The resources referenced below are designed to address issues of specific interest to congregational leadership and laity who are actively engaged in the life of the church. The Rev. Michael Stephenson, Canon for Development, encourages you to contact him by e-mail or phone to discuss ways in which these and other diocesan resources might benefit your congregation. He may be reached at (312) 751-6725 or via email at mstephenson@episcopalchicago.org.

Narrative Budgeting (Introduction and Guide)

This page offers links to a variety of resources including a PowerPoint presentation, sample documents, and dynamic spreadsheets created to provide you with the necessary tools to implement a narrative budget in your church.

The Spiritual Side Of Stewardship (PowerPoint)

This presentation offers one way of sketching a theological framework for contextualizing practices of robust church giving.

Speaking the Language of Money: A Management Primer for Vestries and Clergy (PowerPoint)

This is a guide for overcoming obstacles to opening up productive lines of communication between clergy and vestries—who often speak in very different languages—regarding financial resources and management styles in the church.

How To Choose A Stewardship Program (PowerPoint)

This presentation outlines some practical issues and decisions that a vestry or bishop's committee might think about in the planning and execution of giving programs.

Increasing Pledges (PowerPoint)

This presentation suggests strategies congregational leaders might employ to increase the number of donors and the amount each donor gives.

Stewardship: A Critical Appraisal (PowerPoint)

This presentation provides a critical analysis of stewardship, which suggests that the concept may not be the most helpful way of thinking about giving in the church.

Stewardship Appeal Examples

Recommended Reading