Resources for Generosity & Financial Planning


Books

  • How to Survive the Economic Meltdown, by Patrick Morley. The author outlines 35 hard-earned spiritual, practical and financial survival strategies based on lessons learned during his own personal financial crisis. Paperback copies start at $9 each, with discounts for quantity; free PDF version available online.
  • Money, Possessions, and Eternity, by Randy Alcorn. This practical and refreshing theology of money—addressing everything from prosperity theology and debt, to gambling, investing, saving and inheritance—contains topical and Scripture indexes, study guide and appendices.
  • The Treasure Principle, by Randy Alcorn. The author bases his title on Jesus’ admonition to “store up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:20). “God owns everything,” Alcorn writes. “I’m His money manager. What does He want me to do with His money?”
  • God and Your Stuff: The vital link between your possessions and your soul, by Wesley K. Willmer and Martyn Smith. Learn how your use of possessions is a good barometer of your character, and how your giving practices develop your faith.
  • Splitting Heirs: Giving your money and things to your children without ruining their lives, by Ron Blue and Jeremy White. The wealth you leave behind could be the best—or worst—thing that ever happened to your loved ones. The book includes tools, charts and worksheets to help explain why it’s important to make decisions now that will safeguard the resources God has entrusted to your care.
  • The Christian Guide to Wills, Living Trusts and Estate Planning, by Lynne, Marie Kohn and Mark L. James. A comprehensive guide to estate and charitable planning and how to incorporate the Christian worldview.

Web sites

  • www.GenerousGiving.org — Stories of generous lives, free teaching and downloads, and an extensive research library.
  • www.DaveRamsey.com — Biblically based, common-sense education and empowerment that includes financial classes to help people save money, live on a budget, communicate about money, eliminate debt, find bargains and experience the joy of giving.
  • www.Crown.org — Crown Ministries equips people to learn, apply and teach God’s financial principles so they may know Christ more intimately, be free to serve Him and help fund the Great Commission. Trained volunteers help participants in Crown Ministries courses get their finances in order.
  • www.Mint.com — Free, Web-based solution to manage personal finances online. Mint downloads, categorizes and graphs participants’ finances automatically every day, helping them know where they’re spending and where to focus on improvements.
  • www.goodsenseministry.com — This Web site is hosted by the Willow Creek Association and provides resources for individuals as well as congregations: budget course, counselor training, debt reduction, stewardship for the pastor and more.
  • www.efcafoundation.org — Valuable resources involving gift and estate planning for individuals and EFCA ministries, including online videos and a kit for getting your affairs in order and creating a will.
  • www.VancoServices.com — Leading provider of online and electronic giving solutions for churches.


    Resources from EFCA pastor and author Brian Kluth:

    • www.MAXIMUMgenerosity.org — Best-practice examples used by churches, parachurch organizations and denominations to encourage giving and generosity among ministry constituencies, including articles, cartoons, Bible references, and sermons that address biblical stewardship, tithes and offerings, fundraising, building fund pledge drives, and church capital campaigns.
    • www.GenerousLife.info — Visit here to order the Bible devotional “40 Day Journey to a Generous Life.”
    • www.GiveWithJoy.org — Register for the 40-day online eDevotional and to receive true generosity stories that can be used for sermon illustrations
    • www.MyFamilyOrganizer.com — Manual to help get your house in order (finances, giving, funeral wishes, family history, etc.).
    • www.Kluth.org/children.htm — Children’s Sunday-school curriculum to encourage generosity and giving among kids.