Christian Smith, Michael O. Emerson and Patricia Snell, Passing the Plate: Why American Christians Don’t Give Away More Money. Oxford University Press, 2008. Referenced in: Giving and Financial Stewardship LifeandLeadership.com Summary The best on the subject, Passing the Plate is a probing and incredibly well-researched text on the subject of giving patterns among American Christians.
Dean R. Hoge, Patrick H. McNamara and Charles Zech, Plain Talk About Churches and Money (Money, Faith, and Lifestyle Series). Alban Institute, 1998. Referenced in: Giving and Financial Stewardship LifeandLeadership.com Summary This is part of Alban Institute’s Money, Faith, and Lifestyle Series. Other books in the series include: Creating Congregations of Generous People Generous Saints
Robert Wuthnow, The Crisis in the Churches: Spiritual Malaise, Fiscal Woe. Oxford University Press, 1997. Referenced in: Giving and Financial Stewardship LifeandLeadership.com Summary In a tone similar to Loren Mead in Financial Meltdown in the Mainline, Wuthnow, the renowned sociologist of religion, argues that churches do very little to equip their people spiritually, educationally, or
Robert Wuthnow, God and Mammon in America. Free Press, 1998. Referenced in: Giving and Financial Stewardship LifeandLeadership.com Summary While the data behind this text is almost 20 years old (collected in 1992), I suspect the findings are no less true now than they were then. Wuthnow, a renowned sociologist of religion, presents the results of
Lyle Schaller, The New Context for Ministry: Competing for the Charitable Dollar. Abingdon, 2002. Referenced in: Giving and Financial Stewardship LifeandLeadership.com Summary The long recognized guru of congregational life, Lyle Schaller, looks carefully at the sociology of consumerism and its effect on churches. In short, he says we are in a completely new economy where
Loren Mead, Financial Meltdown in the Mainline? (Money, Faith and Lifestyle Series). Alban Institute, 1998. Referenced in: Giving and Financial Stewardship LifeandLeadership.com Summary Although this book was written over ten years ago, Alban Institute founder Loren Mead brings his extensive experience to bear on the issue of church finances, with a focus on the financial
Wesley K. Willmer, A Revolution in Generosity: Transforming Stewards to be Rich Toward God. Moody Press, 2008. Referenced in: Giving and Financial Stewardship LifeandLeadership.com Summary This is the closest thing to an “Encyclopedia of Christian Generosity” available today. Willmer offers over 400 pages of the best wisdom on most conceivable areas of financial stewardship development,
Janet Jamieson and Philip Jamieson, Ministry and Money: A Practical Guide for Pastors. Westminster / John Knox, 2009. Referenced in: Church Finances LifeandLeadership.com Summary Ministers will appreciate the flow of this text from theology to praxis. Part One, “Developing a Theology of Money,” presents a good overview of common problems and perspectives on the relationship
John L. Golv, Our Stewardship: Managing Our Assets (Congregational Leader Series). Augsburg Fortress, 2002. Referenced in: Church Finance LifeandLeadership.com Summary This volume is part of the Congregational Leader Series published by Augsburg and intended primarily for Lutheran churches (ELCA), but quite usable for other fellowships. It conveys a strong emphasis on moving from a culture
James D. Berkley, The Dynamics of Church Finance. Baker Books, 2000. Referenced in: Church Finance LifeandLeadership.com Summary Berkley is a recognized authority in the field of church administration. This book opens with a chapter on theology, but that is not its strength. Its best contribution is the practical and thorough advice it gives on issues
