Giving & Stewardship

Each year, thousands of people are deeply impacted by taking Howard Dayton's Navigating Your Finances God's Way small group study. This year, we'll be looking at many of the core concepts from this course, and we begin our walk through this excellent stewardship study with a look at three core reasons why our Lord spent so much time addressing money during His time on earth.

• January 2012 — Introduction
• February 2012 — God's Part in Stewardship 

The financial crisis of 2008 brought to an end the era of debt-fueled economic growth. Taking its place has been forced de-leveraging, as households, businesses, and government's attempt to live within their means and reduce their bloated debt. With good jobs hard to come by, many people are struggling. Yet we can be thankful that God has promised to provide for His children. While this provision most often comes through our hard work, the Lord is not limited by the constraints of a slow economy! Are you open to God doing the unexpected in your life — or through your life?

This issue mark's SMI's 21st anniversary! As we do in each anniversary issue, we're shining a spotlight on stewardship and giving. Our July cover article, by author and pastor John Piper, is filled with Scriptures that underscore the connection between thoughtful discipleship and wise money management. Above all, Jesus calls his followers to hold earthly treasure loosely, while holding fast to His remarkable promise that "it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom."

The great and precious promises of God should foster in us a sense of gratitude that dwarfs any attachments we have to the material world.

Wouldn't it be exciting to have an extra $25, $50, or even $100 a month earmarked for the purpose of being able to bless others financially? Here's how.

Before giving to a ministry or other nonprofit group, it's wise to perform "due diligence" about the organization. Doing such research is easier than ever, thanks to watchdog websites that provide background information to donors and potential donors. Here's a quick look at five of the leaders in this effort.

At the start of a new year, many of us resolve to accomplish certain things in our finances. Too often, however, we lack effective follow-through and our good intentions don't come to fruition. In this month's feature article, financial author Ron Blue explains that turning resolutions into results requires a written plan with specific guidelines. Ron lays out a strategy for setting financial goals and achieving them. And his approach has a wonderful by-product: a stronger marriage.

It's not only wise to have an annual physical checkup, it's a good idea to have an annual financial checkup too. Thankfully, you can do the financial one yourself.

Ministry to the world's poor is a fitting and fulfilling way to celebrate the Christmas season. And it's easy to get your kids involved.

The Lord wants to make our lives "fruitful." Unfortunately, many of us don't grasp what the Bible is really trying to convey in that imagery because we're urban dwellers who don't know much about vineyards. This month's cover story, written by a former pastor who grew up on a vineyard in California, fleshes out the New Testament's lessons of the vineyard, helping us better understand what it means to be spiritually healthy disciples who "bear much fruit."

The Bible tells us that while our actions are important, our motives are just as important. What are your motives for setting aside money for the future?

July 2010 marks a momentous milestone for SMI — the celebration of our 20th anniversary! Much has changed during the past two decades, but one thing has remained constant: our motivation for doing what we do. SMI's reason for being has always been to encourage and enable our readers to become generous givers. In this month's cover article, SMI founder Austin Pryor focuses on this abiding heartbeat of Sound Mind Investing.

Investing in God's Kingdom generates returns that are out of this world. But should the expectation of such rewards be a motivation for becoming a generous giver?

Setting up a private foundation is one way to be a tax-wise giver. But don't overlook a cheaper and more convenient option: a donor-advised fund.

During times of financial reversal and economic stress, it can be difficult to keep believing that the Lord has good plans for you. In this month's cover article, SMI founder Austin Pryor tells his personal story of enduring seven long years in the financial wilderness — culminating in God's eventual provision and blessing. We trust you'll be encouraged by Austin's testimony, as you are reminded that our loving and faithful Lord is worthy of all your confidence.

Many Christians see little or no connection between what they do for a living and God's agenda for the world. But a deep and vital connection exists between the two. In this excerpt from a classic book, the authors set forth a "theology of work" that demonstrates that work is about much more than making money. Recognizing the link between your labor and God's purposes can help you develop a healthier perspective on work.

How do people become wealthy in America? After studying the rich for many years, authors Thomas Stanley and William Danko have compiled a detailed picture of who the wealthy are and how they got that way — a picture far different than the common perception. Their research indicates there are seven common denominators among those who successfully build wealth. Read on to discover what America's wealthy have in common and how to align your financial efforts with these tried and true principles.

Direction — not intention — determines destination. So writes pastor Andy Stanley in his book, The Principle of the Path. In this excerpt, he notes that people who aren't purposely heading toward positive outcomes in their finances and in other areas of life are very likely to end up where they don't want to be. Direction trumps intention almost every time. As you embark on a New Year, it's a good time to ask: "Where am I headed? Do I need to change course?"

Want to let the government decide how to distribute your assets and who will raise your children? Just die without a will.

Faith-based personal-financial bloggers are a great — and growing — resource for readers seeking solid advice from a Christian perspective.

Jesus said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." But for many of us the joy of giving has been blunted by the pressure to give. We're inundated with appeals from missionaries, Christian schools, para-church ministries, evangelistic enterprises, and, of course, the local church. Bible teacher Garry Friesen says we can reclaim the joy of giving — by studying biblical principles that inform our understanding of how, when, and where to give.

Why is it so hard for many of us to actually give the way our hearts desire to? Author Ron Blue asserts it's because we don't plan to give, and when we don't plan to do it, there are always more uses for our money than money available.

Giving away things you don't need anymore can help you garner some much-needed savings on your income tax bill. And there's free software available to help you figure out what your unneeded stuff is worth.

Teaching our children to be generous givers is one of our important jobs as parents.

The recent economic news has certainly been grim: layoffs, stock market losses, foreclosures, and so on. In times like these, what a great assurance it is to hear the voice of Jesus reminding us in Luke 12, "Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's pleasure to give you the kingdom." Despite the uncertainty of the times, we can be encouraged that God has a great future planned for us!

Even as a "perfect storm" appears to be wreaking havoc in the economy, Kingdom seekers can rely on God's promise to provide us with everything we need.

The difference between good and great in the Kingdom of God isn't a matter of knowledge or pedigree, but a willingness to respond to the Lord by taking a step of faith. Author Chip Ingram explains how God's favor comes those willing to trust Him beyond what may seem reasonable in the eyes of the world.

Why did Jesus teach "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth…"? Was it because he was anti-treasure? No, it was because he knew earthly treasures won't last. Randy Alcorn calls this idea The Treasure Principle. Here's an overview.

True biblical giving is rare these days, at least in the American church. Worldly attitudes have clouded our thinking and dulled our sensitivity to others. So what does it mean to really give sacrificially? Here are Larry Burkett's thoughts on the subject.

Most charitable gifts are pretty simple — you give, the charity receives. But how about a gift with an extra wrinkle — you give, the charity receives, and you get monthly income back from the charity for as long as you live?

The ideal of living a "purpose driven life" has captured the imagination of the Christian community in recent years. But while it sounds great in theory, few people ever put in the time to clearly identify their own personal life purpose. In this excerpt from his book Your Money Map, Crown Financial Ministries' co-founder Howard Dayton explains the process of how to identify your purpose. He shows that, because a clear purpose is the starting point for setting meaningful goals, it's well worth the effort.