving in your geographic area

Academy graduates will be recognized by both the RegionalMinister in the area where they serveand by the General Minister and President

Stewardship is not fundraising!It is a spiritual discipline!

Stewardship has a rich and varied meaningthroughout the witness of scripture.

It is not only about money, it is about the

care and management of our lives and world In which we live them.

Fear closes the hand and hoards

Faith opens the hand and shares

“If a person gets his attitude toward money right, it will straighten out almost every other area in his life.”

--Billy Graham

We are committed to producing resources in multiple Languages and drawing from the gifts of the whole church

Believing our diversity enriches our understandingOf who God is calling us to be in this time and place.

We must be willing to tell the truth: An economic system built solely on the acquisition of goodsWill only stuff full our attics and basementswhile leaving our souls empty and our hearts longing.

--Bruce Barkhauer

For more information about the Center for Faith and Giving

Contact Rev. Bruce A. Barkhauer317-713-2404

Or email @bbarkhauer@ogmp.disciples.org

The Center for Faith and Giving exists to serve the

Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and wants to

Help you discover the joy of giving

“God Loves A Cheerful Giver”