e-Newsletter - Volume 6, Number 35
New Online Course: "Theological Principles of Stewardship"
by Bill Anderton

This course will focus on developing or defining the student’s understanding of the theological principles of their stewardship practices. In the stewardship ministries or programs of our congregations, we use various biblical passages and references that speak to our need to be good, intentional stewards. Some of those biblical references are universal, others may be more unique to specific denominations, regions of the country, or particular congregational histories.

In our personal congregations and in many denominations we are noticing a variety of “shifts” in the way in which we experience church and life today. Some see a variety of trends that have changed in the way that people participate in the life of our churches. We will wrestle with some of those “shifts” in light of the basic principles and tenets that guide and direct our stewardship ministries. We will seek to wrestle with how our cultural experiences, and the shifts that have taken place over time, influence our stewardship practices. And we will seek to name the theological principles that undergird our work as steward leaders in our congregations.

The Virtual Classroom is open now and you can begin the course immediately. The first class-wide conference call will be on November 1, 2016. Late registration closes November 7, 2016.

Register today! You will get immediate access to the course's Virtual Classroom after registration.

The registration fee for the course is just $49.95.

Click here to register

Online Education from Anywhere at Any Time

You can participate in “Theological Principles of Stewardship” with only a web browser and a broadband connection. You can take the course from your home or office. You will participate in the course via the course's Virtual Classroom where you will have online access to all course materials, other students and the instructor. The Virtual Classroom forms a peer-learning community among all participants.

The course features four audio-graphic video sessions and four online Class Forum discussion assignments. You will do one lesson per week and complete the work at your convenience and on your schedule. The course also features three live class-wide conference calls.

As a class textbook, we will be using “Stewardshift”, by Bob Sitze. Each of the four lessons will have a corresponding reading assignment from the textbook.

Sixth In the Series "Steward Leaders Engaging God’s Mission"

“Theological Principles of Stewardship” is the sixth in a series of six courses titled "Steward Leaders Engaging God’s Mission" brought to you by Ecumenical Stewardship Center and TransformingTheChurch.org. Students enrolled in the series will learn principles and practices relating to stewardship and leadership through studying Scripture, exploring holistic perspectives, critiquing culture, developing healthy relationships, and achieving financial health.

About Scott A. Jacob

The Reverend Scott A. Jacob has served as pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) for thirty-four years. He has been called to congregations in Florida and Minnesota. He also has served as an Assistant to the Bishop in Northeastern Minnesota and during that time also served as a Stewardship Specialist and Director for Evangelical Mission. In his work, Pastor Jacob has developed a passion for working with congregations growing in Discipleship Practices, Faith Development, Visioning and Stewardship. He serves as Pastor of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Two Harbors, MN. He also is the Instructor for “Journey to Generosity”, a program of the Ecumenical Stewardship Center designed to help congregations grow in their stewardship ministry by gathering with a cohort of 5-8 congregations, learning together in four workshops over a year. He currently is a member of the Design Team for the Center’s “Generosity Next” annual event. Pastor Jacob is also a Program Director with The James Company, consulting with congregations in Capital Campaigns and Stewardship Ministry.

About the Ecumenical Stewardship Center

As a Network for Growing Stewards, the Ecumenical Stewardship Center provides resources that encourage the development of generous giving and faithful stewardship as transformational spiritual practices for faith communities and their leaders. Twenty denominations and several stewardship-related organizations in the US and Canada are partners in ESC's mission and ministry. You can find them on the ESC website at www.stewardshipresources.org.