The Center for Faith and Giving was created To 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 world And 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 day Full day Weekend (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/theologically about stewardship Best practices – those tools that enable people to better practice generosity

We currently are developing a website Which will give you access to a variety of Tools and resources for talking about Stewardship in your congregation or Region. It will launch early In

The site will feature:  Bible Studies  Book Reviews  Worship Resources  Sample Sermons  Small 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 questions  And links to other sites and tools

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 F aith 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 church who 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 via webinar 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 to be an extension of the Center for Faith of Giving in your geographic area Academy graduates will be recognized by both the Regional Minister in the area where they serve and by the General Minister and President

Stewardship is not fundraising! It is a spiritual discipline! Stewardship has a rich and varied meaning throughout 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 understanding Of 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 goods Will only stuff full our attics and basements while leaving our souls empty and our hearts longing. --Bruce Barkhauer

For more information about the Center for Faith and Giving Contact Rev. Bruce A. Barkhauer Or 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”