Related Materials

The following materials can provide valuable additional perspective relating to biblically based financial stewardship.

BOOKS

Connecting, Larry Crabb; Word Publishing, 1997.
Crabb has the vision that the communities of ordinary Christians whose lives regularly intersect can accomplish most of the good that we now depend on mental health professionals to provide. While Good $ense counselors are not attempting to replace mental health professionals, "connecting" with our clients and helping them with their personal finances can accomplish much more than we often imagine. This is an excellent book from which to gain a deeper understanding of the potential impact of the counselor"s role.

Culture Shift, David Henderson; Baker Books, 1998.
In part 2 entitled, "Who We Are: Consumers," Henderson gives a well documented history and analysis of how our culture has "manufactured the consumer." Interesting (and sobering) reading.

Debt-Proof Your Kids, Mary Hunt; Amereon Press, 1989.
An excellent, hard-hitting book with lots of "straight talk" and good ideas for "debt-proofing" kids. Mary also publishes the Cheapskate Monthly newsletter, which can be ordered by calling 800-550-3502.

Faithful Finances 101, Gary Moore; Templeton Foundation Press, 2003.

The subtitle to Gary's book is "From the poverty of fear and greed to the riches of spiritual investing" and that says a great deal. Gary is part economist, part theologian, part philosopher, part investing professional and part psychologist and has a wonderful ability to bring all those disciplines together in addressing the issues faced by the Christian seeking to invest ethically and wisely.

Financial Freedom, Ray Linder; Moody Publishers, 1999.
An excellent book, very well grounded in scripture. Linder defines financial freedom as an attitude, not an amount, and proceeds to make the case that true financial freedom comes only when we use our money to acquire freedom for others, instead of self.

Master Your Money, Ron Blue; Thomas Nelson, 1997.
Nuts and bolts information and forms presented in a biblical context.

Money, Possessions and Eternity, Randy Alcorn; Tyndale House, 2003.
Excellent integration of biblical truths and practical ways to live them. Very challenging. Highly recommended reading for all people involved in the ministry.

Pursuing Spiritual Transformation: Giving, Ortberg, Pederson, Poling; Willow Creek Community Church, 2000.
The questions at the end of each chapter of this study booklet make it good material for small group study and discussion. Order now!

Resourcing Your Vision, by Dick Edic
Dick has served with the Baptist General Conference for many years in a variety of stewardship capacities. The purpose of the book is be a training guide to those attempting to implement stewardship development processes within their church. It contains a wealth of resources and can be ordered by calling 800-825-0051.

Sound Mind Investing, Austin Pryor; Victor Books, 2001.
Pryor does an excellent job of presenting thoroughly researched material on a complex topic in laymen's terms' and does it all from an overtly Christian perspective. He also publishes a monthly newsletter and has a website at www.soundmindinvesting.com that's well worth checking into.

The Millionaire Next Door, Stanley and Danko; Longstreet Press, 1996.
This book reveals seven common denominators that show up again and again among those who have accumulated wealth. The common denominators, as well as the identity of the millionaires, may surprise you.

The Overspent American, Juliet B. Schor; Basic Books, 1998.
Schor is a senior lecturer at Harvard and Professor at Tilburg University who has analyzed the crisis of the American consumer in a culture where "spending has become the ultimate social act." Not written from a Christian perspective but full of thought provoking information.

Three Simple Rules, Theo A. Boers.

This is a simple and straight forward individual workbook that has lots of good, practical advice. It is particularly aimed at young couples and newlyweds. It is consistent with G$ teaching and is available for only $5 or can be downloaded here for free.

WEB SITES

Stewardship

www.crown.org (Crown Financial Ministries provides a wide variety of stewardship ministry resources)

www.epm.org (Randy Alcorn's Eternal Perspectives Ministries - excellent site)
www.generousgiving.org  (Generous Giving describes itself as, "An educational organization committed to stirring a charitable revolution among people of faith.")

www.jumpstart.org (The Jump$tart Coalition has the mission of providing resources for personal financial literacy.)

www.kluth.org (Brian Kluth, former CEO of Christian Stewardship Assoc., site with articles and links)

www.klwenterprises.com (A year-round stewardship education program for local
churches designed to train people to be better stewards)
www.mma-online.org ("Living Stewardship", electronic newsletter from MMA focuses on how to live stewardship – in practical ways)

www.moneymanagement.org (Provides free financial assessment. Affiliated with Consumer Credit Counseling.)

www.newfocus.org (Stewardship ministry emphasizing one-on-one assistance to those in need.  Excellent as a part of benevolence ministry.)

www.pastors.com (Pastoral resource with some articles on stewardship)

www.royaltreasure.org (Stewardship resources for women of means)
www.SimpleLiving.org (Interesting material on living simply)
www.thegoodsteward.com (Wall watchers site with articles on stewardship)

www.visionresourcing.com (A ministry devoted to helping churches initiate a wholistic stewardship program.)

SEMINARS / COUNSELING

www.calebmcafee.com (Caleb McAfee Ministries site)

www.goodstewardship.com (Ray Linder's program and services site)
www.internationalsteward.org (Mentoring ministry for Nationals in positions of ministry leadership) 
www.ncfe.org (Springboard Non-Profit Consumer Credit Management)

www.stewardship.org (Christian Stewardship Association site, note especially certification opportunities)
www.stewardshipuniversity.org (Mennonite Mutual Aid site)

Personal Finance

FAITH BASED

www.financiallyfaithful.com (Site highlights a 30-day devotional for personal or small groups)

www.financially-speaking.com (Matt Bell's site with free eNewsletters)

www.soundmindinvesting.com (Austin Pryor’s site with good tools)

GENERAL

www.aarp.org (Guide to Reverse Mortgages)
www.abiworld.org (Statistics on consumer debt and bankruptcy)

www.cardweb.com (Counselor assistance, credit cards and research)

www.fool.com (Articles, books, advice on personal finance and investing)

www.morningstar.com (Financial news and information)

www.quicken.com (Comprehensive personal finance site)
www.smartmoney.com (Comprehensive personal finance site)
www.wesleyn.org (Helpful worksheets and calculators from Stewardship Ministries, The Wesleyan Church)

FINANCIAL RATES

www.bankrate.com (Comprehensive personal finance with rates and research)
www.imoneynet.com (Money market fund rates and articles)

QUOTES / SPEECHES / ILLUSTRATIONS

www.preachingtoday.com (Christianity Today site)

ETHICS

www.baptists4ethics.com (News and curriculum on ethics

www.globalethics.org (Ethics resources through corporate services, education programs)

www.sce.edu/ethics (Link to hundreds of ethics sites)

SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE INVESTING

www.mma-online.org (Variety of mutual funds available)

www.thefoundations.org (Charitable giving - trust services, donor advised funds)