Description
Book SynopsisTools for clergy and congregational leaders to lead theological conversations about money.
Scripture and theology provide ample material for a rich discussion of money and possessions. Theologians of every era have written about money. Author Brendan Barnicle offers pastoral programs to bring the conversation into contemporary focus by considering personal budgeting and estate planning (personal discipleship), parish budgets and parish investments (communal ministry), and congregational partnering and policy advocacy (global mission).
Trade Review“Talking Dollars and Sense is a well-written book that has a systematic layout as to how leaders in the church can have healthy discussions surrounding money. The book helps with changing the status quo or stereotypical mindset that exists in the church today surrounding the topic of money.”
—Alisa Kelly, Canon for Finance and Administration, The Episcopal Diocese of West Tennessee
“Brendan Barnicle reframes the concept of stewardship: not a season of the church year, not a fund-raising campaign, but a theology that guides the use of all our assets—every one of which is a gift from God. He challenges his readers to recognize how we can use our assets in ways that are creative, redemptive, and sustaining. And he offers practical guidance for engaging congregations in eye-opening conversations around money, faith, and justice. This book is a gift that can help move the church toward building Beloved Community.”
—Demi Prentiss, Program Director, Research and Development, Episcopal Church Foundation
Table of ContentsIntroduction
1. “What Are We Afraid Of?” Financial Anxiety Inside and Outside of Church
2. “What Has the Church Said?” Scriptural and Theological Guidance on Money
3. History of Stewardship
4. “What Does Scripture Say?” Understanding the Theology of the Congregation
5. Race, Gender, Sexual Orientation, and Money
6. Year A: Budget Planning and Estate Planning for Personal Discipleship
7. Year B: Narrative Budgets and Investment Choices for Congregational Ministry
8. Year C: Resource Sharing and Advocacy for Global Mission
9. Conclusion
Appendix
Bibliography
